Driving of motor vehicles - Pennsylvania

Federal regulations

Pennsylvania has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

The PennDOT adoption of Part 392 applies to a vehicle or combination of vehicles used on a highway in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 17,001 pounds or more (whichever is greater), or transporting hazardous materials which are required to be placarded.

Engine idling

A diesel-powered motor vehicle with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more engaged in commerce may not idle for more than 5 minutes in any continuous 60-minute period.

Exceptions — A bus, school bus, or school vehicle may idle for no more than a total of 15 minutes in a continuous 60-minute period to provide heating or air conditioning when non-driver passengers are on board.

A vehicle may idle for up to 15 minutes in any continuous 60-minute period when necessary for active loading/unloading, sampling, or weighing.

There are also exceptions for:

• traffic conditions;
• operation of defrosters, heaters, air conditioners, or cargo refrigeration equipment to prevent a safety or health emergency;
• emergency vehicles;
• vehicle maintenance or repair;
• vehicle inspection;
• powering work-related mechanical, safety, or electrical operations;
• armored vehicles when a person remains inside to guard contents or while loading/unloading;
• vehicles involved in solid waste or recyclable collection.

Speed limit

The speed limit is 70 mph on rural interstates and expressways (or as posted), 55 mph on other highways.