Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 10 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Pennsylvania, most personal injury, property damage, and fraud claims carry a 2-year filing deadline under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, while written contract claims give you 4 years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525. Missing either deadline ends your right to sue.
Hurt in Pennsylvania? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Pennsylvania personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Pennsylvania's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
What Is a Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time a person has to start legal proceedings after an event occurs. In Pennsylvania, these deadlines apply to both civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions.
If you miss the filing deadline, you lose your right to bring the case. In a civil lawsuit, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss, and the court will grant it. In a criminal case, the prosecution cannot bring charges once the time has run out.
Pennsylvania organizes its statutes of limitations under Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Pa.C.S.), Chapter 55. Civil deadlines appear in Sections 5521 through 5536, and criminal deadlines appear in Sections 5551 through 5554.
Pennsylvania Civil Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania law sets different filing deadlines based on the type of civil claim. These deadlines range from six months to 21 years, depending on the cause of action.
The clock typically starts on the date the injury or breach occurs. However, the "discovery rule" may delay the start date until the injured person knew or should have known about the harm. This is especially relevant in medical malpractice and product liability cases.
Six-Month Rule for Claims Against Government Units (42 Pa.C.S. § 5522)
The shortest clock in Pennsylvania civil practice is not a limitation period at all. It is a notice prerequisite, and it catches people who correctly believe they have two years to sue.
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(a)(1), anyone about to bring a claim against a government unit for injury to person or property must file a written statement in the office of that government unit within six months from the date the injury was sustained or the cause of action accrued. If the defendant is a Commonwealth agency, the same statement must also be filed in the office of the Attorney General. The statement has to give the name and residence of the claimant and of the injured person, the date and hour of the accident, the place where it happened, and the attending physician.
Section 5522(a)(2) supplies the penalty. If that statement is not filed, any action commenced against the government unit more than six months after the date of injury "shall be dismissed and the person to whom any such cause of action accrued for any injury to person or property shall be forever barred from proceeding further thereon." A court must excuse the failure on a showing of a reasonable excuse, and § 5522(a)(3) adds narrow relief for defendants other than the Commonwealth, including short extensions for incapacity or death and an exception where the government unit already had actual or constructive notice. None of that is something to plan around.
In practical terms: if your claim involves a city, a borough, a county, a school district, a transit authority such as SEPTA, or a Commonwealth agency such as PennDOT, the two-year period under § 5524 is still the outer limit for filing suit, but you must either give the written notice or file the lawsuit itself within six months of the injury.
Section 5522(b) also sets several straight six-month limitation periods, including an action against a government officer for anything done in the execution of his office, a petition for a deficiency judgment after delivery of the sheriff's deed, a proceeding to set aside a judicial sale of property, and a petition to have fair market value redetermined.
One-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5523)
The shortest ordinary civil deadline in Pennsylvania applies to defamation claims.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Libel | 1 year | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523(1) |
| Slander | 1 year | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523(1) |
| Invasion of privacy | 1 year | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523 |
Two-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524)
Most tort claims in Pennsylvania fall under the two-year deadline. This section covers a wide range of personal injury and property damage claims. The fraud row below covers common-law fraud; a claim under Pennsylvania's consumer protection law is treated differently, as our guide to Pennsylvania scam and fraud laws explains.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) |
| Product liability | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) |
| Property damage | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(3) |
| Trespass | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(4) |
| Fraud / deceit | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(7) |
| Professional malpractice | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(7) |
| Assault and battery | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(1) |
| False imprisonment | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(1) |
For wrongful death and survival actions based on medical malpractice, the two-year clock starts from the date of death under the MCARE Act (Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Act), Section 513(d). The Pennsylvania Supreme Court confirmed this rule in Dubose v. Quinlan (2017).
Four-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5525)
Contract-related claims generally carry a four-year deadline in Pennsylvania.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts (not under seal) | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Oral contracts | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(3) |
| Implied contracts | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(4) |
| Sale of goods (UCC) | 4 years | 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 |
| Debt collection on account | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Action upon a judgment or decree of a court | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(5) |
| Construction contracts (personal property/fixtures) | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(1) |
Under the Uniform Commercial Code (13 Pa.C.S. § 2725), breach of contract claims for the sale of goods must also be filed within four years. The parties may agree in writing to shorten this period to as little as one year, but they cannot extend it.
Read § 5525(a)(5) carefully. It covers "an action upon a judgment or decree of any court of the United States or of any state," which is a suit brought on a judgment. That is not the same thing as reviving a judgment lien, which is a five-year action under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5526(1).
Five-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5526)
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Revival of judgment lien on real property | 5 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5526(1) |
Six-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5527)
Pennsylvania uses a six-year catch-all period for any civil action not covered by a more specific section.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Eminent domain proceedings | 6 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527(a) |
| Any civil action not otherwise specified | 6 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527(b) |
Twenty-Year and Twenty-One-Year Limitations
Some long-term obligations carry much longer filing deadlines.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts under seal (formal written instruments) | 20 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5529(b) |
| Collection of rents | 21 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5530(a)(2) |
| Recovery of real property | 21 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5530(a)(1) |
The 21-year real property figure carries its own statutory carve-out. Section 5530(a)(1) opens "Except as provided in section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation)," and 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1 lets a possessor take title after no less than 10 years of actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession. That shorter route reaches only a narrow class of parcels: no more than one-half acre, improved by a single-family dwelling the possessor occupied for the full 10 years, and identified as a separate lot in a recorded conveyance, recorded subdivision plan, or recorded official map. It does not apply to common interest communities such as condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities, or to property owned by the United States, the Commonwealth, or a local government. The possessor must bring a quiet title action with notice to the record owners, who then have one year to file an ejectment action.
