Common Vehicle Questions
Is window tint legal?
This is a tricky question, but generally NO. If your vehicle did not come from the manufacturer with it (such as most SUV's), it generally is not legal to add later. PennDOT's website has a fact sheet that spells out what type and how dark is permitted. All standard vehicle windows come tinted to 70%, which is what a "clear" window actually is. Please note, all sedans, coupes, and convertibles cannot have any tint at all. Also, a car dealer can sell a car with illegal tint on it, and it can pass inspection with illegal tint on it, but it is illegal to drive with it. So, if in doubt, have an officer check it out. Click here to view the Vehicle Sun Screening Fact Sheet.
Can I add neon lights or such to my car?
No. Well you can add them, but you can't drive with any ornamental lighting on the car that is on. Ornamental is defined as any light that is not on the standards table for vehicle use (brakes, turn signals, etc.). Undercar neon and illuminated valve stem caps / windshield washer ports / license plate covers are some examples of ornamental lights.
What is the law on colored headlights, such as the “European blue” style?
Just as in the previous question, only lights in conformance with the PA Motor Vehicle Code tables are allowed. These tables list the color and location of all lights. For headlights, they must be white only. While some of the newer style lights that come on higher end vehicles may seem blue, they are actually a high frequency white. Some of they aftermarket lights for sale are tinted blue, green, or other colors. These are not legal.
How do you clock speeders?
Pennsylvania is the only state that prohibits municipal officers from using radar. We instead use timing devices that clock a vehicle between two points. Contrary to some opinions, this is a highly accurate way to find a vehicle's speed, as it gives the average speed over a defined distance. Radar gives an instantaneous speed.
What are the laws on kids in car seats?
Again, popular myth says there is some weight factor in when kids can be in various types of car seats. PA's law is relatively simple. For children UNDER four years old, they must be in a "child passenger restraint system." This is a seat with it’s own seat belt system, usually a 5-point harness. Children four years or older but UNDER eight must be in an approved booster seat used in conjunction with the vehicle's seat belt. All persons under 18 must wear a seat belt anywhere they are seated in the vehicle. All of these provisions are the responsibility of the driver, not necessarily the parent.
Is it against the law to leave my child in the car alone, even for a few seconds?
The Vehicle Code says that a child under 6 years shall not be left unattended in a vehicle while the vehicle is out of the operator's sight and in unsafe circumstances. Also, a bit of common sense would say it is not a good idea. We see this mostly at convenience stores, where a parent just runs in for a few quick items. While it may seem like your child is within view, please remember that it only takes a criminal a few seconds to jump in your car and leave, possibly with your child still in the car. Take the extra time and take your children with you. (Title 75 Section 3701.1)
Where can I find answers regarding my PA driver's license or vehicle registration?
Click here to visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website.