State Senators Nick Miller (D-14), Greg Rothman (R-34), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) introduced bipartisan legislation last last month , Senate Bill 1237, to modernize police technology by allowing local law enforcement agencies to use radar speed detection, a tool used in every other state in the nation.
Speeding and reckless driving continue to endanger motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists across the Commonwealth. Allowing radar technology will improve accuracy, reduce costs, and give local officers modern tools to enforce traffic laws efficiently and effectively.
“Outdated equipment is less reliable, more expensive to maintain, and slows enforcement when communities need it most,” said Senator Miller. “Modern radar technology is a proven, nationwide standard that helps officers do their jobs with precision and efficiency. If we want safer streets and stronger neighborhoods, we must give local police departments the tools they need to serve our Commonwealth. This bipartisan bill ensures Pennsylvania keeps pace with national best practices, supports law enforcement, and most importantly, protects the people we serve.”
“Local law enforcement should have the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” Senator Rothman said. “I’m glad to work with Senator Miller on this commonsense, bipartisan issue.”
“Speeding and dangerous driving put lives at risk on highways and local roads across Pennsylvania, from busy corridors to residential neighborhoods, and it’s a problem I’ve been working to address since my time in the State House,” said Senator Santarsiero. “For too long, Pennsylvania has lagged behind our neighbors by restricting local law enforcement’s access to radar technology, relying instead on outdated systems like ENRADD and VASCAR that are less reliable, more costly, and increasingly difficult to maintain. It’s time we give our local police departments the tools they need to effectively enforce the law and keep our communities safe. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this long-overdue effort to protect Pennsylvania’s drivers, pedestrians, and families.”
Recent incidents underscore the urgency of this upgrade. In Salisbury Township, drivers were recorded traveling 60–70 mph, more than 20 miles per hour above the posted 40 mph limit. From residential neighborhoods to school zones and local corridors statewide, excessive speeding has become increasingly common and poses potentially deadly consequences.