CHAPTER 300. CIVIL ACTION Rule
301. Definition; Scope.
302. Venue.
303. Commencement of the Action.
304. Form of Complaint.
305. Setting the Date for Hearing; Delivery for Service; Notice to Defendant; Form.
306. Numbering and Filing of Complaints.
307. Service of the Complaint.
308. Service Upon Individuals.
309. Service Upon Partnerships.
310. Service Upon Corporations.
311. Service Upon Unincorporated Associations.
312. Service on a Political Subdivision.
313. Service Outside the Commonwealth.
314. Return, Waiver and Failure of Service; Reinstatement.
315. Claim by Defendant.
316. Amendment to Complaint.
317. [Rescinded].
318. Informing Plaintiff of Notice of Intention to Defend.
319. Failure of a Party to Appear at the Hearing.
320. [Rescinded].
320. Request to Withdraw Complaint; Settlement.
321. Hearings and Evidence.
322. Judgment.
323. Judgment—Payment in Installments.
324. Notice of Judgment or Dismissal and the Right to Appeal.
325. [Renumbered].
SATISFACTION OF MONEY JUDGMENTS
341. Request for Entry of Satisfaction; Service; Entry of Satisfaction.
342. Failure of Judgment Creditor to Enter Satisfaction; Supplementary Action.
350. Appeals from Civil Traffic Violations.
351. [Rescinded].
381. Acts of Assembly Suspended.
382. Acts of Assembly Not Suspended.Explanatory Note
In drafting these rules, the guiding policy was to provide a framework, insofar as the Pennsylvania constitutional system would permit, for a modern, workable small claims procedure, realizing that many magisterial district judges would not be lawyers and that members of the public using the system would be largely unrepresented by legal counsel. Thus, an attempt was made throughout these rules to achieve simplicity of phraseology, uncomplicated administration and as much standardization in the handling of civil actions by magisterial district judges as is possible.
Rule 301. Definition; Scope.
(a) As used in this chapter, ‘‘action’’ means a civil action brought before a magisterial district judge.
(b) Civil action includes any action within the jurisdiction of a magisterial district judge except an action by a landlord against a tenant for the recovery of the possession of real property.
(c) As used in this chapter, ‘‘complaint’’ or civil action shall include, where applicable, the attached and completed Civil Action Hearing Notice form.
Comment: Civil action includes actions formerly denominated ‘‘assumpsit’’ or ‘‘trespass’’ (commonly called contract and tort cases, respectively) and civil claims for fines and penalties. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3) prescribing the jurisdiction of magisterial district judges.
The rules in this chapter apply to all civil actions before magisterial district judges except an action by a landlord against a tenant for the recovery of possession of real property, which is governed by Chapter 500 of these rules.
Except as otherwise provided in Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 350, the rules in this chapter apply to de novo appeals filed pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4), relating to automated work zone speed enforcement violations, and 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(i.4), relating to civil violations for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red signal lights and an activated side stop signal arm.
Statutes authorizing a civil fine or penalty include 53 P.S. § § 10617.1 and 10817-A relating to violations of zoning and joint municipal zoning ordinances.
Historical Commentary The following commentary is historical in nature and represents statements of the Committee at the time of rulemaking:
EXPLANATORY COMMENT—1992 As a result of the computerization of the District Justice offices throughout the Unified Judicial System, the Civil Action Hearing Notice form has been promulgated by Judicial Computer Services (Statewide Automation). Rule 301 recognizes the adoption of the Civil Action Hearing Notice form.
Source The provisions of this Rule 301 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended September 18, 1990, effective immediately, 20 Pa.B. 5042; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended April 12, 2022, effective October 1, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2357; amended February 10, 2023, effective April 11, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 1057; amended May 22, 2024, effective August 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3147. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (413457) to (413458).
Rule 302. Venue.
A. An action against an individual may be brought in and only in a magisterial district where:
(1) the individual may be served, or
(2) the cause of action arose, or
(3) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose.
B. An action against a partnership may be brought in and only in a magisterial district where:
(1) the partnership regularly conducts business, or
(2) the cause of action arose, or
(3) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose.
C. Except as otherwise provided by an Act of Assembly or by subdivision D of this rule, an action against a corporation or similar entity may be brought in and only in a magisterial district where:
(1) its registered office or principal place of business is located, or
(2) it regularly conducts business, or
(3) the cause of action arose, or
(4) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose.
D. An action upon a policy of insurance against an insurance company, association or exchange, either incorporated or organized in Pennsylvania or doing business in this Commonwealth, may be brought in a magisterial district:
(1) designated in subdivision C of this rule, or
(2) where the insured property is located, or
(3) where the plaintiff resides, in actions upon policies of life, accident, health, disability, and live stock insurance or fraternal benefit certificates.
E. An action against an unincorporated association may be brought in and only in a magisterial district where:
(1) the association regularly conducts business or any association activity, or
(2) the cause of action arose, or
(3) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the cause of action arose.
F. An action against a political subdivision may be brought in and only in a magisterial district the whole or part of which is located in the political subdivision.
G. A transaction or occurrence which took place on a roadway, highway, railway or body of water designated as a boundary between magisterial districts shall be considered to have taken place in any of the magisterial districts so bounded.
H. The magisterial district judge or the defendant may raise improper venue at any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing. If the magisterial district judge finds that venue is improper and there is a court of proper venue within Pennsylvania, the complaint shall not be dismissed but may be transferred to the court having proper venue.
Comment: This rule combines, with some minor changes, the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure relating to venue. See:
(1) Individuals: Pa.R.Civ.P. 1006(a).
(2) Partnerships: Pa.R.Civ.P. 2130(a).
(3) Corporations: Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a).
(4) Insurance Policies: Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(b).
(5) Unincorporated Associations: Pa.R.Civ.P. 2156(a).
(6) Political Subdivisions: Pa.R.Civ.P. 2103(b).
This rule is not intended to repeal special statutory venue provisions, such as the: (1) venue provisions for actions involving installment sales of goods and services, 12 Pa.C.S. § 6307; (2) venue provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692i, pertaining to actions brought by debt collectors against consumers; and (3) venue provisions for appeals from automated work zone speed enforcement violations, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4) and from civil violations for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red signal lights and an activated side stop signal arm, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(i.4). See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 382(1) (pertaining to Acts of Assembly providing for special venue provisions that are not suspended).
For a definition of ‘‘transaction or occurrence,’’ see Craig v. W.J. Thiele & Sons, Inc., 149 A.2d 35 (Pa. 1959).
Subdivision G is intended to take care of indistinct, ‘‘center line’’ or other confusing boundaries in the respects mentioned. When a complaint is transferred under subdivision H, it is treated as if originally filed in the transferee court on the date first filed in a court. If service of the complaint has already been made, no new service may be necessary, but the transferee court must set a new date, time and place for the new hearing and notify the parties thereof. It is the intent of this rule that cases may be transferred to any Pennsylvania court with appropriate jurisdiction and venue, including the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Likewise, nothing in this rule prohibits a court other than a magisterial district court from transferring a case to a magisterial district court with proper jurisdiction and venue, in accordance with the procedural rules of the transferring court. The jurisdictional limits of the magisterial district courts and the Philadelphia Municipal Court are governed by 42 Pa.C.S. § § 1515 and 1123, respectively.
There are no costs for transfer of the complaint and no additional filing costs when a case is transferred from one magisterial district court to another magisterial district court. There are no additional filing costs when a case is transferred from the Philadelphia Municipal Court to a magisterial district court.
There may be additional service costs when a case is transferred.
Source The provisions of this Rule 302 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended July 3, 2003, effective January 1, 2004, 33 Pa.B. 3491; amended April 12, 2022, effective October 1, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2357; amended February 10, 2023, effective April 11, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 1057; amended May 22, 2024, effective August 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3147. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (413458) to (413460).
Rule 303. Commencement of the Action.
An action shall be commenced by the filing of a complaint.
Official Note
This rule does not permit the commencement of an action by summons.
Source The provisions of this Rule 303 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (21150).
Rule 304. Form of Complaint.
A. The complaint shall be made in writing on a form prescribed by the State Court Administrator.
B. The complaint shall set forth:
(1) The names and addresses of the parties.
(2) The amount claimed.
(3) A brief and concise statement of the facts upon which the claim is based including:
(a) the date, time and place of the occurrence and a brief description of the damages sustained when the claim alleges tortious conduct; or
(b) the date of the transaction and a brief description of the subject matter when the claim is contractual;
(c) the date and description of the occurrence when the claim is for a civil fine or penalty and the citation to the statute authorizing the claim.
(4) Such other information as shall be required on the complaint form.
C. The complaint shall be signed by the plaintiff or plaintiff’s agent and verified as follows:
The facts set forth in this complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. This statement is made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
SignatureD. For every individual defendant, the plaintiff or plaintiff’s agent shall attach an affidavit to the complaint indicating that the defendant is in the military service, that the defendant is not in the service, or that the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in the service.
Official Note
Rule 304 is designed to promote uniformity, simplification of procedure, and better access by the public to the judicial services of magisterial district judges. The use of a form will help to accomplish this purpose and will also provide easier statistical and other administrative control by the Supreme Court. The filings required by this rule are subject to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. See Rule 217.
A civil action that alleges tortious conduct was formerly called an action in trespass. A civil action in which the claim is contractual was formerly called an action in assumpsit.
Subdivision D requires the plaintiff to affirm if the defendant is or is not in the military service, or if the defendant’s military service status is unknown. This information is required to ensure that an eligible defendant receives the protections afforded by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. § § 3901 et seq. The affidavit shall be made in writing on a form prescribed by the State Court Administrator.
Source The provisions of the Rule 304 amended December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended September 18, 1990, effective immediately, 20 Pa.B. 5042; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3581; amended April 17, 2020, effective September 1, 2020, 50 Pa.B. 2252. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309522) and (392785).
Rule 305. Setting the Date for Hearing; Delivery for Service; Notice to Defendant; Form.
The magisterial district judge, at the time the complaint is filed, shall:
(a) Set a hearing date which shall be not less than 12 or more than 60 days from the date the complaint is filed.
(b) Insert the hearing time and date and the address of the magisterial district court in the complaint form.
(c) Deliver a copy of the complaint form with hearing time and date thereon to the plaintiff.
(d) Deliver a copy of the complaint form with hearing time and date thereon for service on the defendant as hereinafter set forth, which copy shall contain the following notice:
Notice to Defendant
You have been sued in court. If you wish to appear at the hearing and defend against the claims set forth in the complaint, you should notify the court in writing. You may give notice by completing the enclosed Notice of Intent to Defend form and returning it to the court. Alternatively, you may send the court a signed statement identical in content to the enclosed form. If you do not intend to dispute this claim, you do not need to appear in court and a judgment may be entered against you in your absence.
If you give written notice of intent to defend and attend the hearing, but the plaintiff does not appear at the hearing, then the magisterial district judge will enter judgment in your favor or continue the case for cause. If you do not give written notice of intent to defend and attend the hearing, but the plaintiff does not appear at the hearing, the magisterial district judge will continue the case. If you do not appear at the hearing, either a judgment will be entered against you or the case will be continued for cause. If a judgment is entered against you, you may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
If you have a claim against the plaintiff that is within magisterial district court jurisdiction and that you intend to assert at the hearing, you must file it on a complaint form at this office at least five days before the date set for the hearing. No claim by the defendant will be permitted in a supplementary action filed for failure of a judgment creditor to enter satisfaction.
If you need information about hiring a lawyer to represent you in this matter, contact either your county bar association or legal services agency.
(e) The copy of the complaint form delivered for service upon the defendant shall be accompanied by the Notice of Intent to Defend form prescribed by the State Court Administrator.
Comment: The 60-day limitation in subdivision (a) was considered to provide sufficient time in which to effect service under the requirement of Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 307 that service be made at least ten days before the hearing. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 314E as to reinstatement of complaints dismissed because of lack of service. The copies required in subdivisions (c) and (d) are provided by the Magisterial District Judge Automated System.
Subdivision (d) sets forth the notice that must be provided to a defendant with a complaint, advising the defendant to notify the court if the defendant intends to appear at the hearing, the consequences of failing to appear at the hearing, and the right of the defendant to file a cross-complaint against the plaintiff within magisterial district court jurisdiction. The defendant must notify the court of his or her intention to defend against the complaint in order for the defendant to obtain judgment be-cause of the plaintiff’s failure to appear. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 319A.
See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 315 (procedures for filing a cross-complaint); but see Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 342B(2) (prohibiting a defendant from filing a cross-complaint in a supplementary action).
The Notice of Intent to Defend form referenced in subdivision (e) shall be included with the complaint served on the defendant. It provides a convenient method for the defendant to advise the court that he or she intends to appear at the hearing and defend against the claims set forth in the complaint. Alternatively, the defendant may give the court a signed statement identical in content to the form provided by the court.
Historical Commentary The following commentary is historical in nature and represents statements of the Committee at the time of rulemaking:
EXPLANATORY COMMENT—1992 The Note to Rule 305 recognizes that forms generated by the District Justice Automation Project may be provided to parties for their convenience at the discretion of the District Justice.
Source The provisions of this Rule 305 amended November 21, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 3020; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended April 5, 2002, effective July 1, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2206; amended April 25, 2024, effective January 1, 2025, 54 Pa.B. 2482. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (401699) to (401700).
Rule 306. Numbering and Filing of Complaints.
The magisterial district judge shall retain the original of the complaint. Complaints shall be numbered consecutively in order of filing, annually, and shall be filed as prescribed by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania. Complaints filed in the case by a defendant shall take the same number as the plaintiff’s complaint.
Official Note
It was felt that this rule contained all the provisions concerning office procedures that should be required by rule. The Court Administrator of Pennsylvania publishes the Magisterial District Judge Automated Office Clerical Procedures Manual that prescribes uniform filing, record keeping and other office procedures.
The phrase ‘‘[c]omplaints filed in the case by a defendant’’ includes cross-complaints filed pursuant to Rule 315 and supplementary actions filed pursuant to Rule 342.
Source The provisions of Rule 306 amended April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (281650).
Rule 307. Service of the Complaint.
Service shall be made at least ten days before the hearing, in the following manner:
(1) A copy of the complaint for each defendant shall be delivered by the magisterial district judge for service to the sheriff of, or any certified constable in, the county in which the magisterial district of the magisterial district judge is situated. If this service is not available to the magisterial district judge, service may be made by any certified constable of the Commonwealth. If the complaint is delivered for service to the sheriff and service is to be made in a county other than the one in which the magisterial district of the magisterial district judge is situated, the sheriff shall deputize the sheriff of the county in which service is to be made. A certified constable may serve the complaint anywhere in the Commonwealth.
(2) If service is to be made in a county other than the one in which the magisterial district judge’s magisterial district is situated, the magisterial district judge, instead of acting in accordance with subdivision (1), may:
(a) send the copy of the complaint for service to a magisterial district judge in the county in which service is to be made who shall deliver it for service to the sheriff of, or any certified constable in, that county. If this service is not available to the magisterial district judge, service may be made by any certified constable of the Commonwealth, or
(b) if service is to be made in Philadelphia, send the copy of the complaint for service to the Court Administrator of the Philadelphia Municipal Court who shall deliver it for service to a writ server of that court or to the sheriff of Philadelphia.
(3) When service by mail is permitted by the rules in this chapter, it shall be at the option of the plaintiff and shall be made by the magisterial district judge by certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form. Such service may be made to any place in or outside the Commonwealth.
Official Note
This rule provides a number of alternative methods of serving the complaint. Subdivision (1) permits a certified constable to serve the complaint anywhere in the Commonwealth and authorizes deputized service by sheriffs. Subparagraph (2)(a) permits service out of the county through magisterial district judges in the county in which service is to be made, a method of service which might be preferable to service under subdivision (1) by a certified constable of the county where the complaint was filed when that county is a considerable distance from the county of service. Subparagraph (2)(b) provides for service in Philadelphia by writ servers of the Philadelphia Municipal Court or by the sheriff of Philadelphia, although service may still be made in accordance with subdivision (1) if the magisterial district judge so desires. Subdivision (3) makes service by mail, when permitted, at the option of the plaintiff. This was done because service by mail will ordinarily reduce costs.
Source The provisions of this Rule 307 amended January 29, 1976, effective in 30 days, 6 Pa.B. 361; amended April 25, 1979, effective in 30 days, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended July 16, 2001, effective August 1, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 4055; amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309524) to (309525).
Rule 308. Service Upon Individuals.
Service of the complaint upon an individual defendant shall be made:
(1) by handing a copy to the defendant, or
(2) by handing a copy:
(a) to an adult member of the defendant’s family at his residence, but if no adult member of the family is found, then to an adult person in charge of such residence, or
(b) to the clerk or manager of a hotel, inn, apartment house, boarding house or other place of lodging at which the defendant resides, or
(c) at any office or usual place of business of the defendant to his agent or to the person for the time being in charge thereof, or
(3) by mailing a copy to the defendant by certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form. The return receipt shall show the signature of the defendant or those persons designated in subdivision (2) of this rule. If the signature on the return receipt is that of any persons designated in subdivision (2) of this rule, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is shown, that the signer was an agent of the defendant.
Official Note
Compare Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 402—403. Subdivisions (1), (2) and (3) are not intended to be preferential in the order of their numbering.
Source The provisions of this Rule 308 amended March 26, 1975, effective March 31, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 717; amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309525) to (309526).
Rule 309. Service Upon Partnerships.
Service of the complaint upon a partnership shall be made:
(1) by handing a copy to a partner, manager, clerk or other person for the time being in charge, at any regular place of business of the partnership, or
(2) on a partner in the same manner as an individual if there is no regular place of business, or
(3) by mailing, via certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form, a copy to the regular place of business of the partnership. The return receipt shall show that the complaint was received by the partnership.
