Pennsylvania Traffic Violations

Drivers commit traffic violations while operating a motor vehicle on the road. In Pennsylvania, it includes misconduct that spans non-criminal summary violations/infractions to misdemeanors and felonies.

Individuals should learn how Pennsylvania’s system works so they may avoid the legal, financial, and civic consequences. They must also learn how to obtain traffic violation records and understand the penalties associated with the offense.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Pennsylvania?

A driver commits a traffic violation if they breach the Vehicle Code’s rules of the road, licensing, and any financial responsibility duties. This is a serious crime in Pennsylvania, which could result in non-criminal infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies with serious impact and consequences. Most moving violations carry points, which will appear on driving records if drivers are found guilty of the offense.

Types of Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania

Different types of traffic violations exist in Pennsylvania, and they include:

• Speeding. Drivers exceed the standard speed limits by a significant margin.
• Running a red light/stop sign. Disobeying official traffic-control devices or signals is a point-bearing offense.
• Driving without a license/while suspended. It is an offense to drive without a license or with a suspended license.
• Driving without insurance (financial responsibility). All registered vehicles must carry coverage and present proof when requested; failure to do so becomes a crime.
• Reckless driving. It is a crime for a driver to drive any vehicle in wanton disregard or guilty of reckless driving.
• Hit-and-run. Drivers who flee accident scenes after causing a crashto a vehicle or property that results in injury/death commit an offense.
• It is an offense for drivers to fail to yield at the right-of-way and related lane-use infractions.
• Distracted driving/handheld devices. Recently, Paul Miller’s Law, in conjunction with the existing law, made handheld phone use while driving a primary offense statewide (hands-free only).
• DUI. Driving while under the influence of alcohol/drugs while operating a vehicle under the state law is a serious offense.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Pennsylvania

Typical penalties for traffic violations in Pennsylvania include:

Fines and Fines. It includes:

• Speeding:
  • Between 6 and 10 mph: 2 points, fine of $35 with $2 per mph over
  • Between 11 and 15 mph: 3 points, fine of $35 with $2 per mph over
  • Between 16 and 25 mph: 4 points, fine of $35 with $2 per mph over
  • Between 26 and 30 mph: 5 points, fine of $35 with $2 per mph over
  • Over 31 mph: 5 points, hearing required with license suspension
  • Work zones: speeding over 11 mph may result in a 15-day license suspension
• Reckless Driving: 6-month license suspension, $200 minimum fine, up to 90 days in jail
• Careless Driving: 3 points, up to $300 fine, if it causes death (6-month suspension) or serious injury: (3-month license suspension)
• Failure to Stop at Red Light/Stop Sign: 3 points, $25 fine
• Improper Passing: 3–4 points, $25 fine
• Overtaking a School Bus: 5 points, 60-day license suspension
• Driving Under Suspension:
  • General: $200 fine with possible 1-year extension
  • DUI-related: $500 fine with 60–90 days in jail
• Driving Without a License: $200 fine. The presence of a prior offense within seven years may lead to a 6-month license suspension.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintains a driving record for all licensed drivers in Pennsylvania. Penalties for various points include:

• 6 points (first time): Penalties include department hearing and license suspension.
• 6 points (second or subsequent time): Departmental Hearing; hearing officer may order an on-road exam and/or brief suspensions.
• More than 11 points: Automatic suspension of driving privileges.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Pennsylvania

It is easy for individuals to search for traffic violation records in Pennsylvania. They may choose:

• Court dockets: The Pennsylvania Judicial Branch provides a UJS Web Portal where individuals may search court dockets by name, citation, or docket number. These courts include the Magisterial District Court, Philadelphia Municipal Court, and the Court of Common Pleas. Individuals may also visit the court clerk in person to access the court records.
• Driving record: PennDOT offers several record types, such as Basic Information, Full History, and Certified records with posted fees (like $15 for most non-certified records and $47 for a certified copy). Individuals may order online for non-certified copies through the Individual Driver Records Platform. However, they must submit a completed Request for Driver Information Form by mail or in person to obtain copies of the certified driving record.

What information appears?

• UJS Portal: These include case/citation number, statute, events, hearing dates, disposition, and itemized costs.
• PennDOT record: Users may find conviction history (within the chosen time window), point status/actions, suspensions/revocations, and crash details.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Pennsylvania?

There is no single expiration for all traffic violations in Pennsylvania; however, two timelines matter:

• Points. Point totals change with interventions and may be reduced by successful exams and school performance, as well as by completing sanction cycles. PennDOT publishes the full point-removal/suspension schedule.
• Driver history. Convictions of traffic violations remain permanently on an individual’s driving record.