Civil Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse
Pennsylvania updated its civil filing deadlines for sexual abuse claims through Act 87 of 2019, now codified at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2). These rules vary based on the age of the victim at the time of the abuse.
| Victim Age at Time of Abuse | Filing Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 years old | Until the victim turns 55 (37 years after turning 18) | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2)(i) |
| 18 to 23 years old | Until the victim turns 30 | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(2)(i.1) |
| 24 or older | 2 years from the date of abuse | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 |
The middle band is narrower than it looks. Section 5533(b)(2)(i.1) reaches an individual who was "at least 18 and less than 24 years of age at the time the cause of action occurs," so a victim who had already turned 24 falls back to the ordinary two-year period under § 5524 rather than getting until age 30.
Act 87 of 2019 is not retroactive. Victims whose claims were already time-barred before the law took effect cannot use the new extended deadlines. As of 2025, the Pennsylvania legislature has considered bills (such as House Bill 462) that would open a two-year retroactive window for previously time-barred claims, but no such law has been enacted yet.
Pennsylvania Criminal Statute of Limitations
Criminal statutes of limitations in Pennsylvania set the deadline for prosecutors to file charges. These rules are found in 42 Pa.C.S. Sections 5551 through 5554.
Crimes With No Statute of Limitations (42 Pa.C.S. § 5551)
Pennsylvania has no time limit for prosecuting the following offenses:
- Murder (all degrees)
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder (when murder results)
- Any felony committed in connection with first- or second-degree murder
- Vehicular homicide (75 Pa.C.S. § 3732)
- Hit-and-run resulting in death (75 Pa.C.S. § 3742)
- Sexual offenses against victims under 18 at the time of the crime (including rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault)
The elimination of time limits for child sexual offenses was a major reform under Act 87 of 2019. Plain indecent assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126) is not on this no-limit list. When committed against a victim under 18, it instead carries an extended, but finite, deadline running until the victim's 55th birthday under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(c)(3).
Twelve-Year Limitation
Major sexual offenses against adult victims carry a 12-year limitation period.
| Offense | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rape (18 Pa.C.S. § 3121) | 12 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(b.1) |
| Statutory sexual assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1) | 12 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(b.1) |
| Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (18 Pa.C.S. § 3123) | 12 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(b.1) |
| Sexual assault (18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1) | 12 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(b.1) |
Five-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(b))
A wide range of serious felonies must be prosecuted within five years.
| Offense Category | Examples | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crimes | Aggravated assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping | 5 years |
| Property crimes | Arson, burglary, robbery | 5 years |
| Financial crimes | Forgery, insurance fraud, bribery, perjury | 5 years |
| Witness/victim crimes | Intimidation of witnesses or victims | 5 years |
| Organized crime | Corrupt organizations (18 Pa.C.S. § 911) | 5 years |
| Theft offenses | Theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and related offenses (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3921-3932) | 5 years |
| Public corruption | Offenses by public officers or employees in the course of their duties | While in office, plus 5 years after |
Section 5552(b)(1) still describes the theft range as 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921 through § 3933 (relating to unlawful use of computer), but § 3933 was repealed on December 16, 2002 (P.L.1953, No.226), effective in 60 days. Its subject matter now sits at 18 Pa.C.S. § 7611 (unlawful use of computer and other computer crimes), so the live theft sections in that range stop at § 3932.
For an offense committed by a public officer or employee in the course of or in connection with the office or employment, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(c)(2) allows prosecution "at any time when the defendant is in public office or employment or within five years thereafter." Those five years run from the day the person leaves office or employment, not from the date of the offense, so a long-serving official can stay exposed far beyond the ordinary period. The eight-year figure in the statute is a ceiling on that extension, not an overall cap: the paragraph may not "extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than eight years."
Two-Year Limitation (42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(a))
All other felonies and misdemeanors not listed under a longer limitation period carry a default two-year deadline.
| Offense Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Other felonies | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(a) |
| Misdemeanors | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(a) |
Summary Offenses (42 Pa.C.S. § 5553)
Summary offenses involving vehicle violations under Title 75 must be charged within 30 days of the offense, or 30 days after discovery of the offense or the offender's identity, whichever is later. No proceeding may be brought more than 3 years after the commission of a vehicle-related summary offense.
Tolling and Exceptions
Several situations can pause ("toll") the running of the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.
Tolling for Minors (42 Pa.C.S. § 5533)
If the injured person is under 18 years old, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they turn 18. For example, a child injured in an accident at age 10 would have until age 20 to file a personal injury lawsuit (18 + 2 years).
Tolling for Disability
If a person has a mental disability that prevents them from understanding their legal rights or managing their affairs, the statute of limitations is tolled until the disability ends. If no guardian files the case during the period of disability, the clock remains paused.
Discovery Rule
Pennsylvania courts apply the discovery rule to delay the start of the limitations period when the injury or its cause was not immediately apparent. The clock begins when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known about the injury. This rule applies frequently in medical malpractice, toxic exposure, and product defect cases.
Criminal Tolling (42 Pa.C.S. § 5554)
The criminal statute of limitations is tolled in the following situations:
- The accused is continuously absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertainable residence or work address in the state.
- The accused already has a prosecution pending for the same conduct.
- Crimes against children under 18 involving injuries from wrongful acts, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence committed by a parent or person responsible for the child.
How Pennsylvania Compares to Neighboring States
Pennsylvania's filing deadlines are similar to those in nearby states but with some differences worth noting.
| Claim Type | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | New York | Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Written contracts | 4 years | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
| Oral contracts | 4 years | 6 years | 6 years | 4 years |
| Fraud | 2 years | 6 years | 6 years | 4 years |
| Property damage | 2 years | 6 years | 3 years | 2 years |
Pennsylvania's two-year personal injury deadline is among the shorter periods in the region. Neighboring states like New York and New Jersey provide longer windows for many claim types.
More Pennsylvania Laws
- Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws
- Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
- Pennsylvania Expungement Laws
- Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Laws
- Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania gives you 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. This applies to car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, and most other injury claims. If you miss this deadline, your case will almost certainly be dismissed. One trap runs much sooner: if the defendant is a government unit such as a municipality, a school district, SEPTA, or PennDOT, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(a) requires written notice within 6 months of the injury unless you file suit within that same 6 months.
Do I have less than 2 years to sue a city, school district, or PennDOT in Pennsylvania?
The lawsuit deadline is still 2 years, but 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(a) adds a notice step that can end the claim much sooner. Unless you file the suit itself within 6 months, you must file a written statement with the government unit within 6 months of the injury, and also with the Attorney General if the defendant is a Commonwealth agency. Without that statement, § 5522(a)(2) says an action brought more than 6 months after the injury shall be dismissed and the claimant forever barred, subject only to a reasonable excuse or the narrow relief in § 5522(a)(3).
Is there a statute of limitations on murder in Pennsylvania?
No. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5551, there is no statute of limitations for murder in Pennsylvania. Prosecutors can file murder charges at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime. This also applies to voluntary manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and certain related offenses.
Can the statute of limitations be extended or paused in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania law allows tolling (pausing) of the statute of limitations in several situations. If the injured person is a minor under 18, the clock does not start until they turn 18. The discovery rule delays the start date when the injury was not immediately known. The clock also pauses if the defendant flees the state or if the plaintiff has a mental disability.
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Pennsylvania?
Most breach of contract claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within 4 years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525. This applies to written contracts, oral contracts, and implied contracts. The one exception is contracts under seal, which carry a 20-year limitation period under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5529.
How long do prosecutors have to bring criminal charges for a felony in Pennsylvania?
It depends on the felony. Serious offenses like aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and arson must be charged within 5 years. Sexual offenses like rape carry a 12-year deadline. Other felonies not specifically listed have a default 2-year limitation. Murder and sexual crimes against children under 18 have no time limit at all.
Updates
Corrected several statutory citations (42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5524, 5525, 5526, 5527, 5530, 5533 and the theft range in § 5552), added the six-month written-notice requirement that applies to claims against Pennsylvania government units under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522, restated the public-officer prosecution window under § 5552(c)(2), and narrowed the civil sexual-abuse age bands to match the statutory text.
Updated the neighboring-state comparison table's Ohio column: written- and oral-contract periods were stale pre-2021 figures (8/6 years); Ohio Senate Bill 13 shortened them to 6/4 years effective June 16, 2021, and those remain current today.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected two statute-of-limitations errors: plain indecent assault is not on Pennsylvania's no-limit list (only aggravated indecent assault is; plain indecent assault gets an extended deadline to the victim's 55th birthday), and debt collection on an account is a 4-year contract claim under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525, not a 2-year claim under § 5524.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure)
§ 5524Two year limitationIn forcecited in 19 of our articles
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within two years: (1) An action for assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, malicious prosecution or malicious abuse of process. (2) An action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another. (3) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for specific recovery thereof. (4) An action for waste or trespass of real property. (5) An action upon a statute for a civil penalty or forfeiture. (6) An action against any officer of any government unit for the nonpayment of money or the nondelivery of property collected upon on execution or otherwise in his possession. (7) Any other action or proceeding to recover damages for injury to person or property which is founded on negligent, intentional, or otherwise tortious conduct or any other action or proceeding sounding in trespass, including deceit or fraud, except an action or proceeding subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-14 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 1,427 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Fine v. Checcio (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2005, 582 Pa. 253)“…ry judgment based on the two year statute of limitations in 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2). 1 In their respective…”
- Dalrymple v. Brown (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1997, 549 Pa. 217)“…g that the matter was barred by the statute of limitations, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, which provides that the causes of acti…”
- Anthony v. Koppers Co., Inc. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1981, 496 Pa. 119)“…ve June 27, 1978. See Section 5524(2) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2) (now providing a two year limitation…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Pennsylvania Assault Laws: Simple vs Aggravated Assault and Penalties, Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws: Tort Choice, PIP, and Your Claim
§ 5523One year limitationIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within one year: (1) An action for libel, slander or invasion of privacy. (2) An action upon a bond given as security by a party in any matter, except a bond given by a condemnor in an eminent domain proceeding. (3) An action upon any payment or performance bond.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 138 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Altoona Area School District v. Campbell (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 1992, 152 Pa. Commw. 131)“…nd Surety also relied on section 5523 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523, which states that an action upon a per…”
- Township of Indiana v. Acquisitions & Mergers, Inc. (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2001, 770 A.2d 364)“…ments subject to the one-year limitation period provided at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523. Alternatively, ComServ asserts that sh…”
- Hatfield Township v. Lexon Insurance Co. (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2011, 15 A.3d 547)“…ng that the statute of limitations for bond claims found at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523 does not apply? Standard of Review…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
