The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M – Bethlehem have announced the official Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement period from midnight Friday to the end of the day Monday.

This safety initiative Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program targets drivers who aggressively operate their motor vehicle in a manner which is dangerous to members of the public, which includes speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions.

Troopers will also be concentrating their efforts on distracting drivers who are texting while driving, using a handheld cellphone, driving carelessly or recklessly. In addition, Selective Traffic Enforcement Against Drunk Drivers and Drug Recognition Expert troopers will specifically focus on apprehending motorist who operate their motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During a recent two-day traffic enforcement period, from April 27-28, Troopers from Troop M targeted aggressive drivers throughout the Troop M coverage area and issued 563 traffic citations, 410 warnings, 8 DUI arrests and 11 drug arrests. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M urges travelers to “Think before You Drink” and be mindful of our continuing efforts to enforce the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08% while operating a motor vehicle. Anyone under the age of 21 that chooses to operate a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their system could suffer severe criminal penalties.

Motorists are reminded of Pennsylvania’s “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists approaching an emergency response area and are unable to safely merge into a lane further away from the response area to “pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 mph less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing.” Fines for offending motorists range from $500 for the first offense to $2,000 for a third and subsequent offense.