PennDOT MV-918 Distracted Driving Awareness Plate – The Distracted Driving Awareness registration plate is a specialty license plate issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). It allows vehicle owners to show visible support for road safety while helping fund public education and outreach programs that highlight the dangers of distracted driving.
About PennDOT Form MV-918
Form MV-918 is the official application used to request a Distracted Driving Awareness registration plate. The current version is designated MV-918 (3-25). Applicants use this form to request either a standard plate (code LE) or a motorcycle plate (code LJ).
You can download the official, fillable PDF directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website:
Download PennDOT Form MV-918 (PDF)
Eligibility Requirements for the Distracted Driving Awareness Plate
According to both the statute and Form MV-918 instructions, the plate is available for the following vehicles:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds
- Motorcycles
- Motor homes
The vehicle’s registration must be current. If registration has expired or will expire within the next three months, applicants must also submit Form MV-140 or Form MV-105 along with the appropriate renewal fee.
Any person may apply. There is no requirement that the applicant be a victim of a distracted driving crash or belong to a specific organization.
Fees and Costs
PennDOT’s current fee schedule (Form MV-70S) lists the following charges for the Distracted Driving Awareness plate:
- First-time issuance fee: $40 (in addition to the regular registration fee)
- First-time issuance with personalization: $176
Payment must be made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Cash is not accepted. No refund is issued if an applicant cancels the request after the plate has been ordered or issued.
An additional $2 fee applies for each duplicate registration card requested.
For the most up-to-date fee information, always refer to the current Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (MV-70S).
How to Apply for the MV-918 Plate?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Download and complete Form MV-918 accurately. Information must match the vehicle’s current registration card exactly.
- Indicate whether you want the standard plate (LE) or motorcycle plate (LJ).
- If the vehicle is leased, check the appropriate box.
- Complete the optional personalization section if desired (additional fee required).
- Sign and date the application. Co-owners must also sign.
- Include a check or money order for the correct fee.
- Mail the completed application and payment to the address listed below.
Applicants should retain their current registration plate until the new specialty plate arrives.
Personalization Options
Personalized versions of the Distracted Driving Awareness plate are available:
- Standard plate: Up to five letters and/or numbers. A pre-printed “DA” configuration appears before your chosen characters and cannot be changed.
- Motorcycle plate: Up to three letters and/or numbers, also preceded by “DA”.
Only one hyphen or one space is permitted (not both). Special characters are not allowed. Use “0” for the number zero. PennDOT reserves the right to reject any requested combination.
You may list up to three choices in order of preference. Personalized plates typically take 8–10 weeks for delivery. Availability can be checked on the PennDOT website under Driver and Vehicle Services > Registration Plates.
Where to Mail Your Application?
Send the completed Form MV-918 and payment to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Special Tag Unit
P.O. Box 67900
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7900
After receiving your new plate, return the old plate to the Return Tag Unit at P.O. Box 68597, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8597, to avoid potential citation issues.
Why Support Distracted Driving Awareness in Pennsylvania?
Distracted driving remains a significant safety concern on Pennsylvania roads. According to PennDOT data, distracted driving contributed to thousands of crashes and dozens of fatalities in recent years. While overall traffic deaths reached a historic low in 2025, distracted driving fatalities still occurred, and officials note that such crashes are often underreported.
In response, Pennsylvania enacted Paul Miller’s Law (effective June 5, 2025), which prohibits the use of handheld interactive mobile devices while driving as a primary offense. After an initial warning period, fines began on June 5, 2026.
Purchasing the Distracted Driving Awareness plate directly supports PennDOT’s education and outreach efforts aimed at reducing these preventable crashes.
Related Distracted Driving Resources
Pennsylvania drivers can learn more about current laws and safety campaigns on the official PennDOT Distracted Driving page:
PennDOT Distracted Driving Information
Additional official resources include:
- Personalized and Specialty Registration Plates
- PennDOT Contact Information (Customer service: 717-412-5300)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Distracted Driving Awareness plate still available?
Yes. The statutory expiration date was removed in 2024, making the plate permanent.
Can I get the plate for a truck over 14,000 pounds?
No. The plate is limited to passenger cars, trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less, motorcycles, and motor homes.
Does the $40 fee renew my registration?
No. The fee is in addition to the regular registration fee and covers only the specialty plate.
How long does it take to receive the plate?
Standard specialty plates generally take several weeks. Personalized plates typically require 8–10 weeks.
Where can I get the most current version of Form MV-918?
Always download the form directly from the official Pennsylvania government website to ensure you have the latest revision.
Official Download and Next Steps
Ready to apply? Download the official application form now:
Download Form MV-918 – Application for Distracted Driving Awareness Registration Plate (PDF)
For complete fee details and other motor vehicle forms, visit the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/dmv.
By displaying the Distracted Driving Awareness plate, Pennsylvania drivers help promote safer roads while contributing to ongoing public education efforts across the Commonwealth.