§ 5525Four year limitationIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) General rule.--Except as provided for in subsection (b), the following actions and proceedings must be commenced within four years: (1) An action upon a contract, under seal or otherwise, for the sale, construction or furnishing of tangible personal property or fixtures. (2) Any action subject to 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 (relating to statute of limitations in contracts for sale). (3) An action upon an express contract not founded upon an instrument in writing. (4) An action upon a contract implied in law, except an action subject to another limitation specified in this subchapter. (5) An action upon a judgment or decree of any court of the United States or of any state. (6) An action upon any official bond of a public official, officer or employee. (7) An action upon a negotiable or nonnegotiable bond, note or other similar instrument in writing. Where such an instrument is payable upon demand, the time within which an action on it must be commenced shall be computed from the later of either demand or any payment of principal of or interest on the instrument.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 369 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Crouse v. Cyclops Industries (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2000, 560 Pa. 394)“…governed by the four-year limitations period articulated in 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 because, while this section enumerates…”
- Bailey v. Tucker (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1993, 533 Pa. 237)“…f his claim. Superior Court applied the four year period of 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(3), (4) (oral contract or contract impl…”
- Sevast v. Kakouras (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2007, 591 Pa. 44)“…r statute of limitations for this equitable action found at 42 Pa. C.S. § 5525. Id. Appellants timely filed a peti…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws: The Wage Garnishment Ban and Its Exact Exceptions, Wrongful Termination in Pennsylvania (2026): Laws and Deadlines
§ 5526Five year limitationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within five years: (1) An action for revival of a judgment lien on real property. (2) An action for specific performance of a contract for sale of real property or for damages for noncompliance therewith. (3) An action to enforce any equity of redemption or any implied or resulting trust as to real property. (4) (Deleted by amendment).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 44 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Church of Grace & Glory v. Commonwealth, Department of Transportation (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2013, 76 A.3d 101)“…ion that, pursuant to Section 5526(4) Of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5526(4), a petition for the appointment must…”
- Condemnation by the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County of Certain Land In Brownsville Borough, Being Property of: Alpha Financial Mortgage, Inc., its Successors and assigns v. Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2016, 152 A.3d 375)“…tates that: Notwithstanding the provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. §5526(4) (relating to five year…”
- Wyland v. Commonwealth, Department of Transportation (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2002, 799 A.2d 954)“…imitations appears in section 5526(4) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5526(4), (emphasis added) and provides: Th…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 5527Six year limitationIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Eminent domain.-- (1) (i) If a condemnor has filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. (relating to eminent domain) must be filed within six years from the date on which the condemnor first made payment in accordance with 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) or (b) (relating to possession, right of entry and payment of compensation). (ii) If payment is not required to be made under 26 Pa.C.S. § 307(a) to obtain possession, a petition for the appointment of viewers must be filed within six years of the filing of the declaration of taking. (2) If the condemnor has not filed a declaration of taking, a petition for the appointment of viewers for the assessment of damages under 26 Pa.C.S. must be filed within six years from the date on which the asserted taking, injury or destruction of the property occurred or could reasonably have been discovered by the condemnee.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 247 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bailey v. Tucker (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1993, 533 Pa. 237)“…d been signed, which might implicate the six year period of 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527(2), (6). Because in my view the action…”
- Gustine Uniontown Associates, Ltd. v. Anthony Crane Rental, Inc. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2004, 577 Pa. 14)“…atch-all,” six-year period of limitations, see 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527, or the more specific four-year limitat…”
- Packer Society Hill Travel Agency, Inc. v. Presbyterian University of Pennsylvania Medical Center (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 1993, 430 Pa. Super. 625)“…the applicable statute of limitations was that appearing in 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527. The application of the statute…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
§ 5529Twenty year limitationIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Execution against personal property.--An execution against personal property must be issued within 20 years after the entry of the judgment upon which the execution is to be issued. (b) Instruments under seal.-- (1) Notwithstanding section 5525(7) (relating to four year limitation), an action upon an instrument in writing under seal must be commenced within 20 years. (2) (Deleted by amendment).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Shearer v. Naftzinger (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2000, 560 Pa. 634)“…efore us is whether the statute of limitations set forth at 42 Pa. C.S. § 5529 constitutes a defense in a proceeding t…”
- Deek Investment, L.P. v. Murray, F. (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 2017 Pa. Super. 55)“…uant to Pa. Rule [of Civil Procedure] 3121(d) and 42 Pa.C.S. § 5529(a)? C. If the Superior Court de…”
- Township of Indiana v. Acquisitions & Mergers, Inc. (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2001, 770 A.2d 364)“…to the twenty (20) year statute of limitation set forth at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5529(b)(1). 13 The Township con…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 5530Twenty-one year limitationIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) General rule.--The following actions and proceedings must be commenced within 21 years: (1) Except as provided in section 5527.1 (relating to ten year limitation), an action for the possession of real property. (2) An action for the payment of any ground rent, annuity or other charge upon real property, or any part or portion thereof. If this paragraph shall operate to bar any payment of such a rent, annuity or charge, the rent, annuity or charge to which the payment relates shall be extinguished and no further action may be commenced with respect to subsequent payments. (3) (Deleted by amendment). (b) Entry upon land.--No entry upon real property shall toll the running of the period of limitation specified in subsection (a)(1), unless a possessory action shall be commenced therefor within one year after entry. Such an entry and commencement of a possessory action, without recovery therein, shall not toll the running of such period of limitation in respect of another possessory action, unless such other possessory action is commenced within one year after the termination of the first.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 5527.1
Cited in 29 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
In the courts (editorial summary, independently checked):Flowers applied the 21-year taking limit rather than the five-year property-injury limit. Croyle found ejectment timely and the limitations defense waived. Brennan recognized title after 21 years of owner-like use; unsuccessful or temporary interruptions did not break continuity.
