The Shapiro Administration took steps to even the playing field among vehicle owners with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announcing today that, thanks to Act 149 of 2024, signed by Governor Shapiro on November 18, 2024, motorcycles may now be inspected year-round.
Prior to Act 149 going into effect on January 17, motorcycle inspections could only occur between March and October each year. The new law allows motorcycles to be inspected year-round, like passenger vehicles.
“Allowing year-round registration of motorcycles gives motorcyclists more latitude to schedule their inspections when it’s convenient for them,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “This new law will help give motorcyclists more options to keep their vehicles road ready.”
Motorcycles must be inspected annually, and once a motorcycle passes inspection, the owner will receive a safety inspection sticker valid for one year from the expiration of the sticker being replaced. A safety inspection sticker for a motorcycle may not be issued for more than 15 months from the month of inspection.
With nearly 355,000 motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania, PennDOT encourages all road users to share the road responsibly. By avoiding aggressive behavior, following traffic laws, being courteous and using common sese, motorcyclists and motorists can work together to keep everyone safe. For more information on motorcycles and motorcycle safety, visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Motorcycle Safety webpage.
Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2025 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT's Online Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.
Traveling by domestic aircraft on or after May 7, 2025? You will need a REAL ID-compliant product or other federally-accepted form of identification if you do. Visit www.dmv.pa.gov/REALID for information on how you can get a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or identification card today. Time is running out to prepare.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.