{"data":{"id":"us-pa/75-pa.c.s.-3582","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"75 Pa.C.S. § 3582","heading":"Pedalcycle helmets for certain persons.","body":"(a) General rule.--A child under 12 years of age may not operate an EPAMD unless the person is wearing a pedalcycle helmet meeting the requirements of section 3510 (relating to pedalcycle helmets for certain persons).\n(b) Waiver of fine.--If a person receives a citation issued by the proper authority for violation of subsection (a), a magisterial district judge, magistrate or judge shall dismiss the charges if the person prior to or at the person's hearing displays evidence of acquisition of a helmet meeting the standards prescribed in subsection (a) to the magisterial district judge, magistrate or judge. Sufficient evidence shall include a receipt mailed to the appropriate court officer which evidences purchase or transfer of such a helmet from another helmet owner, evidenced by a notarized letter.\n(c) Exemption.--This section shall not apply to a child under 12 years of age who can produce a statement from the family's church authorities attesting that it is against the tenets of the family's religion to wear a helmet.\n(d) Civil actions.--In no event shall a violation or alleged violation of subsection (a) be used as evidence in a trial of any civil action, nor shall any jury in a civil action be instructed that any conduct did constitute or could be interpreted by the jury to constitute a violation of subsection (a), nor shall failure to use a pedalcycle helmet be considered as contributory negligence, nor shall failure to use a pedalcycle helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.\n(e) Penalty.--Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, any violation of subsection (a) is punishable by a fine, including all penalties, assessments and court costs imposed on the convicted person, not to exceed $25. The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of a child under 12 years of age whose conduct violates this section shall be jointly and severally liable with the person for the amount of the fine imposed.\n(f) Definitions.--As used in this section, the term \"wearing a pedalcycle helmet\" means having a pedalcycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the helmet straps.","path":["Title 75 - VEHICLES","PART III OPERATION OF VEHICLES","CHAPTER 35 SPECIAL VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS","SUBCHAPTER E ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=75\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=35\u0026sctn=82\u0026subsctn=0","current_through":"2026-08-31 (Statute Update stamp, 75 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:35:49Z","sha256":"2722fc46205c73a195a09c10b0164e579ea894ab6e03219c4523729cc00ef891","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/75-pa.c.s.-3581","next":"us-pa/75-pa.c.s.-3583"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}