HB 2233 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for vehicles not requiring certificate of title; in registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration; in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for drivers of emergency vehicles; and, in snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, further providing for definitions.

HB 2233 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to exempt specific all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used by emergency services from registration requirements. It directly affects police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies that operate ATVs as emergency vehicles during off-highway response or on closed streets for special events. The bill adds two key exemptions: ATVs used primarily off-highways (traveling ≤10 miles on public roads incidentally) and those operating on restricted streets for events, both exempt from the audible warning system requirement normally applied to emergency vehicles. Operators acting within official duties receive identical liability protections as standard emergency vehicle operators under Pennsylvania law.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 20, 2026 Last action Jun 16, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN2926 Printer's No. PN3613 · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates Pennsylvania law to formally define and regulate a new class of vehicle called an 'Emergency Utility Terrain Vehicle' (Emergency UTV). It adds specific criteria for these vehicles, such as weight limits and safety features, and grants them emergency vehicle privileges like liability protection and registration exemptions. The changes clarify that these vehicles are distinct from standard all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles, ensuring they receive special legal treatment when used by first responders.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of emergency vehicle regulations to include a specific category of off-highway vehicles used by police, fire, and EMS agencies, while maintaining exemptions for standard recreational ATVs.
DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Emergency Utility Terrain Vehicle' (Emergency UTV) specifying strict criteria including a maximum weight of 1,800 pounds, a width of 65 inches or less, four or more tires, a steering wheel, doors on all sides, and seat belts for all occupants.

Clarified the definition of standard 'All-Terrain Vehicle' (ATV) to explicitly exclude Emergency UTVs, ensuring they are treated as a separate legal category.

ELIGIBILITY

Established that Emergency UTVs are exempt from certificate of title requirements and registration fees, provided they are operated by authorized emergency services.

REQUIREMENT

Mandated that drivers and occupants of Emergency UTVs operating on highways with speed limits of 25 mph or higher must wear helmets and properly fastened seat belts, with exceptions for medical emergencies.

ENFORCEMENT

Granted Emergency UTVs the same liability protections as other authorized emergency vehicles when operated by officials in the course of their duties.

Floor votes · House Jun 16, 2026

How they voted

260
Passed
Total votes 26
Jun 16, 2026
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
12 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Amendments
1
Jun 16, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Jun 16, 2026
Committee
Re-committed to Rules
lower
Jun 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Feb 20, 2026
Committee
Referred to Transportation
lower
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors

Sponsors