Official Note
Compare Pa.R.C.P. No. 423.
Source The provisions of this Rule 309 amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (309526).
Rule 310. Service Upon Corporations.
Service of the complaint upon a corporation or similar entity shall be made:
(1) on an executive officer, partner or trustee of the corporation, or
(2) on an agent or person for the time being in charge of, and only at, any office or usual place of business of the corporation, or
(3) on an agent authorized by appointment to receive service of process, or
(4) by mailing, via certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form, a copy to the regular place of business of the corporation. The return receipt shall show that the complaint was received by the corporation or similar entity.
Official Note
Compare Pa.R.C.P. No. 424.
Source The provisions of this Rule 310 amended December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (309526).
Rule 311. Service Upon Unincorporated Associations.
Service of the complaint upon an unincorporated association shall be made upon the manager, clerk or other person for the time being in charge of any place where such association regularly conducts any business or association activity, provided the person served is not a plaintiff in the action.
Official Note
Compare Pa. R.C.P. No. 2157(a). Service by mail is not allowed under this rule because of the irregularity of operation of many unincorporated associations.
Rule 312. Service on a Political Subdivision.
As used in this rule, ‘‘political subdivision’’ means any county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, school district, vocational school district, county institution district or municipal or other local authority.
Service of the complaint upon a political subdivision shall be made:
(1) by handing a copy to an agent duly authorized by the political subdivision to receive service of process, or to the mayor, or to the president, chairman, secretary or clerk of the tax levying body thereof, or
(2) in counties where there is no tax levying body by handing a copy to the chairman or clerk of the board of county commissioners, or
(3) by mailing, via certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form, a copy to the office of the political subdivision. The return receipt shall show that the complaint was received by the political subdivision.
Official Note
Compare Pa.R.C.P. No. 422. The definition of ‘‘political subdivision’’ is derived from Pa.R.C.P. No. 76.
Source The provisions of this Rule 312 amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309526) and (370067).
Rule 313. Service Outside the Commonwealth.
When service of the complaint is to be made upon a defendant outside the Commonwealth, it shall be made:
(1) by delivery in the manner prescribed by Rule 308, 309, 310 or 311, whichever is applicable, by a Pennsylvania sheriff or constable or by any adult, other than the plaintiff designated by the magisterial district judge or
(2) by certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form as provided by Rule 308, 309 or 310, whichever is applicable;
(a) if the mail is returned with a notation by the postal authorities or commercial carrier that receipt was refused, then the magisterial district judge may serve the complaint by sending a copy of the complaint by ordinary mail to the same address with the return address on the envelope. Service by ordinary mail is complete if the mail is not returned to the sender within fifteen days after the mailing; or
(b) if the mail is returned with a notation by the postal authorities or commercial carrier that it was unclaimed, the plaintiff shall make service by another means pursuant to these rules, or
(3) in the manner provided or prescribed by the law of the place in which service is to be made for service in that place in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction.
Official Note
See the Judicial Code, § 5322, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5322 (as amended by § 10(61) of the Judiciary Act Repealer Act, Act of April 28, 1978, P. L. 202, No. 53) and § 5329(1), 42 Pa.C.S. § 5329(1), as to the basis of personal jurisdiction over persons outside the Commonwealth. The magisterial district judge may designate any Pennsylvania sheriff or constable to make service under subdivision (1), but such service should not be attempted if it would be offensive to the jurisdiction in which service is to be made. See Uniform Interstate and International Procedures Act, § 2.02, Commissioners’ Comment, 13 Uniform Laws Annotated 297. Alternatively, the magisterial district judge may designate any adult other than the plaintiff to make service under subdivision (1). Although the magisterial district judge may not designate the plaintiff as the person to make such service, the plaintiff may suggest to the magisterial district judge the name of a person to make service. If service is made by ordinary mail under subdivision (2), the magisterial district judge shall note that fact on the docket with the remark that a sufficient time having elapsed the ordinary mail was not returned. The magisterial district judge shall attach to the original complaint form the returned certified or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form with the notation by the postal authorities or commercial carrier that the defendant refused to accept it. If service is to be made under subdivision (3), the magisterial district judge may send the service copy of the complaint to an appropriate official of the jurisdiction in which service is to be made. If service is made under subdivisions (1) or (3), proof of service may be made on the form provided under Rule 314A with such alterations as may be necessary or in any manner provided by the law of the jurisdiction in which the service is made for proof of service in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction. Compare Pa.R.C.P. No. 404.
Source The provisions of this Rule 313 amended December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended December 6, 1999, effective July 1, 2000, 29 Pa.B. 6467; amended February 5, 2001, effective immediately, 31 Pa.B. 926; amended December 20, 2013, effective February 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 13; amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (370067) to (370068).
Rule 314. Return, Waiver and Failure of Service; Reinstatement.
A. The person serving the complaint shall, at or before the time of the hearing, make proof of service which shall show (1) the manner of service, (2) the date, time, and place of service and, (3) the name and relationship or title, if any, of the person on whom the complaint was served. The proof of service shall be filed with the original complaint.
B. When service is made by certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form, the return receipt shall be filed with the original complaint.
C. The appearance of a defendant in person or by representative or the filing by a defendant of a claim in the case shall be deemed a waiver of any defect in service but not a waiver of a defect in venue.
D. If the complaint is not served on the defendant in time to permit holding a hearing within 60 days of the filing of the complaint, the magisterial district judge shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice.
E.(1) When the complaint is dismissed without prejudice for failure to make service pursuant to paragraph D of this rule as to all defendants, upon written request of the plaintiff the complaint may be reinstated at any time and any number of times. The date of reinstatement shall be the date upon which the request for reinstatement is filed.
(2) When the complaint has been filed against multiple defendants and subsequently dismissed without prejudice for failure to make service pursuant to paragraph D of this rule as to less than all defendants, any further action against an unserved defendant after a hearing on the merits or the entry of a default judgment must be initiated by the filing of a new complaint.
