Local laws and regulations in Pennsylvania: Alcohol purchase age is 21. Real estate transfer tax: 2%. Smoking banned in most public spaces. Texting while driving is illegal. Child car seat laws enforced. Property tax varies by county. Minimum wage: $7.25/hour. Hunting requires specific licenses. Fireworks laws restrict usage. School immunization requirements strict.
Alcohol purchase age is 21.
In Pennsylvania, the minimum age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol is 21 years old, with no exceptions for minors to drink at home with parents, but there are exceptions for religious services and ceremonies. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and license suspensions. For more information on these regulations, you can visit the Centre Daily Times website.
Real estate transfer tax: 2%.
In Pennsylvania, the real estate transfer tax is 2%, with 1% going to the state and 1% to the municipality and school district. This tax is paid at the time of recording based on the value of the property or interest being conveyed. There are certain exemptions for family transfers and other specific situations, which can be found in detail on the Transfer Tax page of Bucks County's website.
Smoking banned in most public spaces.
The Clean Indoor Air Act in Pennsylvania, effective since September 11, 2008, prohibits smoking in most public places, including restaurants, workplaces, and a portion of casino floors, with exceptions for certain venues like bars with low food revenue, casinos (up to 50% of the gaming floor), and private clubs, among others. For more detailed information on the specific provisions and exceptions, you can visit the Clean Indoor Air Act page. This regulation aims to protect the health of non-smokers by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in communal environments.
Texting while driving is illegal.
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read, or write text-based communications while driving, with a penalty of a $50 fine plus court costs. Additionally, the offense does not carry points for non-commercial drivers. To learn more about the regulations and safety tips, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website for comprehensive details on traffic safety and driver topics.
Child car seat laws enforced.
In Pennsylvania, children under 2 years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the manufacturer's weight and height limits. As outlined by the PA Car Seat Law, children from birth to age 8 must use an appropriate car seat or booster seat, while those aged 8-18 must use the vehicle's seat belt system. This law is designed to ensure the safety of children while traveling by providing suitable restraint systems appropriate for their age and size.
Property tax varies by county.
In Pennsylvania, property taxes vary significantly by county, with average effective rates ranging from 0.87% in Bedford County to 2.45% in Monroe County. This variation reflects the autonomy of local governments in setting tax rates that meet their unique fiscal demands. For those interested in a detailed breakdown of these variations and their implications, the Steadily Blog on Pennsylvania Property Taxes provides comprehensive insights into how these tax rates are determined and their impact on residents.
Minimum wage: $7.25/hour.
The minimum wage in Pennsylvania is currently $7.25 per hour for all employees, aligning with the federal minimum wage, with specific rules for tipped employees and exemptions for certain categories of workers, such as Agricultural Workers, Domestic Workers, and Newspaper Carriers. For more detailed information and updates, visit the Factorial HR Blog.
Hunting requires specific licenses.
In Pennsylvania, hunting requires specific licenses based on age, residency, and the type of game being hunted, with options including Resident, Non-Resident, Junior, Senior, and Disability licenses. Furthermore, hunters may require additional permits for certain game species and hunting methods. For comprehensive details on these requirements, the Hunter-Ed Pennsylvania Hunting License provides essential information to guide prospective hunters. Understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring a legal and safe hunting experience in the state.
Fireworks laws restrict usage.
In Pennsylvania, fireworks laws restrict usage by prohibiting discharge on public or private property without consent, within 150 feet of occupied structures, from or at vehicles or buildings, and while under the influence of substances. Local municipalities can enact additional restrictions, including specific time limits and designated areas for discharge. For detailed information and updates on these regulations, the PA Fireworks Law serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike to ensure compliance and safety during celebrations.
School immunization requirements strict.
In Pennsylvania, school immunization requirements are strict, mandating specific vaccines for all students, including DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella vaccines, with additional requirements for 7th and 12th graders. Students must complete these vaccinations by August 1 to avoid exclusion from school, with no provisional enrollment allowed. For detailed information, visit the Montour School District website, which provides comprehensive guidance on these mandatory health protocols and ensures the well-being of all students in the state.