No, Pennsylvania law prohibits any act that distracts from driving, including applying makeup, under Title 75 § 3316 (Careless Driving). The statute’s broad language targets “any activity” diverting attention, with enforcement guided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s 2024 Distracted Driving Enforcement Guidelines. Violations carry fines up to $200, though no specific statute explicitly names makeup application.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Pennsylvania
- Careless Driving Statute (75 Pa. C.S. § 3316): Prohibits driving “carelessly or needlessly” while engaging in activities that impair focus, including grooming. Courts interpret this to encompass makeup application, as it requires visual and manual attention.
- Distracted Driving Enforcement Guidelines (PennDOT, 2024): Classify makeup application as a “secondary offense,” meaning law enforcement may cite drivers only if another violation (e.g., swerving) occurs. However, primary enforcement is permitted if the act creates a hazard.
- Local Ordinances: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have stricter local rules under municipal codes (e.g., Phila. Code § 12-810), allowing standalone citations for “distracted grooming” even without additional infractions. These align with the 2026 Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Task Force’s proposed statewide expansion of primary enforcement.
Violations hinge on whether the act materially interferes with vehicle control. Courts consider duration, visibility impairment, and proximity to traffic signals. No statutory exemption exists for “quick touches,” as the statute’s plain language covers all non-driving tasks.