Ask the Trooper

Question: If two cars are traveling in the same direction on a four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) or more and one car is traveling less than the speed limit (say 50 mph in a 55 mph zone) in the left lane, is it illegal for a faster vehicle to pass on the right of the slower vehicle?
Russell Payne, Lititz

Answer: It is not illegal to pass on the right upon all limited access highways having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction.

Question: I am curious about the state’s policy on out-of-state licensed vehicles that have been here long term, over one year. How much time does the owner have to convert to Pennsylvania plates? Also, how does a leased vehicle from another state, with the same long term, fit into Pennsylvania’s policy?
Ronald Sebastian, Harrisburg

Answer: The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: All new residents are required to make application for Pennsylvania title and registration of their vehicle(s) within 20 days of establishing residency in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania title procedures require that out-of-state titles be surrendered to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when applying for a Pennsylvania title. If a driver operates an unregistered vehicle, the driver can be fined. Please contact your AAA office for specific requirements.

Question: When traveling on a four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) with a center turning lane separating the opposing lanes of travel (i.e. Carlisle/Harrisburg Pike), if a school bus is stopped with red flashers running, do vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus have to stop for the bus? It seems to me that traffic should have to stop however I have observed many mornings where traffic fails to stop for a school bus.
Stephen J. Anderson, Carlisle

Answer: You are correct. All traffic should stop for the school bus while it off-loads/loads children with the lights activated. The only exception would be if a physical barrier divides the highway. (concrete barrier, grass median)

Question: I remember some time ago, is it legal to pass, if you have a clear view of about 500 feet? What is the law on that?
L.J. Blazek, Lancaster

Answer: The law states when passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (you may pass if the broken yellow line is on your side of the road) ensure the travel lane is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. Return to the authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable. If vehicles are approaching from the opposite direction, pass before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.

If you have a question for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Linette Quinn, send it to:
Ask the Trooper c/o The AAA Touch
804 Estelle Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
or send an email to aaatouch@aaacp.com.