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re Flowers (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 1999, 734 A.2d 69)✓Aircraft interference that substantially deprived the owners of their property’s use was treated as a taking. Their petition accrued around 1992 or 1993 and was timely under § 5530’s 21-year limit.
- Petsinger v. Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2010, 988 A.2d 748)“…governing every other conceivable action. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5530(a) (Pennsylvania’s longest actual statu…”
- Croyle v. Dellape (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2003, 2003 Pa. Super. 328)✓The owners sued well within 21 years after their neighbors recorded a quitclaim deed to the disputed street area. The court also held the neighbors waived the limitations defense by not pleading it as new matter.
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
§ 5551No limitation applicableIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A prosecution for the following offenses may be commenced at any time: (1) Murder. (2) Voluntary manslaughter. (3) Conspiracy to commit murder or solicitation to commit murder if a murder results from the conspiracy or solicitation. (4) Any felony alleged to have been perpetrated in connection with a murder of the first or second degree, as set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502(a) or (b) and (d) (relating to murder). (5) A violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742 (relating to accidents involving death or personal injury) or 3732 (relating to homicide by vehicle) if the accused was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the death of any person. (6) A violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(1), (2), (4) or (7) (relating to aggravated assault) if the accused knew the victim was a law enforcement officer and the law enforcement officer was acting within the scope of the officer's duties. (7) An offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. (relating to crimes and offenses), or a conspiracy or solicitation to commit an offense under any of the following provisions of 18 Pa.C.S.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 3122.1, § 3124.1
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Smith (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2011, 609 Pa. 605)“…of limitations had expired by the time of his trial. See 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5551-52. [14] According to Appellant, he co…”
- City of Phila. v. J.S., Aplts. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2026)“…3 The Majority 1 42 Pa.C.S. § 8542(b)(9). 2 42 Pa.C.S. § 5551(7). 3 Majority Opinion at 7-9 (citi…”
- L.F.V., a minor, by her legal guardians K. Varano & J. Varano v. S. Philadelphia H.S. & Philadelphia S.D. (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2025)“…Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault). 42 Pa.C.S. § 5551(7).…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 5552Other offensesIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, a prosecution for an offense must be commenced within two years after it is committed. (b) Major offenses.--A prosecution for any of the following offenses must be commenced within five years after it is committed: (1) Under the following provisions of Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses): Section 901 (relating to criminal attempt) involving attempt to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 902 (relating to criminal solicitation) involving solicitation to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 903 (relating to criminal conspiracy) involving conspiracy to commit murder where no murder occurs. Section 911 (relating to corrupt organizations). Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault). Section 2706 (relating to terroristic threats). Section 2713 (relating to neglect of care-dependent person). Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping). Section 3301 (relating to arson and related offenses). Section 3502 (relating to burglary). Section 3701 (relating to robbery).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cross-referenced in the statute itself: § 3122.1, § 3124.1
Cited in 114 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Goldhammer (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1985, 507 Pa. 236)“…that they were barred by a two-year statute of limitations. 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(a). 322 Pa.Super. 242 , 469 A.2d 6…”
- Commonwealth, Aplt. v. Rose, S. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2015, 633 Pa. 659)“…S. § 2501(a). The Commonwealth observes that, pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552, “[a]n offense is committed either when…”
- Commonwealth v. Johnson (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1989, 520 Pa. 165)“…effective in 60 days (“Act 122”), the legislature amended 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552 to extend the statute of limitations fo…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Audio Recording Laws: All-Party Consent Rules and Felony Penalties (2026)
§ 5553Summary offenses involving vehiclesIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 (relating to vehicles) must be commenced within 30 days after the commission of the alleged offense or within 30 days after the discovery of the commission of the offense or the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter. (b) Minor offenses.--(Deleted by amendment). (c) Exceptions.-- (1) Where proceedings are timely commenced against a person reasonably believed to have committed the summary offense or offenses charged and it subsequently appears that a person other than the person charged is the offender, proceedings may be commenced against the other person within 30 days after the identity of the person is discovered and not thereafter. (2) Proceedings for summary offenses under Title 75 may be commenced within 365 days after the commission of the offense, the discovery of the commission of the offense or the discovery of the identity of the offender, whichever is later, and not thereafter if the offense involved an accident resulting in the bodily injury or death of any person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 27 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Koch (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 1982, 297 Pa. Super. 350)“…tally without merit. [7] The thirty-day *359 limitation, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5553(a), [8] only applies to the institutio…”
- Commonwealth v. Stover (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1988, 372 Pa. Super. 35)“…limitations provided by Section 5553 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5553(e) 3 . This Court,…”
- Commonwealth v. Markley (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 1988, 375 Pa. Super. 231)“…offenses have been enacted by the legislature and appear at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5553(a), (b), and (c). Subsection (e) of the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 5554Tolling of statuteIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Except as provided by section 5553(e) (relating to disposition of proceedings within two years), the period of limitation does not run during any time when: (1) the accused is continuously absent from this Commonwealth or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work within this Commonwealth; (2) a prosecution against the accused for the same conduct is pending in this Commonwealth; or (3) a child is under 18 years of age, where the crime involves injuries to the person of the child caused by the wrongful act, or neglect, or unlawful violence, or negligence of the child's parents or by a person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 18 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Gerstner (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1995, 540 Pa. 116)“…acted the statute of limitations tolling provision found at 42 Pa.C.S. § 5554(3), it intended the same construction t…”
- Commonwealth v. Roberts (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2009, 2009 Pa. Super. 56)“…admissible. 6 . The 1985 amendment to 42 Pa. Cons.Stat. Ann. § 5554(3) tolled the statute of limitations fo…”
