ATV Riding Laws- Pennsylvania

Laws governing the operation of ATVs in Pennsylvania fall under its Snowmobile and All-Terrain Vehicle Law. This is within Chapter 77 of the state’s vehicle code in Chapter 51 but can be preempted by municipality ordinances.

Legal All-Terrain Vehicle Operation

The operation of an all-terrain vehicle must only occur on a designated trail that has been marked and is owned by the state. A rider may cross the highway or street if it is required. This refers to crossing bridges or culverts as necessary.

ATVs are allowed on city streets and highways when an emergency has been declared or if there is a special event that the use of these types of vehicles has been prearranged.

If an individual is over the age of 16, they are allowed to make a street or two-lane highway crossing if required. The crossing must be made at a 90-degree angle in line with the direction of traffic. There should be no obstructions during this time, and the crossing should be considered safe and made quickly.

Before a crossing can occur, the rider must bring the ATV to a complete stop at the shoulder of the road. They need to yield the right of way to other drivers to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.

Illegal ATV Use

Riding these machines on Pennsylvania Forest Roads is prohibited as well as driving these machines at a high rate of speed that is considered dangerous for conditions. This is a speed that exceeds posted limits and endangers others or personal property of others. It is also considered illegal to operate an ATV while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics.

Pennsylvania prohibits the riding of an all-terrain vehicle for anyone under the age of eight on public property. Those that are aged eight to 16 can operate an ATV on private land if they have completed an ATV safety training course and received the proper certification for the class.

The state does limit youths age eight to nine years old to ATVs with engines that are 70 ccs or smaller. For all ages, it is illegal to operate these machines without a helmet that is securely fastened while riding.

Equipment Requirements

The laws of the state also make provisions for the correct type of equipment to be outfitted on an ATV. These machines need to have a brake system that can stop at 14 ft. per second when driving 20 mph. the muffler must be properly operated and not emit a noise rating of 99 DB at 20 tailpipe inches.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a fine of $50 to $200 in addition to prosecution by the state for a first offense. Second offenses have an increased fine of $100 to $300.