Impaired Drivers & Pedestrians: The Truly Scary Part of Halloween…
Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes adult parties, adult beverages and unfortunately, impaired drivers and pedestrians.
Pennsylvania
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.
Pennsylvania
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.
Pennsylvania
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
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 Universal helmet law repealed 2003.
Pennsylvania
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
4 years
Pennsylvania
Provisions for Mature Drivers
65 and over: choice of 2- or 4-year renewal
Pennsylvania
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Pennsylvania
Marijuana Possession and Use
Legal for medical use
Pennsylvania
Marijuana Impaired Driving
Zero tolerance for THC and metabolites
Pennsylvania
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
70
Pennsylvania
Open container laws
Yes
Pennsylvania
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Pennsylvania
Increased penalty for high BAC
.10 and .16
Pennsylvania
Administrative license suspension on first offense
None
Pennsylvania
Limited driving privileges during suspension
Pennsylvania uses programs called Occupational Limited License (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL)
Pennsylvania
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for high BAC (.10 or higher) and repeat convictions
Pennsylvania
Child Restraint Required
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
Pennsylvania
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8-18 yrs
Pennsylvania
Full Privilege Minimum Age
17 years with driver's ed. and 12 months free of crash or conviction 18 without driver's ed.
Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16
Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
6
Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
65 (10) + 5 in inclement weather
Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16 / 6
Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
11 p.m. - 5 a.m.
Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18 Thereafter: no more than 3 under 18
Pennsylvania
Type of Law
Secondary; Primary for occupants ages 8-17
Pennsylvania
Who is Covered?
8 and over
Pennsylvania
In What Seat?
8-17 yrs: All (primary enforcement)
Pennsylvania
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes (effective June 5, 2025)
Pennsylvania
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
No
Pennsylvania
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
No
Pennsylvania
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Pennsylvania
Speed Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law
Pennsylvania
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
Active work zones when workers are present; in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Pennsylvania
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
Specified jurisdictions
Bars Closed and Traffic Dropped During the Pandemic, but DUI Arrests Are Up
The number of DUI arrests neared pre-pandemic levels in early summer, according to Pennsylvania State Police figures, despite much less traffic and pandemic restrictions imposed on bars and restaurants.
As Drivers Return to the Roadways, Seven States Receive Grants to Stop High Risk Impaired Driving
For the sixth consecutive year, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) are awarding grants to help states keep Americans safe from the most dangerous impaired drivers.
Dangerous Steps: Oakland Pedestrian Fatality Highlights National Problem
With the Jan. 18 death of a University of Pittsburgh student struck by a Port Authority bus along Fifth Avenue in Oakland, Pittsburgh joined a disturbing national trend.
Dangerous steps: Oakland pedestrian fatality highlights national problem
With the Jan. 18 death of a University of Pittsburgh student struck by a Port Authority bus along Fifth Avenue in Oakland, Pittsburgh joined a disturbing national trend.
Pennsylvania highway deaths slightly increased last year, despite national dip
Though traffic deaths are projected to have decreased slightly in 2018 nationally, much work remains to reach zero deaths. GHSA Senior Director of Communications and Programs Kara Macek speaks to variations in state numbers.
After deaths, Chester County residents push for improved pedestrian safety
Following three pedestrian fatalities over five days in Chester County (PA), this article cites GHSA's recent report on pedestrian deaths and what may be causing a national uptick.
After deaths, Chester County residents push for improved pedestrian safety
Story by Erin McCarthy
April 30, 2019
Driving Skills for Life advocates safety
As prom season approaches, Ford Driving Skills for Life visited students in Pennsylvania to encourage safe driving behaviors including refraining from getting behind the wheel impaired or distracted.
Driving Skills for Life advocates safety
Story by Russ O'Reilly
March 27, 2019
Rise in pedestrian deaths spurs call for federal action
A new GHSA report projects 6,227 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2018. Researcher and author Richard Retting discusses the driver and pedestrian behavior that may be causing this spike.
Rise in pedestrian deaths spurs call for federal action
Story by Ed Blazina
February 28, 2019
Speed cameras: Coming soon to a central Pa. work zone near you
Pennsylvania is preparing to implement automated speed cameras in workzones throughout the state. GHSA's Russ Martin addresses automated enforcement's safety benefits.
Speed cameras: Coming soon to a central Pa. work zone near you
Story by Teresa Boeckel
October 17, 2018