- Commonwealth v. Laskaris (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 1991, 407 Pa. Super. 440)“…ual has been absent from the Commonwealth. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5554(1). Laskaris has not alleged any…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 5533Infancy, insanity or imprisonmentIn forcecited in 6 of our articles
(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided by statute, insanity or imprisonment does not extend the time limited by this subchapter for the commencement of a matter. (b) Infancy.-- (1) (i) If an individual entitled to bring a civil action is an unemancipated minor at the time the cause of action accrues, the period of minority shall not be deemed a portion of the time period within which the action must be commenced. Such person shall have the same time for commencing an action after attaining majority as is allowed to others by the provisions of this subchapter. (ii) As used in this paragraph, the term "minor" shall mean any individual who has not yet attained 18 years of age. (2) (i) If an individual entitled to bring a civil action arising from sexual abuse is under 18 years of age at the time the cause of action accrues, the individual shall have a period of 37 years after attaining 18 years of age in which to commence an action for damages regardless of whether the individual files a criminal complaint regarding the sexual abuse.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 111 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Dalrymple v. Brown (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1997, 549 Pa. 217)“…ent, intentional, or otherwise tortious conduct.... . 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533 (1984) provides as follows: (b) Infan…”
- Fancsali v. University Health Center (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2000, 563 Pa. 439)“…the possibility that due to the "Minority Tolling Statute", 42 Pa. C.S. § 5533(b), the defendants would, for a conside…”
- LARTHEY BY LARTHEY v. Bland (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1987, 367 Pa. Super. 67)“…mmary judgment arguing that the tolling statute for minors, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b), applies to appellants’ case and tol…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
§ 5522Six months limitationIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(a) Notice prerequisite to action against government unit.-- (1) Within six months from the date that any injury was sustained or any cause of action accrued, any person who is about to commence any civil action or proceeding within this Commonwealth or elsewhere against a government unit for damages on account of any injury to his person or property under Chapter 85 (relating to matters affecting government units) or otherwise shall file in the office of the government unit, and if the action is against a Commonwealth agency for damages, then also file in the office of the Attorney General, a statement in writing, signed by or in his behalf, setting forth: (i) The name and residence address of the person to whom the cause of action has accrued. (ii) The name and residence address of the person injured. (iii) The date and hour of the accident. (iv) The approximate location where the accident occurred. (v) The name and residence or office address of any attending physician.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 164 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Witherspoon v. City of Philadelphia (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2001, 564 Pa. 388)“…n September 17, 1994. On March 15, 1995, in compliance with 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522, Witherspoon's counsel notified the Cit…”
- Township of Bensalem v. Moore (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 1993, 152 Pa. Commw. 540)“…ause this action is barred by the statute of limitations of 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(b)(1). Our standard of review in…”
- Lehigh Asphalt Paving & Construction Co. v. Board of Supervisors of East Penn Township (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2003, 830 A.2d 1063)“…ng that pursuant to the six-month statute of limitations in 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(b), applicable to an action against an…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Jury Duty Laws: Pay, Exemptions and Employer Rules
§ 5527.1Ten year limitationIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) Adverse possession.--Title to real property may be acquired after no less than 10 years of actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession of the real property. (b) Contiguous lots.-- (1) Where an additional lot abuts and is contiguous to real property and has been regularly used as part of and incident to the real property, a possessor who seeks to acquire title to real property under this section may also include the contiguous lot in the action to quiet title under subsection (c). (2) In order to acquire title to the contiguous lot, the possessor must show that: (i) The area of the contiguous lot as described by the metes and bounds does not exceed a total area of one-half acre when combined with the real property. (ii) The possessor has made actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession of the contiguous lot for a period of not less than 10 years.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- In Re: Order Adopting Rule 1065.1 of Pa Rules of Civil Procedure (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2019)“…property pursuant to Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. §5527.1. Note: Section 5527.1 o…”
- Brown, B. v. Est. of G. Boulden (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2025)“…provided notice of action to quiet title pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1(c), which requires the Plaintiff…”
- Irons, S. v, Lin, N. (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2024)“…I-K. 9 To the extent the trial court relied in any part on 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1(c), we note that such section is not a…”
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Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 13 (Commercial Code)
§ 2725Statute of limitations in contracts for saleIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) General rule.--An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it. (b) Accrual of cause of action.--A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered. (c) New action after termination of another.--Where an action commenced within the time limited by subsection (a) is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same breach such other action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 89 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Nationwide Insurance v. General Motors Corp. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1993, 533 Pa. 423)“…to future performance of the goods” to expand the reach of 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725(b). It is true that the adverb “explici…”
- Cucchi v. Rollins Protective Services Co. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1990, 524 Pa. 514)“…le 2, the applicable statute of limitations is set forth at 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 and provides as follows: (a) General…”
- Ranker v. Skyline Corp. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1985, 342 Pa. Super. 510)“…The applicable statute of limitations is found at 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 and provides as follows: (a) Gen…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses)
§ 3121RapeIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a felony of the first degree when the person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant: (1) By forcible compulsion. (2) By threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution. (3) Who is unconscious or where the person knows that the complainant is unaware that the sexual intercourse is occurring. (4) Where the person has substantially impaired the complainant's power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, drugs, intoxicants or other means for the purpose of preventing resistance. (5) Who suffers from a mental disability which renders the complainant incapable of consent. (6) (Deleted by amendment).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 932 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Walls (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2007, 592 Pa. 557)“…one count of rape of a victim less than thirteen years old, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121(6); one count of involuntary deviate se…”
