HB 2582 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for drivers of emergency vehicles.

This bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify which vehicles and personnel qualify as "emergency vehicles" and outlines specific rules for how their drivers may operate on public roads. It expands the official definition to include a wide range of vehicles, such as those used by correctional institutions in first-class cities for internal emergencies or prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by specific high-ranking officials during emergencies. Additionally, the legislation sets clear conditions for when drivers of these vehicles can legally ignore red lights or stop signs, requiring them to first confirm they have the right-of-way before proceeding. The changes apply only to vehicles and drivers meeting the new criteria and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jun 1, 2026 Last action Jun 22, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN3471 Printer's No. PN3649 · 4 edits
MODERATE
This bill update clarifies the definition of 'emergency vehicles' to explicitly include those operated by county correctional institutions in first-class cities. It also adds a new section granting drivers of these specific vehicles the right to proceed through red lights and stop signs after confirming they will yield the right-of-way, aligning their privileges with other emergency responders.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include county correctional institution vehicles in first-class cities as official emergency vehicles eligible for traffic exemptions.
DEFINITION

Added 'county correctional institution' vehicles in first-class cities to the statutory definition of 'emergency vehicle'.

Modified the definition of 'emergency vehicle' to include specific new categories such as blood delivery vehicles and emergency canteen support service organization vehicles.

Updated the definition to clarify that vehicles owned by county correctional institutions must be used to respond to emergencies at those institutions or to escort ambulances transporting prisoners.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new provision allowing drivers of these specific correctional vehicles to proceed through red signals and stop signs after ascertaining the right-of-way.

Floor votes · House Jun 22, 2026

How they voted

260
Passed
Total votes 26
Jun 22, 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 22, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Jun 22, 2026
Committee
Re-committed to Rules
lower
Jun 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Jun 1, 2026
Committee
Referred to Transportation
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors