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Edition #1
Q: When can I drive with just my parking lights on, and when do I have to use my headlights? A: Parking lights are just that - parking lights. They are not intended for driving. Any time you feel you should have your lights on, put the headlights on too. It doesn't require any extra effort and it makes you much more visible. The Vehicle Code states that headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise and / or any time when low light or bad weather, etc. reduces visibility. The Vehicle Code gives you a guide to use: If persons and vehicles are not clearly discernable for 1000 feet ahead, turn your lights on. (Title 75 Section 4302 & Title 67 Section 175.66)
Q: I have a clear plastic license plate cover I recently purchased for my car. A friend told me the cover was illegal. I though if the cover was clear it would be O.K. Who's right? A: Your friend is correct, the cover is not legal in Pennsylvania. Even though the cover is clear and easy to see through during the day, it presents a problem at night or in sun glare. The sun or headlights of other vehicles create glare on the cover, so the numbers can not be easily read. Tinted covers are also illegal, making the plate even harder to read at all times of the day. (Title 75 Section 1332 & Title 67 Section 175.80)
Q: I have noticed that there are no speed limit signs on the Route 611 Bypass. How am I supposed to know what the speed limit is? A: On a highway within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the speed limit is 55 miles per hour (conditions permitting) unless otherwise posted. (Title 74 Section 3362)
Q: I have always been confused by a flashing red or flashing yellow traffic light at an intersection. What am I required to do at these lights? A: On a flashing red signal, you treat the intersection as if you had a stop sign. Just come to a stop and then proceed when it is safe to do so. At a flashing yellow, you do not have to stop, but the light is advising you to proceed with caution. Just continue alertly through the intersection. (Title 75, Section 3114)
Q: While shopping the other day, I saw an adult leave a small child that looked to be about four years old alone in a car while an adult ran in a store. The adult was only gone for a short period, but it still seemed to be dangerous for the child. Was any law violated? A: Yes, a law in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code does apply, 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. (Title 75 Section 3701.1)
Q: I recently heard that a person under 21 can be charged with DUI if they have ANY alcohol in their system when they are driving, not just over the 0.08% limit set for adults. Is this true? A: Partially true. A person who is under 21 years of age is considered to be driving under the influence when their blood alcohol content is a 0.02% or greater, a very low number compared to the current 0.08% used for adults. There is also a separate section of the vehicle code that makes it an offense for anyone under the age of 21 years of age to operate a motor vehicle with ANY alcohol in their system. The rules governing persons under 21 drinking and driving are very conservative. The best advice I can give is DON'T do it. (Title 75 section 3802 & 3718)
Q: As the season of ice and snow will soon be upon us, I was wondering about ice and snow on windshields. During the winter, I always see someone driving on the road with only a small portion of their windshield cleared. It seems dangerous to me that they have such a restricted view. A: You are correct, and the obstructed views are a significant cause of auto accidents during the winter months. The Vehicle Code does prohibit any person from operating a vehicle with any snow or ice which obstructs his or her view. Please, always clear your windshield and side mirrors completely before driving on those cold winter days. Allow yourself the extra time needed to do the job right. (Title 75 Section 4524)
Q: I was always told a person could not get a ticket from a police officer for not wearing a seat belt. However, I recently got a ticket because a 3-year-old child in my vehicle was not properly restrained. What happened? A: You are partially correct - an adult not wearing a seat belt is what is called a "secondary violation", or an offense for which a person must have committed another violation (speeding, stop sign, etc...) to be charge with a seat belt violation. The exception to the rule is when there is a child under four years of age in the vehicle, in which case the driver can be charged with the seatbelt violation alone. To most of you this would seem obvious, but some folks still haven't gotten the idea: Buckle up those kids. (Title 75 Section 4581)
Q: I see a lot of cars these days driving with multi-colored headlights. Are these lights legal? A: No, multicolored lights are not legal. The Pennsylvania Inspection Regulations (Title 67) specify the requirements for the color of headlights. Any device placed on the light to tint or color it in any way is prohibited, as is tint on the bulb itself. Multi-colored headlight covers and tinted replacement bulbs have also become very popular. The bulbs and lens covers are sold in many auto parts stores, so many people buy the lights and install them on their vehicles without a second thought. Unfortunately, the coloration of the light is extremely distracting to other drivers on the roadway, and they do not light the road as efficiently as normal lights. I should point out that it is not illegal for the stores to sell the lights - if you read the box of the lights or the light product, you will find a disclaimer from the manufacturer. The disclaimer usually reads "for show or off-road use only - see local regulations". Our local (Pennsylvania) regulations prohibit these items. (Title 75 Chapter 41 (Section 4301 & 4303) & Title 67 (Chapter 153 & 175.66))
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