- Commonwealth v. Muniz, J., Aplt. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 164 A.3d 1189)“…Id. at 979, citing Smith, 538 U.S. at 105. 11 18 Pa.C.S. §§3121, 3123.…”
- Commonwealth v. Rhodes (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1986, 510 Pa. 537)“…y rape and not because it was a forcible rape as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121. 332 Pa.Super. at 278 , 481 A.2d…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties, Reporting
§ 3122.1Statutory sexual assaultIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Felony of the second degree.--Except as provided in section 3121 (relating to rape), a person commits a felony of the second degree when that person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant to whom the person is not married who is under the age of 16 years and that person is either: (1) four years older but less than eight years older than the complainant; or (2) eight years older but less than 11 years older than the complainant. (b) Felony of the first degree.--A person commits a felony of the first degree when that person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant under the age of 16 years and that person is 11 or more years older than the complainant and the complainant and the person are not married to each other.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 233 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Muniz, J., Aplt. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 164 A.3d 1189)“…(2) 18 Pa.C.S. §3121 (relating to rape). (3) 18 Pa.C.S. §3122.1(b) (relating to statutory sexual assaul…”
- Commonwealth v. Albert (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2000, 563 Pa. 133)“…ent on the following four counts: statutory sexual assault, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse…”
- Commonwealth, Aplt. v. Shower, W. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2016, 637 Pa. 208)“…rcourse, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123(a)(7), statutory sexual assault, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1(a), and indecent assault, 18 Pa.C.S. §…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 3123Involuntary deviate sexual intercourseIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a felony of the first degree when the person engages in deviate sexual intercourse with a complainant: (1) by forcible compulsion; (2) by threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution; (3) who is unconscious or where the person knows that the complainant is unaware that the sexual intercourse is occurring; (4) where the person has substantially impaired the complainant's power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, drugs, intoxicants or other means for the purpose of preventing resistance; (5) who suffers from a mental disability which renders him or her incapable of consent; or (6) (Deleted by amendment). (7) who is less than 16 years of age and the person is four or more years older than the complainant and the complainant and person are not married to each other.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 680 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Walls (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2007, 592 Pa. 557)“…ercourse (IDSI) with a victim less than thirteen years old, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123(a)(6); and one count of incest. 18 Pa.C…”
- Commonwealth v. Muniz, J., Aplt. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 164 A.3d 1189)“…[J-121B-2016] - 24 (4) 18 Pa.C.S. §3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual…”
- Commonwealth, Aplt. v. Wolfe, M. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2016)“…nt and person are not married to each other.” 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123(a)(7). Based upon this conviction,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 3124.1Sexual assaultIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Except as provided in section 3121 (relating to rape) or 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse), a person commits a felony of the second degree when that person engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a complainant without the complainant's consent.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 235 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Muniz, J., Aplt. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 164 A.3d 1189)“…ting to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse). (5) 18 Pa.C.S. §3124.1 (relating to sexual assault). (6…”
- Commonwealth v. Kelley (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2002, 569 Pa. 179)“…digital penetration can sustain a charge of sexual assault, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1. 1 More- succinctly, we ex…”
- Commonwealth v. Gehris (Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania 2012, 618 Pa. 104)“…123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse). 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault). 18 Pa.C…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 911Corrupt organizationsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Findings of fact.--The General Assembly finds that: (1) organized crime is a highly sophisticated, diversified, and widespread phenomenon which annually drains billions of dollars from the national economy by various patterns of unlawful conduct including the illegal use of force, fraud, and corruption; (2) organized crime exists on a large scale within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, engaging in the same patterns of unlawful conduct which characterize its activities nationally; (3) the vast amounts of money and power accumulated by organized crime are increasingly used to infiltrate and corrupt legitimate businesses operating within the Commonwealth, together with all of the techniques of violence, intimidation, and other forms of unlawful conduct through which such money and power are derived; (4) in furtherance of such infiltration and corruption, organized crime utilizes and applies to its unlawful purposes laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conferring and relating to the privilege of engaging in various types of business and designed to insure that such businesses are conducted in furtherance of the public interest and the general economic welfare of the…
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Cited in 172 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Orlando (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2017, 2017 Pa. Super. 52)“…o the sale, and dispensing of narcotic drugs).” 18 Pa.C.S. § 911(h)(1)(ii). Cocaine is not a…”
- Commonwealth v. Rogal (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2015, 2015 Pa. Super. 148)“…cient ____________________________________________ 1 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 911, 903, 3922, 901, and 4117(b), respectiv…”
- Commonwealth v. Shaffer (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1999, 557 Pa. 453)“…for the Pennsylvania Corrupt Organizations Act (“the Act”), 18 Pa.C.S. § 911 et seq., to encompass only legitimate b…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 3921Theft by unlawful taking or dispositionIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Movable property.--A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof. (b) Immovable property.--A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers, or exercises unlawful control over, immovable property of another or any interest therein with intent to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 648 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Shiffler (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2005, 583 Pa. 478)“…8 Pa.C.S. § 3502(a). [2] 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(3). [3] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921(a). [4] 18 Pa.C.S. § 5104. [5] On…”
- Lehman v. Pennsylvania State Police (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2003, 576 Pa. 365)“…cluding second felony offense for theft by unlawful taking, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921). [3] "A party who proceeded before…”
