ATVs are allowed to cross two-lane roads and highways, but must follow certain guidelines to do so. The ATV must cross at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the road. The driver must cross at a point that is free of obstacles and allows safe and rapid passage to the other side. The ATV must be completely stopped before crossing. Oncoming traffic has priority on the road if this traffic presents a danger to driving. When an ATV operator crosses a two-lane road, the intersection must be at an intersection between the road and another road or highway. Off-road vehicles are not permitted on public roads, roads and paths. Pennsylvania allows the use of ATVs on trails that are on state property, as long as the trail is clearly marked for such use. Some roads and roads may be used for ATV operations if they are designated for this purpose by the local government agency. Off-road vehicles may be operated on private property with the owner`s consent. PHEVs operating in Pennsylvania must carry liability insurance. If your UTV is legal on the street, you should already have sufficient insurance to meet this requirement (see Traffic Approval UTV Insurance). Pennsylvania requires motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear helmets and all motorcyclists to wear eye protection.
These provisions do not apply to people riding a bicycle car with an enclosed cab, and since a motorcycle is closest to a legal UTV on the road in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, it makes sense that this provision does not apply to a UTV either. However, helmets are mandatory in UTVs and other PHEVs that are not allowed to ride in the rare cases where they can use public roads in Pennsylvania. This is most likely what local law enforcement agencies will also expect from street-certified UTVs. It is illegal to operate an off-road vehicle on public roads in Pennsylvania, except: Did you know that Pennsylvania has over 700 miles of OHV trails? A legal UTV for the street could get you all without a truck or trailer holding you back. And if you let our team of experts record your UTV for you, you`ll have even more time to explore Lake Erie, the Delaware River, and everything in between, instead of doing all the tedious DMV paperwork. The law governing all ATVs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 77. The law in this chapter relating to the operation of ATVs on roads is section 7721, which states that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile or ATV on a road or highway that is not designated and marked as a snowmobile or ATV route by the appropriate government agency. ATVs are allowed to cross bridges if necessary and can use roads if declared by a competent authority. ATVs can cross roads or highways at an angle of about 90 degrees (see 75 Pa.C.S. § 7721(b) and (c)) There are specially designated areas for ATV operations, such as the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails in Central County. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently opened a 39-mile ATV trail called „Bloody Skillet.” Driving ATVs on private property without the owner`s consent or on Crown property is prohibited and offences can be charged with trespassing by a motor vehicle.
Roads can be crossed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the roadway after coming to a complete stop and yielding to traffic. Roads can also be used to cross a bridge or culvert. Shared highways can only be crossed at an intersection with another public road or highway. If you or someone you love has been injured in an ATV accident, it is important to contact Edgar Snyder & Associates immediately to learn about your legal rights. You may deserve compensation for your injuries, work absence, pain and suffering, but there is only one way to find out. Continuing our series of articles analyzing ATV laws in each state that emerged from this article, this article examines ATV laws in Pennsylvania. It should also be noted that although I am a lawyer, I am not your lawyer and do not give legal advice. If you have any questions, you should consult a local lawyer. When a state of emergency is declared in Pennsylvania, ATVs can be driven on highways and roads.
This is the only time that ATV riding is allowed on these types of roads. Although Pennsylvania law prohibits ATVs from driving on state roads and highways, certain exceptions are allowed. An ATV can travel on public roads if the local government agency has declared a public emergency. From time to time, special events may occur when the use of ATVs on public roads is legal. These events must take place for a certain period of time and have the approval of local authorities. You can legally cross a public road or two-lane highway in Pennsylvania under the following circumstances: According to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, ATVs can be driven on state highways and roads marked for this purpose. They can only be operated on motorways and roads in case of emergency. Helmets are recommended for all occupants, as described below. If you are allowed to ride ATVs or UTVs in Pennsylvania, you must stay on designated trails and roads.
It is also illegal to drive on paths or roads that are not open to ATV use. During an officially declared emergency period or special event Please note that this requirement does not apply to ATVs and UTVs used for agricultural purposes. Currently, 43 other states also have ATV registration and safety laws. Visit our ATV Laws Map for a state-by-state guide to ATV laws. Pennsylvania Statute 75-77-43 (silencer and sound insulation). For non-residents, it is important to know that your out-of-state registration will not be recognized in Pennsylvania. You must register your ATV or UTV separately in Pennsylvania for use in Pennsylvania. You will also need to prove your liability insurance on the ATV or ATV. If you change your address, you must notify the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within 15 days. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Pennsylvania requires anyone driving or operating an ATV or UTV to wear a helmet.
Even if it wasn`t the law, wearing a helmet is just smart and we highly recommend it. We also recommend buying a quality helmet that breathes well, is comfortable and super protective. If you need to find a great helmet, we`ve already done the research and testing for you and think this helmet from O`Neal offers the best value for money. Class I ATVs: Most ATVs. Maximum width 50 in., maximum dry weight 1,200 lbs. To determine if your ATV qualifies as a Class 1 or Class 2 ATV in Pennsylvania, you should start with this ATV weight guide and ATV dimensions guide. If you are involved in an accident while operating an ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania, you must stop and provide the following information to the other person involved or a police officer: In Pennsylvania, you must both title and register an ATV or UTV with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. unless the ATV or UTV is used only as an agricultural or professional vehicle. You are also not required to title an ATV that you have owned since February 12, 1987. In Pennsylvania, the state police are responsible for regulating ATVs. There are several ATV laws you should be aware of when driving or operating an ATV: PHEVs operating in Pennsylvania must meet the following requirements: If a stretch of highway is part of a designated route for ORV Other exceptions to the general rule when the use of an ATV or UTV is permitted on public roads in Pennsylvania are during a declared emergency, when crossing a bridge or culvert and at special events with a permit. If you have been cited for crimes related to motor vehicle driving offences, consult a lawyer to determine if you have any defences available to you or if you can face additional consequences for guilty pleas to these crimes.
An attorney at Mazza Law Group, P.C. can help. Call today. A Class 1 ATV is defined as „a motorized off-road vehicle that operates on three or more off-road tires and has a maximum width of 50 inches and a maximum dry weight of 1200 pounds.” Wearing a helmet is mandatory for road traffic regardless of the age of the occupants. Can I travel to Pennsylvania? was last modified: December 14th, 2015 by Steven Trialonas Pennsylvania Statute 75-77-2 A general registration is required if you intend to operate your ATV or UTV on public land in Pennsylvania. It is valid for two years and you will receive a license plate and card, as well as an expiration sticker. It is also worth using this guide to familiarize yourself with the rules of operation in federal states. On this page, you will also find up-to-date information on the trails of the Allegheny National Forest. An article by Tiffany Hopkins (@tiffanyhopkins123) Pennsylvania law explicitly prohibits modifying the muffler of an ORV to increase its noise level. Pennsylvania divides its definition of an ATV into 2 distinct classes. Before operating ORVs on public roads in Pennsylvania, they must be registered, equipped, and insured, as described in the previous section on PHEV areas.