Continuing in our series of articles analyzing the ATV laws in every state, which stemmed from this article, we are addressing the ATV laws in Pennsylvania in this article. It should also be noted that, while I am an attorney, I am not your attorney and am not giving legal advice. If you have questions, you should consult a local attorney.
How does Pennsylvania define an ATV?
Pennsylvania splits its definition of an ATV into 2 separate classes.
A class 1 ATV is defined as “a motorized off-highway vehicle, which travels on three or more off-highway tires and has a maximum width of 50 inches and a maximum dry weight of 1200 pounds.”
A class 2 ATV is defined as “a motorized off-highway vehicle, which travels on three or more off-highway tires and has a width which exceeds 50 inches or a dry weight which exceeds 1200 pounds.”
To determine whether your ATV qualifies as a class 1 or class 2 ATV in Pennsylvania, you should start with this guide to ATV weight and this guide to ATV dimensions.
Are you required to title and register your ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you are required to both title and register an ATV or UTV with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources unless the ATV or UTV is uses exclusively as a farm or business vehicle. You are also not required to title an ATV that you have owned since before February 12, 1987.
The general registration is required if you intend to ride your ATV or UTV on any public land in Pennsylvania. It is good for two years, and you will be provided a registration plate and card, as well as an expiration sticker.
You can also get a limited registration if you ride your ATV or UTV solely on private property. The limited registration never expires. Because of that, you will receive a registration plate and card, but not an expiration sticker.
The registration plate should be mounted as high as possible in the middle on the rear of your ATV or UTV. It must be visible from behind and it must be mounted horizontally.
Non-Residents
For non-residents, it is important to know that your out-of-state registration is not honored in Pennsylvania. You must register your ATV or UTV separately in Pennsylvania to operate it within Pennsylvania. You must also provide proof of liability insurance on the ATV or UTV.
Sale or Transfer or Change of Address
When you change your address, you are required to notify the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of the change within 15 days.
If you transfer, destroy or lose your ATV/UTV to theft, you must complete the reverse side of the Certificate of Registration and return it to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Are you required to have insurance on your ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania?
If your ATV or UTV fits the requirements for registration discussed above, you must have liability insurance for it. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you whenever you operate your ATV or UTV,
Are you required to wear a helmet while riding an ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires any person operating or riding on 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 getting a quality helmet that breathes well, is comfortable, and super protective. If you need to find a great helmet, we have already done the research and testing for you and think this helmet from O’Neal offers the best bang for your buck.
Note, this requirement does not apply to ATVs and UTVs being used for agricultural purposes.
Required ATV Equipment in Pennsylvania
Your ATV must be equipped with the following if you are riding in Pennsylvania:
- If you are riding at night or where vision is impaired at a distance of less than 500 feet, you must have an operating headlight and tail light. The headlight must be white and illuminate at least 100 feet in front of you. The taillight must be red and visible from 500 feet.
- An operable brake system that will slow you at a rate of 14 feet per second when traveling at 20 mph.
- A muffler in working condition that prevents the sound emitting from your ATV from exceeding 99 dbA when measured at a distance of 20 inches.
Are you permitted to ride ATVs and UTVs on public roads in Pennsylvania?
Generally, ATV and UTV use is not permitted on public roads in Pennsylvania unless they have been specifically designated as ATV or Snowmobile roads. On township roads designated for ATV and UTV use, you will see a posted green sign with a white ATV silhouette. Roads that are open to both ATVs and motor-vehicles are designated with signs stating joint use is permitted. On joint use roads, you must be at least 16 years old to operate an ATV or UTV.
Other exceptions to the general rule where ATV or UTV use is permissible on public roads in Pennsylvania include during a declared emergency, when crossing a bridge or culvert and during special events with a permit.
You may legally cross a public street or two-lane highway in Pennsylvania under the following circumstances:
- You cross at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the highway;
- You cross at a place where a safe and quick crossing is possible;
- You bring the ATV or UTV to a complete stop before crossing;
- You yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that could be a hazard;
- If you are crossing a divided highway, you cross at an intersection of the highway with another street or highway; and
- You are over the age of 16, or you possess a safety certificate and make the crossing under the direct supervision of an adult.
Where are you permitted to ride ATVs and UTVs in Pennsylvania?
Where you are permitted to ride ATVs or UTVs in Pennsylvania, you are required to stay on designated trails and roadways. It is also unlawful to ride on any trails or roadways that are not open to ATV use.
Riding on private property in Pennsylvania is permitted only with the consent of the property’s owner.
Riding on state owned property in Pennsylvania is only permitted where the trail has been specifically marked and designated for ATV use.
It is also worth familiarizing yourself with rules for operating on federal lands with this guide. You can also find current information about the trails available in the Allegheny National Forest on this site.
Youth restrictions for ATV and UTV use in Pennsylvania
The following restrictions are applicable to youth ATV and UTV operators in Pennsylvania:
- Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to operate an ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania public lands (that means youth aged 8-15 can operate on private land, but children under 8 may not operate an ATV even on private property).
- Youth under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate an ATV or UTV on public land in Pennsylvania without a valid safety certificate. Information on safety courses can be learned by calling (717) 783-7941.
- Youth under the age of 16 are not permitted to operate an ATV or UTV on highways or connecting streets or state forest/park roads designated for joint use unless the youth has a valid safety certificate and is supervised by an adult.
What to do if you are in an ATV or UTV accident in Pennsylvania?
If you are involved in an accident while operating an ATV or UTV in Pennsylvania, you are required to stop and provide the following information to the other person involved or to a police officer:
- your name;
- your address;
- the name and address of the ATV or UTV owner if it isn’t you; and
- the ATV or UTV’s registration number.
If the accident resulted in the injury or death of any person, or property damage in excess of $100, you must report the matter in writing to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources within 7 days.
Other ATV/UTV laws in Pennsylvania
- It is unlawful in Pennsylvania to operate an ATV or UTV in such a way as to disturb, drive or pursue wildlife.
- It is unlawful in Pennsylvania to operate an ATV or UTV while carrying a loaded firearm.
- It is unlawful in Pennsylvania to operate an ATV or UTV at a rate of speed that is not reasonable given the existing conditions (or above the posted speed limit).
- It is unlawful in Pennsylvania to operate an ATV or UTV in a careless manner so as to endanger the person or property of another.
- It is unlawful in Pennsylvania to operate an ATV or UTV while under the influence of alcohol.