Official Note
The provision concerning appearance not being a waiver of venue was inserted in paragraph C of this rule to prevent the concentration of business in the office of a favorable magisterial district judge. Also, the public cannot generally be expected to be aware of venue provisions. See Rule 302H regarding improper venue.
Paragraph D is intended to prevent the accumulation of stale claims in the office of the magisterial district judge.
Subparagraph E(1) provides for the reinstatement, upon written request of the plaintiff, of a complaint that has been dismissed without prejudice for failure to make service under paragraph D against all defendants. Compare Pa.R.C.P. No. 401(b). The written request for reinstatement may be in any form and may consist of a notation on the permanent copy of the complaint form, ‘‘Reinstatement of complaint requested,’’ subscribed by the plaintiff. The magisterial district judge shall mark all copies of the reinstated complaint, ‘‘Complaint reinstated. Request for reinstatement filed on
(date).’’ If it is necessary to use a new form for the reinstated complaint, the reinstated complaint, except for service portions thereof, shall be an exact copy of the original complaint, although signatures may be typed or printed with the mark ‘‘/s/’’ indicating an actual signature. The language in subparagraph E(1) that a complaint may be reinstated ‘‘at any time’’ will permit reinstatement after a faulty service without waiting for further proceedings in the case. Reinstatement must occur within the period of the statute of limitations from the date of the last filing or reinstatement. The cost for reinstating a complaint is specified in Section 1725.1 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1. In addition, there may be additional server costs for service of the reinstated complaint.Subparagraph E(2) addresses the scenario involving multiple defendants when timely service is not made upon all defendants, resulting in a dismissal without prejudice as to some defendants. Subparagraph E(2) clarifies that the plaintiff may not reinstate the complaint after the hearing or entry of a default judgment in this circumstance, but must initiate an entirely new action by filing a new complaint, subject to the applicable fees and costs for a new filing.
Source The provisions of this Rule 314 amended October 17, 1975, effective in 90 days; amended effective March 24, 1977; amended April 25, 1979, effective in 30 days; June 30, 1982 effective 30 days after July 17, 1982; March 27, 1992, effective June 25, 1992; amended February 12, 2002, effective immediately, 32 Pa.B. 1176; amended July 3, 2003, effective January 1, 2004, 33 Pa.B. 3491; amended April 22, 2004, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 2464; amended July 21, 2014, effective August 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 5183; amended April 20, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 2617. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (373048) to (373049).
Rule 315. Claim by Defendant.
A. The defendant, by filing a complaint at least five days before the date set for the hearing, may assert in the case any claim against the plantiff that is within the jurisdiction of a magisterial district judge. Such a claim need not arise from the same transaction or occurrence from which the plaintiff’s claim arose, nor need it be the same type of claim.
B. The rules governing the form, processing, and service of a plaintiff’s complaint shall apply also to the defendant’s complaint. The magisterial district judge shall set a date and time for the consolidated hearing of both complaints that shall not be less than 12 or more than 30 days from the filing of the defendant’s complaint. The magisterial district court shall promptly notify the parties of the date and time set for the consolidated hearing of both complaints.
C. A money judgment for the plaintiff or for the defendant, but not for both, shall be entered with respect to such cross-complaints, any lesser amount found due on the claim asserted in one being deducted from the greater amount found due on the claim asserted in the other.
D. Rescinded.
Official Note
Paragraph A of this rule permits the defendant to file a cross-complaint against the plaintiff at least five days before the date originally set for the hearing, if it is for a claim cognizable by a magisterial district judge. See Section 1515(a)(3) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3), as to waiver of jurisdictional limits, a defendant filing a cross-complaint being considered a ‘‘plaintiff’’ as to the cross-complaint within the meaning of this statute. The requirement that a cross-complaint be filed at least five days before the hearing is intended to give the magisterial district judge time to notify the parties of any new hearing date and time. Notice under paragraph B is not a substitute for proper service. If the defendant does not file an action at least five days before the hearing, the defendant may still file a complaint against the plaintiff but it will not be processed as a cross-complaint.
No provision has been made for a stay of the magisterial district court proceedings upon notice by the defendant of intention to commence an action in the court of common pleas on a claim against the plaintiff not within magisterial district judge jurisdiction. It was thought that no such provision was necessary, for if the plaintiff prevails in the magisterial district court action the defendant may appeal, the appeal operates as an automatic supersedeas of the money judgment, the case is heard de novo, and the defendant may assert a claim in the court of common pleas, possibly as a counterclaim. See Rules 1002, 1007, and 1008.
Since a cross-complaint is in the nature of a responsive pleading, there is no fee for filing it.
No cross-complaint may be filed in a supplementary action filed under Rule 342. See Rule 342 and Note.
Source The provisions of this Rule 315 amended through January 29, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 361; amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended December 15, 2000, effective January 1, 2001, 30 Pa.B. 6882; amended April 5, 2002, effective January 17, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199; amended June 1, 2006, effective October 1, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2955. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309529) to (309530).
Rule 316. Amendment to Complaint.
Amendments to the complaint may be made only at the hearing in the presence of the adverse party or his representative. Amendments other than those made as to form shall constitute grounds for continuance.
Official Note
It was felt that the usual notice requirements involved with respect to amendments made prior to the hearing are too difficult and burdensome to be made applicable to magisterial district court proceedings. Consequently, this rule forbids amendments other than those made at the hearing in the presence of the adverse party.
Rule 317. [Rescinded].
Official Note
See Rule 213 governing subpoenas.
Source The provisions of this Rule 317 amended May 3, 1999, effective immediately, 29 Pa.B. 3198; rescinded September 3, 2003, effective January 1, 2004, 33 Pa.B. 4663. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (288435) to (288436).
Rule 318. Informing Plaintiff of Notice of Intention to Defend.
If the defendant gives the magisterial district court notice of intention to defend in accordance with Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305(d), the magisterial district court shall promptly give the plaintiff written notice that the defendant intends to enter a defense.
