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 Universal helmet law repealed 2003.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
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
Open container laws

Yes

Pennsylvania
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

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
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
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
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
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