This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Automobile issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Get in the Driver's Seat - A Guide on How to Obtain, Maintain & Restore Driving Privileges in Pennsylvania
This guide from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains basic Pennsylvania laws and regulations that you are expected to know or that may affect driving privileges in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
Automobiles - Advertising and Representations; Lemon Law; and Vehicle Repairs
Information on consumer rights relating to automobiles from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Rights and Resources Consumer Guide.
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Buying or Repairing a Car
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on buying or repairing a vehicle.
Automobile Lemon Law
Consumer Advisory published by the Attorney General of Pennsylvania on the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.
Have You Bought a Lemon? New Car Buyer's Rights
Information from Northwestern Legal Services outlining the consumer's rights when buying or leasing a car.
The Lemon Law - Motor Vehicles
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to any new vehicle purchased and registered in Pennsylvania. (2019)
Consumer Protection Relating to Automobiles
Various brochures from the Federal Trade Commission containing information consumers should be aware of relating to automobiles.
How Can I Avoid Buying a Flood Damaged Vehicle?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on what to look for to avoid purchasing a flood damaged vehicle.
Tips on Buying a Used Car
Consumer Advisory from the Attorney General of Pennsylvania on buying a used car.
Used Car Sales
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights when buying used car.
Automobiles - Advertising and Representations; Lemon Law; and Vehicle Repairs
Information on consumer rights relating to automobiles from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Rights and Resources Consumer Guide.
Lemon Law Protection Fact Sheet
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide information on Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law. Learn more in this fact sheet from the PA Department of Transportation. (2017)
Manuel esquiva un lío al comprar un carro
This Spanish-language fotonovela from the Federal Trade Commission, "Manuel esquiva un lío al comprar un carro", tells how Manuel and his wife avoided car-buying trouble. Read it to learn different ways you can pay for a car and what to do you if find out the deal you thought was final falls through. [PDF]
Driving Under the Influence
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the law about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Traffic Violations and Summary Offenses
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Move Over, Slow Down
Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to "pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing." Learn more about the law from the PA Department of Transportation.
Auto Accidents and Insurance
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Auto Insurance Myths and Realities
Information on auto insurance issues from the Erie County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Act
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Law and your options under the law.
Auto Insurance
List of resources to help answer your questions and help you understand your options regarding Auto Insurance.
Auto Insurance Decision: Limited Tort v. Full Tort options
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on how to decide whether the limited tort option or the full tort options is best for you when purchasing an auto insurance policy.
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Automobile Repossession
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
The focus of this article is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession.
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.
Buying or Repairing a Car
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on buying or repairing a vehicle.
Have You Bought a Lemon? New Car Buyer's Rights
Information from Northwestern Legal Services outlining the consumer's rights when buying or leasing a car.
Driver's License Suspensions - Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about Driver's License Suspensions from Neighborhood Legal Services Association. [PDF]
Get in the Driver's Seat - A Guide on How to Obtain, Maintain & Restore Driving Privileges in Pennsylvania
This guide from Neighborhood Legal Services Association explains basic Pennsylvania laws and regulations that you are expected to know or that may affect driving privileges in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
Pennsylvania Driver's Licenses - How to Get a Driver's License, Commercial Driver's License, and Motorcycle License
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association about the requirements and process for obtaining different types of driver's licenses in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
The Lemon Law - Motor Vehicles
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to any new vehicle purchased and registered in Pennsylvania. (2019)
Automobile Repossession
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights regarding the repossession of your vehicle.
Used Car Sales
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on your rights when buying used car.
Auto Accidents and Insurance
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Auto Insurance Myths and Realities
Information on auto insurance issues from the Erie County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Act
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Law and your options under the law.
Auto Insurance Decision: Limited Tort v. Full Tort options
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on how to decide whether the limited tort option or the full tort options is best for you when purchasing an auto insurance policy.
Driving Under the Influence
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the law about driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Traffic Violations and Summary Offenses
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF]
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
Motor Vehicle Repossessions: Consumer Debt Advice from NCLC
The focus of this article is on motor vehicle repossession including limits on self-help repossessions, ten strategies to prevent repossessions, six steps to take after your car is repossessed, and advice on responding to the creditor’s demand for additional payment even after the repossession.
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services
Links to online services available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Automobile Lemon Law
Consumer Advisory published by the Attorney General of Pennsylvania on the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.
Consumer Protection Relating to Automobiles
Various brochures from the Federal Trade Commission containing information consumers should be aware of relating to automobiles.
How Can I Avoid Buying a Flood Damaged Vehicle?
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on what to look for to avoid purchasing a flood damaged vehicle.
Tips on Buying a Used Car
Consumer Advisory from the Attorney General of Pennsylvania on buying a used car.
Auto Insurance
List of resources to help answer your questions and help you understand your options regarding Auto Insurance.
Automobiles - Advertising and Representations; Lemon Law; and Vehicle Repairs
Information on consumer rights relating to automobiles from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Rights and Resources Consumer Guide.
Lemon Law Protection Fact Sheet
The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide information on Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law. Learn more in this fact sheet from the PA Department of Transportation. (2017)
Manuel esquiva un lío al comprar un carro
This Spanish-language fotonovela from the Federal Trade Commission, "Manuel esquiva un lío al comprar un carro", tells how Manuel and his wife avoided car-buying trouble. Read it to learn different ways you can pay for a car and what to do you if find out the deal you thought was final falls through. [PDF]
Move Over, Slow Down
Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to "pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing." Learn more about the law from the PA Department of Transportation.
What can I do if my car is repossessed with my personal belongings in it?
Even if your car has been repossessed, you have rights including the right to get your personal belongings back. You also have options available to try and obtain the return of the vehicle itself, including paying off the amount due, making a new loan agreement with the lender, or filing for bankruptcy to get rid of the debt. This information from the Upsolve Learning Center explains these options. Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps you file bankruptcy for free.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Westmoreland County: Forms
A variety of forms for use in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas may be downloaded at this link.