- Commonwealth v. Singley (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2005, 582 Pa. 5)“…[4] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121. [5] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503. [6] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921. [7] 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(a). [8] We…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Theft Laws: Felony Threshold and Retail Theft (2026)
§ 3126Indecent assaultIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Offense defined.--A person is guilty of indecent assault if the person has indecent contact with the complainant, causes the complainant to have indecent contact with the person or intentionally causes the complainant to come into contact with seminal fluid, urine or feces for the purpose of arousing sexual desire in the person or the complainant and: (1) the person does so without the complainant's consent; (2) the person does so by forcible compulsion; (3) the person does so by threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution; (4) the complainant is unconscious or the person knows that the complainant is unaware that the indecent contact is occurring; (5) the person has substantially impaired the complainant's power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, drugs, intoxicants or other means for the purpose of preventing resistance; (6) the complainant suffers from a mental disability which renders the complainant incapable of consent; (7) the complainant is less than 13 years of age; or (8) the complainant is less than 16 years of age and the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 870 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Muniz, J., Aplt. (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2017)“…munities, shall be passed.” PA. CONST., art. I, §17. 2 See 18 Pa.C.S. §§3126(a)(1) (person is guilty of indecent ass…”
- Commonwealth v. Leatherby (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2015, 2015 Pa. Super. 90)“…Pa.C.S. § 4304(a). . 18 Pa.C.S. § 6301(a)(1). . 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126(a)(7). . Among the policy conside…”
- Commonwealth v. Meals (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2006, 590 Pa. 110)“…74, No. 18 (as amended), 42 Pa.C.S. § 9791 et seq. [2] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126(a)(1), (4) and (8). [3] 18 Pa.C.S. §…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 3933Unlawful use of computer (Repealed)Repealedcited in 2 of our articles
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Sebring (Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas, Monroe County 1996, 34 Pa. D. & C.4th 79)“…wo felonies — unlawful *82 use of computer — destroy data (18 Pa.C.S. §3933(a)(l)) and unlawful use of computer — a…”
- Com. v. Berry, M. (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2018)“…10 The appellant in McFadden was convicted of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3933, unlawful use of a computer, which was…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 (Vehicles)
§ 3732Homicide by vehicleIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Offense.--Any person who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any law of this Commonwealth or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or to the regulation of traffic except section 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) is guilty of homicide by vehicle, a felony of the third degree, when the violation is the cause of death. (b) Sentencing.-- (1) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) may be sentenced to an additional term not to exceed five years' confinement if at trial the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the offense occurred in an active work zone.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 180 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Comer (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1998, 552 Pa. 527)“…lation, which relates to the operation or use of a vehicle. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3732. The elements of involuntary manslaught…”
- Commonwealth v. Heck (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 1987, 517 Pa. 192)“…e first degree, when the violation is the cause of death. 75 Pa.C.S. 3732, Act of June 17, 1976, P.L. 162, No. 81…”
- Commonwealth v. Matroni (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2007, 2007 Pa. Super. 110)“…ath of Ms. Story and specifically with homicide by vehicle, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3732(a), which states: Any person who reck…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania's 'Paul Miller's Law' Takes Effect: Handheld Phones Now Banned Behind the Wheel
§ 3742Accidents involving death or personal injuryIn forcecited in 5 of our articles
(a) General rule.--The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until he has fulfilled the requirements of section 3744 (relating to duty to give information and render aid). Every stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. (a.1) Highly automated vehicles.--If a vehicle under subsection (a) is a highly automated vehicle operating with an ADS engaged or without a highly automated vehicle driver on board, the requirements of this section are satisfied if the highly automated vehicle stops at the scene of an accident or as close thereto as is safely possible and remains at the scene until the requirements of section 3744 have been fulfilled. (b) Penalties.-- (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 87 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Druce (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2004, 577 Pa. 581)“…hought he hit a sign and contested the constitutionality of 75 Pa. C.S. 3742(a). Judge Kleinfelter merely commented…”
- Commonwealth v. Woosnam (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2003, 2003 Pa. Super. 99)“…an accident involving death or personal injury of a person, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3742, if she knew or should have known that…”
- Com. v. Warunek, J. (Superior Court of Pennsylvania 2022, 279 A.3d 52)“…pen plea to one count of leaving the scene of an accident (75 Pa.C.S. § 3742(a)). During the plea colloquy, War…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Hit and Run Laws in the United States (2026 Guide), Pennsylvania Hit and Run Laws: Statutes, Penalties, and Defenses
Explore the law
The laws cited above reference these related sections in their own text:
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 (Vehicles) § 3316.1 — Prohibiting use of interactive mobile device view in our statute record · read at the official source
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
Sources and References
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 - Two Year Limitation(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 - Four Year Limitation(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523 - One Year Limitation(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527 - Six Year Limitation(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5529 - Twenty Year Limitation(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5551 - No Limitation (Murder)(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552 - Other Offenses(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5553 - Summary Offenses(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- Title 42 Chapter 55 - Limitation of Time (Full Chapter)(legis.state.pa.us).gov
- Act 87 of 2019 - Statute of Limitations Reform Fact Sheet(pcar.org)
- Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate - Statute of Limitations Position Paper(pa.gov).gov
- 13 Pa.C.S. § 2725 - Statute of Limitations in Contracts for Sale (UCC)(law.justia.com)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5522 - Six Months Limitation (notice to government units)(www.palegis.us)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5526 - Five Year Limitation (revival of judgment lien)(www.palegis.us)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1 - Ten Year Limitation (adverse possession)(www.palegis.us)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5530 - Twenty One Year Limitation(www.palegis.us)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 5533 - Infancy, Insanity or Imprisonment (civil sexual abuse deadlines)(www.palegis.us)
- 18 Pa.C.S. § 7611 - Unlawful Use of Computer and Other Computer Crimes (successor to repealed § 3933)(www.palegis.us)