Comment: The defendant may give the court notice of intention to defend by using the form provided to the defendant pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305(e) or by a signed statement identical in content. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305(e), cmt. (pertaining to the form notice provided to the defendant for his or her convenience). Entries on the docket will show that the defendant gave notice of intention to defend and that the magisterial district court gave written notice to the plaintiff.
Historical Commentary The following commentary is historical in nature and represents statements of the Committee at the time of rulemaking:
EXPLANATORY COMMENT—1992 Rule 318 recognizes that a Notice of Intent to Defend form will be generated by the District Justice Automation Project. Correspondingly, the Note maintains the same procedure for recording that either the plaintiff or his attorney of record was notified of the defendant’s intent to defend and requires an acknowledgment that the Notice of Intent to Defend form was used.
Source The provisions of this Rule 318 amended November 21, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 3020; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended June 1, 2006, effective October 1, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2955; amended April 25, 2024, effective January 1, 2025, 54 Pa.B. 2482. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (392325).
Rule 319. Failure of a Party to Appear at the Hearing.
A. If a plaintiff who has been given notice of the defendant’s intention to defend does not appear at the hearing, but the defendant does appear, the magisterial district judge shall enter judgment for the defendant or continue the case for cause. If the plaintiff does not appear at the hearing and the defendant does, but the plaintiff has not been given notice of the defendant’s intention to defend, the case shall be continued.
B. If the defendant does not appear at the hearing, the magisterial district judge shall, whether or not the plaintiff appears, enter judgment for the plaintiff or continue the case for cause. If judgment is entered for the plaintiff, the magisterial district judge shall assess damages for the amount to which the plaintiff is entitled if it is for a sum certain or which can be made certain by computation, but if it is not, the damages shall be assessed by the magisterial district judge at a hearing at which the issues shall be limited to the amount of the damages. If such a hearing is to be held, the magisterial district judge shall give the defendant written notice of the time and date of the hearing, which shall be not less than ten (10) days from the date of the notice.
Official Note
The first sentence of subdivision A of this rule provides for a judgment for the defendant rather than merely a dismissal of the plaintiff’s complaint. This provision is intended to prevent the plaintiff from bringing the action again before a magisterial district judge, although he can appeal. The continuance called for in the second sentence of subdivision A will constitute a form of notice to defend and if the plaintiff does not appear at the second hearing judgment will be entered against him.
As to the provisions concerning assessment of damages in subdivision B, compare Pa. R.C.P. Nos. 1037(b) and 1047(b).
Rule 320. [Rescinded].
Official Note
See Rule 209 governing continuances.
Source The provisions of this Rule 320 amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended March 15, 1994, effective upon publication, 24 Pa.B. 1675; rescinded December 16, 2004, effective July 1, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 10. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (288437).
Rule 320. Request to Withdraw Complaint; Settlement.
A(1) A plaintiff may withdraw the complaint prior to the commencement of the hearing by filing a written notice of withdrawal with the magisterial district court. Upon receipt of such notice, the magisterial district court shall note the withdrawal of the complaint on the docket, cancel any scheduled hearing (except for a consolidated hearing on a cross-complaint pursuant to Rule 315B), and notify the parties in writing that the complaint has been withdrawn.
(2) A withdrawal of the complaint filed prior to the commencement of the hearing shall be deemed to be without prejudice. The plaintiff may file a new complaint on the same cause of action upon payment of all applicable fees and costs.
B(1) The parties may file a written notice of settlement of the complaint with the magisterial district court at any time prior to the entry of judgment. Upon receipt of such notice, the magisterial district court shall note the case settled on the docket, cancel any scheduled hearing (except for a consolidated hearing on a cross-complaint pursuant to Rule 315B), and notify the parties in writing that the complaint has been marked settled.
(2) Where the parties have filed a notice of settlement with the magisterial district court and a subsequent breach of the settlement agreement occurs, a party may file a new complaint citing breach of the settlement agreement as the cause of action.
C(1) The withdrawal or settlement of the plaintiff’s complaint shall not affect the right of the defendant to proceed with a cross-complaint filed pursuant to Rule 315A.
(2) The defendant may file a written notice of withdrawal of the cross-complaint in the manner set forth in subdivision A.
(3) The parties may file a written notice of settlement of the cross-complaint in the manner set forth in subdivision B.
Official Note
A complaint filed pursuant to subparagraph A(2) or B(2) shall not be treated as a ‘‘reinstatement’’ of the underlying action, and is subject to all prescribed fees and costs for filing and service of a complaint. Compare with Rule 314E, which provides for reinstatement of the complaint under the limited circumstance of failure to make timely service.
This rule also applies to the withdrawal or settlement of a cross-complaint. Moreover, a cross-complaint will survive the withdrawal or settlement of the corresponding complaint.
Prior Rule 320, addressing continuances, was rescinded by Order of December 16, 2004, effective July 1, 2005, and its provisions were added to Rule 209.
Source The provisions of this Rule 320 adopted May 19, 2014, effective July 20, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 3310.
Rule 321. Hearings and Evidence.
The magisterial district judge shall be bound by the rules of evidence, except that a bill, estimate, receipt, or statement of account that appears to have been made in the regular course of business may be introduced in evidence by any party without affidavit or other evidence of its truth, accuracy, or authenticity.
Comment: The exception to the rules of evidence provided by this rule was inserted because the Pennsylvania statutes making certain business entries admissible in evidence apparently do not apply to bills, receipts, and the like that are made in the regular course of business but are not made as ‘‘records.’’ See 42 Pa.C.S. § 6108. The fact that this exception permits the introduction of these items of evidence without affidavit or other evidence of their truth, accuracy, or authenticity does not, of course, preclude the introduction of evidence contradicting them. The exception was deemed necessary because the items of evidence made admissible thereby are probably the proofs most commonly used in minor judiciary proceedings. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 350(d)(2) for additional exceptions applicable to appeals from automated work zone speed enforcement violations and from civil violations for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red signal lights and an activated side stop signal arm.
