Code Corner: Pennsylvania Vehicle Code

Traffic enforcement based on state laws

Police pull over drivers for violations of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code

By Andrea Iglar

When police officers issue tickets for traffic violations such as speeding, running a stop sign or having expired inspection stickers, they are enforcing the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

Locally, the South Fayette Township Police Department is primarily responsible for upholding the code.

The vehicle code, available on the state Department of Motor Vehicles webpage, provides numerous traffic laws covering everything from registration and licensing to speeding and DUI.

“It’s a traffic guide that officers use to enforce all regulations and violations according to Pennsylvania state statutes,” South Fayette Police Chief John Phoennik said. “We don’t make the laws, we just enforce them.”

Chief Phoennik said officers have the discretion whether to issue a warning or a citation.

“It’s more about traffic education than traffic enforcement,” he said. “But our officers do have the full power to enforce all of the traffic laws.”

While all patrol officers in South Fayette conduct traffic enforcement, the police department formed a two-person traffic unit last year dedicated solely to enforcing the rules of the road.

If a driver is cited for a violation, and pleads guilty or is found guilty in court, a fine and fees may be imposed—and in some serious circumstances, imprisonment may occur.

Fines vary depending on the violation, and only half the fine stays with local police.

For example, if a driver must pay a $25 fine for a stop sign violation, $12.50 goes to the township and $12.50 goes to the state.

“Traffic citations are not a moneymaker, they are a money loser,” Chief Phoennik said.

The remaining $132.50 listed on a traffic ticket represents fees that are distributed for various purposes to the state, the court system and emergency medical services.

Here are the fees listed on a traffic citation and a summary of where the money goes:

• EMS: Supports emergency medical service systems and eligible victims of motor vehicle accidents

• Surcharge: Supplies money to state funds

• Costs: Covers magisterial court expenses

• JCP (Judicial Computer Program) / ATJ (Access to Justice): Funds various aspects of the criminal justice system

“The South Fayette Police Department does not enforce traffic laws for revenue,” Chief Phoennik said. “It’s for safety.”

Traffic Laws

Code:

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75)

Purpose:

To provide public safety regulations related to drivers and vehicles in Pennsylvania

Enforcement:

South Fayette Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies

Code Violation:

$25 minimum fine plus fees if cited and found guilty; fines vary depending on violation

View Code:

southfayettepa.com/ vehiclecode