Labor Day travel expected to peak Friday with 725,000 vehicles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Traveling this Labor Day weekend? Officials are sharing the best times to hit the road and essential tips for arriving safely.
Video above: Long’s Park Art Festival during 2025 Labor Day weekend
AAA is anticipating busy roads, while police plan to increase patrols throughout the holiday weekend.
When to travel
Roads are expected to become congested after work Thursday and remain busy throughout Friday as holiday travelers join regular commuters, according to AAA.
AAA advises drivers traveling Thursday or Friday to leave early and avoid the midafternoon rush. Departing just one or two hours earlier could significantly reduce travel time.
Travelers returning Sunday should encounter minimal holiday-related traffic, according to AAA. Those heading home Monday, however, are advised to avoid afternoon travel, when congestion is expected to peak.
Turnpike projects 2.9 million drivers
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission expects approximately 2.9 million vehicles to use the Turnpike from Thursday through Monday, a 1.2% increase from 2025.
Projected traffic by day includes:
- Thursday: 675,000 vehicles
- Friday: 725,000 vehicles
- Saturday: 545,000 vehicles
- Sunday: 475,000 vehicles
- Monday: 485,000 vehicles
Friday is expected to be the busiest day, with approximately 725,000 vehicles traveling on the turnpike.
To keep traffic moving, the Turnpike’s State Farm Safety Patrol will operate throughout the highway system. Road construction and maintenance projects will also be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday through 11 p.m. Monday so that as many travel lanes as possible remain open.
Police target impaired, reckless drivers
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police are urging travelers to drive sober, slow down and obey traffic laws. Police will conduct increased impaired-driving enforcement through Monday, Sept. 7, as part of a national campaign.
“When you decide to drive impaired, you’re not just risking your own life,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “If your plans include alcohol or drugs, make a plan to get home safely. Choose a designated driver, or choose to use a ride-share service, but never choose to drive impaired.”
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Jeffrey M. Lambert, director of the Patrol Services Division, said troopers will increase patrols throughout the commonwealth and focus on impaired and reckless drivers.
“We have seen too many lives lost at the hands of impaired drivers, and the fact is these tragedies are preventable,” Lambert said.
2025 Labor Day weekend crash statistics
PennDOT reported 2,510 crashes during the 2025 Labor Day holiday period, including 39 fatalities. Of those, 274 were alcohol-related crashes, resulting in seven deaths.
Pennsylvania State Police also reported making 538 DUI arrests over the holiday weekend.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Paul Miller’s Law
The Turnpike Commission also reminds travelers that Pennsylvania’s “Paul Miller’s Law” prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, including while temporarily stopped in traffic or at a red light.
Drivers convicted of using a handheld device face a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Hands-free technology may still be used to make calls, follow GPS directions or listen to music.
Check vehicle before leaving
AAA said it responded to more than 400,000 calls for flat tires, dead batteries and emergency towing during the 2025 Labor Day weekend.
The company recommends inspecting tires, batteries and fluid levels before a trip. Drivers are also advised to carry an emergency kit containing:
- Water and snacks
- First-aid supplies
- A flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Basic tools and emergency equipment