Source The provisions of this Rule 321 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended April 12, 2022, effective October 1, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2357; amended February 10, 2023, effective April 11, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 1057; amended May 22, 2024, effective August 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3147. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (413462) to (413463).
Rule 322. Judgment.
Judgment shall be given at the conclusion of the hearing or within five (5) days thereafter and shall be entered on the complaint form. The judgment shall include a separate entry for costs in favor of the party entitled thereto.
Official Note
The five day provision of this rule is in keeping with the general principle of insuring the expeditious handling of these actions. A general provision for costs has also been included.
Source The provisions of this Rule 322 amended September 18, 1990, effective immediately, 20 Pa.B. 5042. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (87411).
Rule 323. Judgment—Payment in Installments.
The magisterial district judge may in the entry of judgment order the payment of the same in periodic installments that shall not extend beyond 12 months from the date of judgment.
Official Note
Since many of the defendants coming before magisterial district judges are apt to be in financial difficulties, it was thought advisable to provide for payment in installments. The payments are to be made to the plaintiff and not to the magisterial district judge. See Rule 3.10 of the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges.
Source The provisions of this Rule 323 amended December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended April 29, 2016, effective immediately, 46 Pa.B. 2412; amended December 14, 2016, effective April 1, 2017, 46 Pa.B. 8171. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (381103).
Rule 324. Notice of Judgment or Dismissal and the Right to Appeal.
A. Upon the entry of the judgment, the magisterial district court shall promptly give or mail to the parties written notice of judgment or dismissal.
B. The written notice of judgment or dismissal shall contain:
(1) notice of the right of the parties to appeal, the time within which the appeal must be taken, and that the appeal is to the court of common pleas,
(2) notice that, except as otherwise provided in the rules, if the judgment holder elects to enter the judgment in the court of common pleas, all further process must come from the court of common pleas and no further process may be issued by the magisterial district judge, and
(3) notice that unless the judgment is entered in the court of common pleas anyone interested in the judgment may file a request for entry of satisfaction with the magisterial district judge if the judgment debtor pays in full, settles, or otherwise complies with the judgment.
Official Note
As to paragraph B(2), see Rule 402D and Note. As to paragraph B(3), see Rule 341.
Source The provisions of this Rule 324 amended November 21, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 3020; amended through December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199; amended June 1, 2006, effective October 1, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2955. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (309533).
Rule 325. [Renumbered].
Source The provisions of this Rule 325 renumbered as Rule 210 April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256508) to (256509).
SATISFACTION OF MONEY JUDGMENTS
Rule 341. Request for Entry of Satisfaction; Service; Entry of Satisfaction.
A. If a judgment debtor has paid in full, settled, or otherwise complied with a judgment rendered in a magisterial district court, anyone interested in the judgment may request the entry of satisfaction of the judgment by filing a written request in the office of the magisterial district judge who rendered the judgment.
B. A request for entry of satisfaction by anyone other than the judgment creditor must be served upon the judgment creditor in accordance with the rules in the 300 Series regarding service of the complaint.
C. Within 90 days from the date of service of the request for entry of satisfaction, the judgment creditor shall enter satisfaction in the office of the magisterial district judge in which the request for entry of satisfaction was filed.
Official Note
Subdivision A provides a mechanism for a judgment debtor, or anyone interested in the judgment, to file a written request for entry of satisfaction in the office of the magisterial district judge who rendered the judgment. See Section 8104(a) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8104(a).
Subdivision B is intended to provide a number of alternative methods of service. See Rules 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312 and 313. When permitted, service by mail should be at the option of the person filing the request for entry of satisfaction. The requester shall be required to pay for all costs associated with initiating entry of satisfaction. If the requester is unable to locate or otherwise serve the request upon the judgment creditor, the requester may need to enter the judgment in the court of common pleas, and seek alternative service pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 430.
Upon the entry of satisfaction, the judgment debtor may file a true copy of the entry of satisfaction in any other magisterial district court in which the judgment may have been entered pursuant to Rule 402. Nothing in this rule is intended to suggest that it is the obligation of the judgment creditor to enter satisfaction in any court other than the court specified in subdivision C.
These procedures also apply to satisfaction of money judgments rendered in actions for the recovery of possession of real property (landlord/tenant actions). See Rules 514 and 518.
If a judgment creditor does not comply with the provisions of this rule, the judgment debtor may proceed under Rule 342.
A party may contest the entry of satisfaction by filing a petition to strike the entry of satisfaction with the court of common pleas.
Source The provisions of this Rule 341 adopted April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199; amended September 9, 2008, effective October 1, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 5164; amended September 26, 2013, effective December 25, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 5989. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (338933) to (338934).
Rule 342. Failure of Judgment Creditor to Enter Satisfaction; Supplementary Action.
A. If the judgment creditor does not enter satisfaction within the 90 day period after service of the request as specified in Rule 341C, the judgment debtor may commence a supplementary action for damages by filing a civil complaint in the office of the magisterial district judge in which the request for entry of satisfaction was filed.
B. (1) Except as provided in subparagraph B(2), upon the filing of a complaint as provided in subdivision A, the action shall proceed as a civil action in accordance with the rules of the 300 Series.
(2) No claim under Rule 315 will be permitted in a supplementary action filed pursuant to this Rule.
Official Note
A judgment debtor may seek damages pursuant to Section 8104(b) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8104(b). The action commenced under subdivision A of this Rule is a supplementary proceeding in the matter in which the judgment was entered. As such, it must be filed in the office of the magisterial district judge in which the request for entry of satisfaction was filed. Also, it must be indexed to the same docket number as, and made a part of the record of, the underlying action. See Rule 306 and Note. Because the supplementary action is merely a continuation of the underlying action, there are no filing costs for it, however there may be costs for service of the action. The requester shall be required to pay for all costs associated with initiating entry of satisfaction.
