Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws and Information

Legislature | State Motorcyclists Rights Organization (SMRO)

Motorcycle helmet law:

§ 3525. Protective equipment for motorcycle riders.

(a) Protective headgear.--Except as provided in subsection (d), no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle (other than a motorized pedalcycle) unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the department.

(b) Eye-protective devices.--No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle (other than a motorized pedalcycle or a three- wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab) unless he is wearing an eye-protective device of a type approved by the department.

(c) Approval of equipment.--The department may approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye-protective devices required under this section and may issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of the headgear and devices. The department shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye-protective devices by name and type which have been approved.

(d) Exception.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to the following:

(1) The operator or any occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab.

(2) A person 21 years of age or older who has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years.

(3) A person 21 years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

(4) The passenger of a person exempt under this subsection if the passenger is 21 years of age or older. (Feb. 15, 1980, P.L.12, No.8, eff. imd.; July 8, 1986, P.L.432, No.90, eff. 60 days; July 6, 2003, P.L.19, No.10, eff. 60 days)

Cross References. Section 3525 is referred to in section 3314 of this title.

Other motorcycle laws:

§ 3522. Riding on motorcycles.

(a) Use of seat by operator and passengers.--A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the motorcycle, and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator. In no event shall a passenger sit in front of the operator of the motorcycle.

(b) Method of seating.--Unless in a sidecar, a person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

(c) Articles carried by operator.--No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(d) Interference with operation.--No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.