May 14, 2019 – If you travel in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, you might now need a special permit.
Certain counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia are under quarantine in an effort to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly – an invasive insect native to Asia that is threatening the area’s fruit trees, hardwoods, hops and grapes. Although this quarantine has been in effect for a few years, the states are trying a more aggressive approach by requiring all truck drivers who are doing business in the quarantined areas to obtain a spotted lanternfly permit.
The permit is free, but does require drivers to take a two-hour online training course so they can help contain the problem – and ensure none of the larvae or fully-grown insects are able to hitch a ride outside of the quarantine zone where they could threaten an even larger area.
Permits, which were due by May 1, are only required for truck drivers who are stopping to do business in the quarantined counties – those who are simply passing through or stopping for gas aren’t required to comply. The impacted counties are as follows:
- Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill
- Delaware: New Castle
- New Jersey: Warren, Hunterdon and Mercer
- Virginia: Fredericks
According to the Pennsylvania Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Order, violators can receive a criminal citation of up to $300 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $20,000 per violation. They can also have their permits revoked if they’re not taking active steps to check their trucks as required.
State police are already looking for permits and will periodically inspect trucks to look for spotted lanternflies.
If you’re required to get a permit, you can take the training course here.
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