Distracted Driving Laws: Pennsylvania
Hand-Held Ban?
No
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Pennsylvania. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.
Helmets required for all riders under 21 or who have been licensed for less than 2 years, except those who complete a PennDOT- or Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course. Universal helmet law repealed 2003.
4 years
65 and over: choice of 2- or 4-year renewal
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Legal for medical use
Zero tolerance for THC and metabolites
70
70
70
70
70
70
Mandatory for high BAC (.10 or higher) and repeat convictions
Yes
Yes
.10 and .16
None
Pennsylvania uses programs called Occupational Limited License (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL)
Under 2 yrs (or until outgrows the top height or weight recommendations) in rear-facing child restraint
2-3 yrs in forward-facing child restraint
4-7 yrs booster seat
8-18 yrs
17 years with driver's ed. and 12 months free of crash or conviction 18 without driver's ed.
16
6
65 (10) + 5 in inclement weather
16 / 6
11 p.m. - 5 a.m.
First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18 Thereafter: no more than 3 under 18
Secondary; Primary for occupants ages 8-17
8 and over
8-17 yrs: All (primary enforcement)
All drivers. Primary law.
No
No
No
Permitted by state law
Active work zones when workers are present; in Philadelphia
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Specified jurisdictions
Hand-Held Ban?
No
Speed Cameras
Permitted by state law
Red Light Cameras
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Various
Double original fine
Yes
Yes