PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) \u2014 Have you ever been getting ready to drive through a green light, but if you did, you would be blocking an intersection? Should you keep driving? Or should you wait for the next stoplight cycle?<\/p>\n
Often for drivers, green means go, especially when trying to make their way through heavy traffic. While it can be easy to nudge your way into an intersection and think nothing of it as you wait for the chance to continue moving, blocking an intersection in Pennsylvania is illegal.<\/p>\n
According to Section 3719 of the PA Vehicle Code<\/a>, “No driver shall enter an intersection or a crosswalk or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle operated without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians or railroad trains notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.”<\/p>\n Drivers who get caught blocking an intersection can face a fine of around $120 plus court costs.<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual<\/a> recommends that drivers pay careful attention to stoplights when approaching an intersection, especially when there is a “steady yellow,” which tells drivers that a steady red will soon appear.<\/p>\n “If you are driving toward an intersection and a yellow light appears, slow down and prepare to stop,” the manual reads.<\/p>\n If you are within the intersection or can’t stop safely, drivers are reminded to continue through with caution. However, in the same note, drivers are again reminded that they should not continue into an intersection if they don’t think they can make it the entire way through.<\/p>\n Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Turning left or right through an intersection works the same; if drivers are given a green arrow to turn left or right, they can do so freely. Drivers are encouraged to remain in their lane and behind the stopping line if they are given a yellow arrow until they can safely turn without blocking the intersection.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n