The Short Answer

Possibly, but only in limited circumstances—and you should be cautious before doing it. Under Pennsylvania law, a deceased owner’s vehicle may be operated by or for an heir or the personal representative for a limited period, but issues like valid registration, insurance coverage, and who has legal authority over the car can quickly create risk if the estate has not been opened or the title/registration has not been handled correctly.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

In Pennsylvania, a decedent’s vehicle is generally treated as part of the decedent’s personal property. That means the person with legal authority to control and manage it is typically the estate’s personal representative (executor/administrator), not simply a family member who has the keys. Pennsylvania law also has a specific rule that can allow operation of the vehicle after the owner’s death for a limited time, but it is tied to the vehicle’s registration status and renewal in the estate’s name.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is 75 Pa.C.S. § 1315.

This statute establishes that when a vehicle’s owner is deceased, the vehicle may be operated by or for an heir or the personal representative for the remainder of the current registration period and the next registration period, as long as the registration is renewed in the name of the decedent’s estate as required.

Related estate authority issues often turn on who is the personal representative and who has the right to possess estate property. Pennsylvania law provides that legal title to a decedent’s personal property passes to the personal representative, and the personal representative has the right to take possession and administer the decedent’s personal property. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 301(a) and 20 Pa.C.S. § 3311.

For a deeper discussion of vehicle transfers through an estate, you may find this helpful: What documents are needed to transfer a vehicle title after a death in Pennsylvania?

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to your specific situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Authority to possess the car: If no personal representative has been appointed yet, driving the vehicle can create disputes among heirs and complications for the estate, because Pennsylvania law generally places control of personal property with the personal representative. See 20 Pa.C.S. § 301(a).
• Registration and insurance problems: Even if operation is permitted under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1315, an out-of-state trip can expose you to coverage denials or liability issues if the policy/insured driver/garaging information is not aligned with the post-death situation.
• Title and transfer requirements: Pennsylvania has separate rules for transferring title when ownership passes by operation of law, and the correct paperwork can depend on whether there is a will, whether probate is opened, and who is entitled to receive the vehicle. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 1114.

Trying to “just drive it down” can backfire if there is an accident, a traffic stop, a family dispute, or a later challenge about who had permission to take the vehicle. A probate attorney can quickly evaluate who has legal authority, how to protect the estate, and how to avoid personal liability.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.