Driving in Philadelphia: Rules and Tips Every New Driver Should Know

Philadelphia is a great city to learn in, because if you can drive here, you can drive almost anywhere. Narrow rowhouse streets, busy boulevards and plenty of automated enforcement mean new drivers need to know a few local rules.

Speed cameras are real, and they're spreading

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) runs automated speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard, where the limit is 45 mph on most of the road, and on other corridors, including Route 13 (Frankford Avenue). On Route 13, fines start at $100 for 11 to 19 mph over the limit and rise to $150 for 30 mph or more over.

• Camera tickets don't add points to your driving record, but they still cost money.
• Three or more unpaid violations (parking, red-light or speed camera) can get a vehicle booted.
• School-zone speed cameras are active when the school zone lights are flashing.

Red-light cameras

Many intersections, including several on Roosevelt Boulevard, are monitored by red-light cameras, and a violation is a $100 ticket. If the light turns yellow and you can stop safely, stop.

Turning right on red

In Pennsylvania you may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says "No Turn on Red." Philadelphia has many of those signs, especially downtown, so always look for one before you turn.

Narrow streets and one-way blocks

• Many neighborhood streets are one-way and one car wide. Read the arrows before you turn.
• Watch for car doors opening and for pedestrians stepping out between parked cars.
• Give cyclists room, and check bike lanes before you turn right.
• Expect double-parked delivery vans. Pass only when you can see clearly ahead.

Parking in Philadelphia

Parking rules are enforced closely in Philadelphia. Read every sign on the block: time limits, permit-only zones, street-cleaning days and loading zones all apply. Never block fire hydrants, crosswalks, driveways or intersections, and park parallel to the curb in the direction of traffic. The Pennsylvania Driver's Manual lists the exact distances you need to leave.

Pedestrians always come first

Philadelphia is a walking city. Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, scan crosswalks before every turn, and slow down near schools, parks and transit stops.

Our instructors teach on real Philadelphia streets, so you practice the exact situations you'll face every day, from Roosevelt Boulevard to tight South Philly blocks.