Rules of the Road in Pennsylvania

Lesser Known Pieces of Pennsylvania Statutes Regarding Road Use

Some "Rules of the Road" in Pennsylvania are obvious, well-known and generally followed. For example, most of us recognize that our vehicles are to be driven on the right side of the roadway and that we have a duty to actually stop at "Stop" signs. There are, however, some lesser known "Rules of the Road" contained within our Motor Vehicle Code which, when followed, promote safety and reduce motor vehicle accidents. For example, 75 Pa.C.S.A. section 3314 prohibits the use of hearing impairment devices while operating a vehicle. Hearing aids and telephone headsets that provide sound through one ear only are allowed but not stereo headphones. Communication devices used by motorcycle operators and drivers of emergency vehicles are also exempted from this prohibition. Obviously, this rule is meant to keep your ears on the road as well as your eyes.

If you are emerging from an alley, driveway or building parking lot in an urban area, you must stop prior to crossing the sidewalk area regardless of whether there is a stop sign. 75 Pa.C.S.A section 3344. See also, 75 Pa.C.S.A. section 3547. Pedestrian accidents can be greatly reduced if drivers adhered to this common sense rule. Lawyers are familiar with, and often argue about, the "... assured clear distance ahead ..." language contained within 75 Pa.C.S.A section 3361, but drivers can reduce accidents by following its mandate. Simply put, the rule states that drivers should only drive at speeds that will allow them to stop their vehicles within the assured clear distance ahead.  There are several Pennsylvania court opinions interpreting this statutory language but, in general, it has been held to mean the distance within which a driver can clearly see. Again, another common sense rule designed to reduce motor vehicle accidents.

The complete "Rules of the Road" are contained with Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Statutes beginning at section 3301.