The following information is updated periodically. However, laws and regulations can change between updates. State statutes and local ordinances are the ultimate authorities for these issues.

Points of Interest

• Local units of government are not permitted to use RADAR for speed enforcement.
• RADAR must be operated in a stationary mode.
• A RADAR-based ticket cannot be issued for speeds less than 10 mph over the speed limit on roads posted below 55 mph or speeds less than 6 mph over the speed limit on roads posted at 55 mph or higher.
• Pennsylvania motorists with ENRADD-based tickets may benefit from Earle Drack's analysis of ENRADD reliability issues discussed here and here.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 65, Trucks 65
Urban Interstates: Cars 55, Trucks 55
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 65, Trucks 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Speed limits are absolute--exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se (regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions).

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: Yes
Automated Speed Enforcement: Yes
Aircraft: Yes
Laser: No

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: No
Parking: No
Equipment: No
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or the inability of a vehicle to be moved under its own power and requiring towing, must be reported immediately to the local authorities and (if the accident is not investigated by the authorities) within 5 days to the Center for Highway Safety, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Tort Option Coverage: Full vs. Limited (determines your ability to sue for pain and suffering if in accident)
Minimum Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per occurrence
Minimum Property Damage Liability Coverage: Varies - see your insurance representative
Required Medical Expense Benefits Coverage: $5,000 of coverage for medical expenses.

Phone Restrictions
Novice Drivers: No special restrictions
School Bus Drivers: No special restrictions
All Drivers: No restrictions
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html)

Other Regulations

• The BAC level is .08 percent.
• Pennsylvania has an administrative suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1-year driver's license suspension.
• Handguns must be transported in a securely locked and unloaded fashion in the vehicle trunk or rear storage area unless one possesses a valid state permit; rifles and shotguns must be unloaded and should be cased.
• Studded tires are permitted from November 1 to April 15.
• Tire chains are not required.
• Pennsylvania has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants.
• Pennsylvania has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 5 years of age, requiring the use of approved car safety seats.
• Pennsylvania has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law. This has been lifted for adults 21 and older who have either taken a motorcycle class or have 3 years experience.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.

General Information
Telephone: 717/783-5599 (State Police HQ) or contact the court for your particular ticket
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: *11 or 911