From the Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: A carrier who delivers our newspapers was recently cited for failing to wear her seatbelt while delivering. Isn’t there an exception to the seatbelt law for newspaper delivery persons?

A: Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts. The seatbelt rule does not apply, however, to drivers who make frequent stops and are “traveling less than 15 miles per hour for the purpose of delivering goods or services while in the performance of his duties and only between the first and last delivery points.” As a result, a carrier who is traveling less than 15 mph and is delivering newspapers, is not subject to the seatbelt law. The driver would have to wear her seatbelt, however, on the way to her route and after making her last delivery, as well as any time she is traveling over 15 mph. For those who are interested, the law can be found at 75 Pa.C.S. 4581.

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