State Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, is introducing a bill that would increase penalties for speeding through road construction zones.

Vogel said Tuesday that during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs from April 26 to 30, the bill creates significant penalties for motorists who disregard flaggers or speed through work active zones, even if a collision is not involved.

“In connection with National Work Zone Awareness Week, I am introducing Senate Bill 614 to enhance penalties for offenses in active work zones that do not result in an accident,” Vogel said. “By addressing the drivers who currently get away with threatening the safety of our work zones, we increase the overall safety of everyone involved.”

The penalties can be enforced if an infraction is corroborated by at least two witnesses or by roadside, dash or body cameras. A first offense would result in two points on the offender's driving record, a $400 fine and mandatory completion of a PennDOT driver safety course. A second violation would result in a 90-day driver's license suspension, an $800 fine, and mandatory completion of a PennDOT Driver Safety Course.

A subsequent violation would result in a one-year driver's license suspension, $1,200 fine and mandatory completion of a PennDOT Driver Safety Course. The bill also increases penalties for striking a worker or construction vehicle to a six-month driver's license suspension and mandatory completion of a PennDOT Driver Safety Course.