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Safety Laws in Pennsylvania

Helmets
Motorcycles
Riders over 21 years old who have either held a license for two years or completed a motorcycle safety course are not required to wear a helmet.
Bicycles
All riders under 12 must wear a helmet.
Headlights
Motorcycles
Headlights are required during daylight.
Bicycles
When riding at night your bicycle must have a white light visible from up to 500 feet.
Vehicles
- Headlights must be turned on between sunset and sunrise.
- Use headlights when using windshield wipers.
Cell Phones and Texting
Texting while driving is banned throughout the state. This applies to all drivers.
Child Car Seat Laws
- Kids under four must ride in a federally-approved car seat or booster.
- Kids between four and eight must ride in a booster if they have outgrown a safety seat.
- Kids between eight and 18 must use a seat belt.
If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.
Reporting Drunk or Dangerous Driver
Call 911 if you suspect a driver of being drunk or a menace to mankind. Provide the driver's license plate number, make, model, location and travel direction. Do not try to stop the vehicle on your own.
Reporting Unattended Kids in Vehicles
Dial 911 if you suspect an unattended child left in a vehicle is in danger from excessive heat or cold. Remain with the vehicle, if possible, until authorities arrive.
Reporting Unattended Pets in Vehicles
Call the local police department or animal control unit if you feel an unattended pet inside a vehicle is at risk.
Other Topics in This Section
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Recalls
- Tire Recalls
- How Emotions Affect Driving
- Driving in Hazardous Conditions
- Teen Drivers: A Beginner's Guide
- Seniors: When To Turn Over The Car Keys
- Packing Your First-Aid Kit
- Seven Senior Safety Suggestions
- Wildlife on the Road
- When to Call Wildlife Rescue
- Taking A Mature Driver Course
- Medications & Driving
- Night Driving
- Hallucinations on the Road
- How To Drive Distraction Free
- Treating Motion Sickness
- Road Rage: How To Deal With It
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