Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1854

Introduced
9/9/25  

Caption

In snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for designation of snowmobile and ATV roads.

Impact

The implications of this bill on state laws are significant as it alters the existing regulations governing the use of roads by off-road vehicles. With local authorities being empowered to designate roads, there will likely be increased opportunities for off-road recreational activities, which may positively contribute to local economies and tourism. However, the bill also stipulates that local authorities cannot close state-designated highways to vehicular traffic without state approval, ensuring state oversight over these designations.

Summary

House Bill 1854 proposes amendments to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically within the context of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The bill grants both state and local authorities the power to designate certain roads as either snowmobile or ATV roads, or to allow both types of vehicles to share the roads with regular vehicular traffic. This legislative change aims to enhance the use of designated highways by facilitating the safe coexistence of different vehicle types and promoting outdoor recreational activities within the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1854 seems to lean towards support for the bill. Proponents may appreciate the potential for enhanced recreational access and economic benefits to areas that accommodate off-road vehicles. However, it is important to acknowledge that there could be concerns from various stakeholders regarding safety, road maintenance, and managing traffic effectively in areas where snowmobiles and ATVs might share paths with regular vehicles.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention include the requirement for local authority designations to align with state transportation standards, particularly concerning safety and traffic management. Some may argue that empowering local authorities may lead to inconsistent regulations and vary in implementation across different jurisdictions. Additionally, the potential for increased interactions between off-road vehicles and regular vehicles could raise safety concerns, prompting the need for ongoing discussions about appropriate regulations and infrastructure improvements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2076

In snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for designation of snowmobile and ATV roads.

PA HB1970

In snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for operation by persons under age sixteen.

PA HB2556

In other required equipment, further providing for exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for suspension of certificates of appointment; in snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for mufflers and sound control; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA HB880

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in financial responsibility, providing for utility terrain vehicles; in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for operation of utility terrain vehicles; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for off-road vehicles in urban municipalities; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1147

In rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting use of hearing impairment devices and for additional parking regulations; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for inspection of motorcycles; and, in motorcycles, further providing for motorcycle safety education program.

PA SB998

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA SB420

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB2266

In rules of the road in general, further providing for racing on highways; in enforcement, further providing for disposition of impounded vehicles, combinations and loads; in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses; imposing penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1283

In rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations.

PA SB37

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting text-based communications and providing for prohibiting use of interactive mobile device; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle; in enforcement, providing for data collection and reporting relating to traffic stops; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.