Law enforcement officials on the land and water are issuing warnings as they ramp up patrols for the busy Independence Day holiday weekend.
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Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, which patrols Bucks County, will take part in a targeted holiday enforcement wave running from Friday night through Sunday night.
Troopers will focus heavily on identifying aggressive drivers and motorists operating vehicles under the influence, according to a press release.
State police said that troopers with specialized training in detecting impaired drivers will be deployed on local roads.
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Troopers are also reminding motorists of the Paul Miller Law, which prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving. The ban remains in effect even when vehicles are temporarily stopped due to traffic, red lights, or other delays. As part of the law, drivers are permitted to use their phones to contact emergency authorities, and they may use hands-free technology for phone calls, GPS navigation, and music.
According to state police, a conviction for using a hand-held device while driving carries a $50 fine. In addition, a violator has to also pay court costs and associated fees.
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State police warned that drivers who attempt to evade law enforcement face charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police, an offense that can result in years behind bars.
State police reported that during the 2025 Independence Day holiday weekend, there were 803 crashes, nine fatalities, and 458 DUI arrests across the state.
Safety efforts aren’t just on the roads and will extend to the water as well.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will deploy law enforcement officers to monitor waterways for impaired boaters as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.
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In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to operate any powered or unpowered watercraft while impaired. The legal blood alcohol limit for boat operators is 0.08 percent, and officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment and administer sobriety tests directly on the water.
Consequences for boating under the influence (BUI) include fines, the suspension of boating privileges, and potential jail time.
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Last year, 27 people were charged with BUI in Pennsylvania, officials said.
“The waters of the Commonwealth are shared by all of us, and they should be a safe place to enjoy,” Col. Jeffrey Sabo, director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement, said. “A boat operator’s judgment and reaction time are affected by alcohol and drugs the same way as when you’re driving a car on the road. That impairment can actually be greater on a boat because of the added stressors of sun, heat, wind, and noise.”
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Waterway officials are also stressing life jacket regulations.
The law mandates that a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket must be on board for every individual passenger. Additionally, children ages 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times while underway on any boat measuring 20 feet or less, as well as on all canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
PennDOT District 6 Executive Din Abazi asked community members to remain vigilant throughout the celebrations and think of safety first.
“Wherever your summer travel takes you, make sure to prioritize safety first,” Abazi said. “Whether you’re hitting the road, navigating the water, walking, or enjoying a bike ride, let safety be your top priority.”