Leaving Child Unattended in Vehicle Punishable by Law

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed legislation, amending the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, to improve the safety of motorists and protect the commonwealth's youngest citizens.

"Leaving a child in a vehicle unattended is unacceptable," said Governor Rendell. "Anything could happen within a few minutes of being left alone. This new law works to protect our most vulnerable and it makes sure that people understand it is not okay to leave any child in a vehicle unattended - no matter the situation."

Under House Bill 804, a child left unattended in a motor vehicle will mean the driver of the vehicle will be subject to a separate offense for each child who is abandoned.

In addition, fleeing or eluding a police officer will be upgraded to a felony of the third degree if the person, while eluding the police officer, crosses a state line, is driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or engages in a high speed chase.

The bill also provides that a motorist will avoid driving near an emergency response area unless they are directed by an emergency service responder to do so. If passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible, illegal or unsafe, motorists should pass the emergency response area carefully at a reasonable speed.

HB 804 enacts the Department of Transportation's electronic vehicle titling program permanently.

Finally, the bill amends the highway occupancy permit process to allow agricultural operations to drive on certain highways 25 times a week. Before the enactment of the legislation, agricultural travel on these highways was limited to 5 times per week.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephen R. Maitland (R-Adams/Franklin), passed the House 192-0 and the Senate, with amendments, 42-7. The House concurred, with additional amendments, 192-5. The Senate concurred 49-0. To view the bill's effective date in its entirety, visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2005/0/HB0804P4503.HTM.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

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