Dirt Bike Laws In Pennsylvania

Are you a lover of dirt bikes? You are not alone. Most bikers cherish riding dirt bikes since they provide an audacious experience. Imagine powering your dirt bike down the street, and all people turn around to watch the speeding machine with the loudest sound! Isn’t that spectacular? The bad news is, your dream can’t happen in Pennsylvania. Why? Because the authority has put in place laws prohibiting your beloved speedy bike with loud sound from riding on the streets.

What Is A Dirt Bike?

The moment you hear the word dirt bike, what comes to your mind is that this must be a giant badass machine. You aren’t far from the truth. Dirt bikes are badass in their own right. Enough with the badass business, Dirt bikes are unregistered bikes that come without headlights and taillights. Generally, the bike is meant for rough off-road terrains and is not street-legal as it doesn’t have road safety equipment.

It might be that you are new in the biking world, or you recently moved to Pennsylvania, and you are wondering whether it is legal to take your dirt bike to the streets. I am sorry to disappoint you; the law doesn’t allow it. 

This article explores dirt bike laws in Pennsylvania and guides you to designated areas for dirt bikes. Stay on the page to acquaint yourself with what the law says about your bike. in the process; you will also get to know the correct terrains to ride your coveted machine.

Why Are Dirt Bikes Disallowed In Pennsylvanian Roads?

Why Are Dirt Bikes Disallowed In Pennsylvanian Roads

As much as you covet your Dirt bike, it is not street-legal in Pennsylvania. Generally, most states prohibit them from their roads. The main reason a dirt bike isn’t allowed on the roads is that it falls under All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV).

The dirt bike is considered unsafe on the road as it doesn’t feature road safety equipment such as headlights and taillights. The machine also produces a disturbing loud sound when racing down the street, contributing to sound pollution.

What Are The Laws Governing Dirt Bikes In Pennsylvania?

A dirt bike befalls under All Terrain Vehicles. The law under title 75, section 7721 & 7722 prohibits ATVs from using public roads and highways. However, with approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT), you can ride an ATV on a public road in case of emergencies.

Where Do I Ride My Dirt Bike In Pennsylvania?

There are designated trails in Pennsylvania where it is legal to ride your dirt bike. however, be reminded that you can’t ride on the following sites:

1. State forest roads.

2. State parks.

3. State game lands.

When riding on designated ATV trails, ensure you adhere to the following rules:

1. Don’t pursue the wildlife with your bike, as this amounts to disturbing them.

2. Ensure that your bike doesn’t carry a loaded firearm at any given time.

3. Stick to the assigned trails only.

4. Be responsible and acceptably operate your bike.

5. Ensure that you wear a correctly secured helmet when operating a dirt bike.

6. Avoid littering the ATV trails.

Kindly observe the above rules, and be aware that if you violate any of them, or you are liable for any of the offenses listed below, you will be fined heavily:

1. Riding dangerously in a manner that endangers other people’s properties.

2. Riding a dirt bike while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

3. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limits.

Designated Areas To Ride Your Dirt Bike In Pennsylvania 

Before venturing out with your dirt bike, it could be wise to know the right place where you will ride it. The following areas are open to dirt bikes:

1. Marked and designated trails on state-owned property.

2. On private property. If the property is not yours, you must seek the owner’s consent.

3. On highways designated as snowmobile or ATV roads by the responsible government agency.

You can also ride on public streets or highways under the following conditions:

1. When it is necessary to cross the bridge.

2. During emergency cases declared by a government agency.

3. During special events carried out for a limited duration, but you must have a permit from a relevant government unit.

Can A Dirt Bike Make A Direct Crossing Of A Street?

When riding a dirt bike and it becomes necessary for you to cross the street, observe the following rules to avoid confrontation with authorities:

1. Ensure you make a crossing at a 90 degrees angle to the highway’s direction. While crossing, choose a spot with no obstruction that might hinder quick crossing.

2. Before crossing the highway’s shoulder, ensure you have brought your bike to a complete halt.

3. If there is oncoming traffic, ensure you yield to the right-of-way to avoid hazardous incidents.

4. If you desire to cross a divided highway, ensure you do so at the intersection.

Are Children Under 16 Years Allowed To Ride A Dirt Bike In Pennsylvania?

If you are below the age of 16, Pennsylvanian dirt bike laws prohibit you from the following:

1. You are not allowed to operate a dirt bike anywhere. However, you can ride on property leased by your parent or guardian. The only exception to this rule is if you own a valid safety certificate. You can also ride if in the company of an adult or an instructor.

2. Riding on roads designated for joint use.

Children under age 8 are ineligible for a safety certificate and can’t ride a dirt bike anywhere apart from on private property.

If your kids are aged 9 & 8, they are restricted to riding a bike with a 70cc engine and below.

What Are The Required Dirt Bike Equipment?

If you desire to operate a dirt bike in Pennsylvania, the following equipment is a must-have:

1. A muffler that can limit the sound of the bike to 99dbA (decibels) when a measurement is taken at 20 inches.

2. A functional headlight and taillight if you are operating when visibility is poor.

3. An effective braking system that can decelerate the bike at 14 feet per second when riding at a speed of 20 miles per hour.

The Takeaway 

It is essential to know the laws governing dirt bikes in Pennsylvania if you are new in the locality. Make good use of this article to avoid conflicts with the authorities.

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