Subdivision B provides that, once a supplementary action is filed under subdivision A, the proceedings in the action, including the form of the complaint, setting the hearing date, service, and hearing, should proceed as if a regular civil action, except that no cross-complaints under Rule 315 will be permitted. See Rules 304 through 381. While it is not the intent of this rule to limit defenses that may be raised in a supplementary action, only those issues arising from the Rule 342 supplementary action are to be considered at the hearing. Therefore, subparagraph B(2) makes clear that no cross-complaints are permitted to be filed.
When rendering judgment in an action filed pursuant to this rule, the magisterial district judge may determine if the judgment debtor is entitled to damages under Section 8104(b) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 8104(b), and whether satisfaction should be entered on the underlying judgment.
A party may appeal from a judgment in an action filed pursuant to this rule, but issues on appeal are limited to those raised in the action filed under this rule. See Rule 1007.
Source The provisions of this Rule 342 adopted April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199; amended September 8, 2008, effective October 1, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 5164. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (319888) and (309535).
Rule 350. Appeals from Civil Traffic Violations.
(a) As used in this rule:
(1) ‘‘Appellant’’ means the owner of a vehicle who has requested the appeal of a determination by a hearing officer pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4), pertaining to automated work zone speed enforcement violations, or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(i.4)(4), pertaining to civil violations for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red signal lights and an activated side stop signal arm.
(2) ‘‘Appellee’’ means:
(i) in matters brought pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, or the system administrator designated by those agencies pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(h)(3)(i); or
(ii) in matters brought pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(i.4)(4), a school entity, as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(m), or a system administrator that has entered into an agreement with the school entity pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(g).
(b) Venue. An appeal filed pursuant to this rule shall only be filed in the magisterial district court in the magisterial district where the violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(c) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(a.1)(1) occurred.
(c) Notice of Appeal.
(1) An appellant may appeal a determination of a hearing officer pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(i.4)(4) by filing a notice of appeal on a form prescribed by the State Court Administrator together with a copy of the hearing officer’s determination within 45 days after the date of its issuance.
(2) The appellant shall pay all costs for filing and service of the notice of appeal at the time of filing or, if without the financial resources to pay the costs of litigation, the appellant shall file a petition to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 206E.
(3) After setting the hearing date pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305, the magisterial district judge shall serve the notice of appeal on the appellee by mailing a copy to the appellee at the address listed on the hearing officer’s determination by certified mail or comparable delivery method resulting in a return receipt in paper or electronic form. The return receipt shall show that the notice of appeal was received by the appellee.
(d) Hearing; Evidence.
(1) The proceeding shall be conducted de novo in accordance with these rules as if the action was initially commenced in a magisterial district court with the appellee having the burden of proof.
(2) The hearing is subject to the standards of evidence set forth in Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 321, except that photographs, videos, vehicle titles, police reports, and records of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation may also be entered as evidence by any party without affidavit or other evidence of their truth, accuracy, or authenticity.
Comment: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369 established a program to provide for automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones on certain highways under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Similarly, 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1 provides for automated side stop signal arm enforcement systems to identify the owners of vehicles failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an activated side stop signal arm, as well as for the imposition of civil fines upon those found in violation. This rule was adopted to address the statutory provisions that permitting a de novo appeal to a magisterial district court from a determination of a hearing officer following an administrative hearing to contest an alleged violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(c) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(a.1)(1). Because these actions are de novo appeals, they shall proceed as any other civil action commenced in a magisterial district court except as provided by this rule.
Insofar as other procedures under these rules may be applicable, the appellant shall be deemed the ‘‘defendant’’ and the appellee shall be deemed the ‘‘plaintiff.’’
The initiating document in an appeal filed pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 350 is the notice of appeal, which shall be used in lieu of a complaint.
Photographs, videos, vehicle titles, police reports, and records of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were added to the existing business record exceptions in Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 321 because they are the proofs most likely to be used to support the permitted defenses to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(c) and 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(a.1)(1).
The appellant shall pay civil fines incurred pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(e) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 3345.1(c) to the appellee and not to the magisterial district court. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 323, cmt. (clarifying that payments are made to the prevailing party and not the magisterial district court). If the magisterial district judge enters judgment in favor of the appellant, i.e., the vehicle owner, the appellant is entitled to recover taxable costs from the appellee. See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 206B (‘‘[T]he prevailing party in magisterial district court proceedings shall be entitled to recover taxable costs from the unsuccessful party. Such costs shall consist of all filing, personal service, witness, and execution costs authorized by Act of Assembly or general rule and paid by the prevailing party.’’) Procedures for enforcement of judgments, including judgments in favor of the appellant for taxable costs from the appellee, are set forth in Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 401 et seq. See 75 Pa.C.S. § § 3345.1(i.4)(4) and 3369(j)(4) for limits on the judgment.
See Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1001 et seq. for procedures to appeal a judgment rendered by a magisterial district judge or to file a praecipe for a writ of certiorari in civil actions, including actions brought pursuant to this rule.
Source The provisions of this Rule 350 added April 12, 2022, effective October 1, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 2357; amended May 22, 2024, effective August 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3147. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (410618) and (413465).
Rule 351. [Rescinded].
Comment: Provisions of former Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 351 were incorporated in Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 350.
Source The provisions of this Rule 351 added February 10, 2023, effective April 11, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 1057; deleted May 22, 2024, effective August 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3147. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (413466) to (413467).
Rule 381. Acts of Assembly Suspended.
All Acts of Assembly or parts thereof inconsistent with the rules governing the civil action are suspended to the extent of such inconsistency.
Source The provisions of this Rule 381 amended through June 30, 1982, effective August 16, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2266; amended September 18, 1990, effective immediately, 20 Pa.B. 5042. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (87412).
Rule 382. Acts of Assembly Not Suspended.
The following Acts of Assembly shall not be deemed suspended or affected:
(1) Any Act of Assembly providing for special venue in certain types of cases, except that with respect to actions before magisterial district judges ‘‘magisterial district’’ shall be substituted for ‘‘county’’ when the latter word is used in such an act designating venue.
Official Note
See, for example, the special venue provisions in the Acts mentioned in the next to the last paragraph of the note to Rule 302. This subdivision is intended to preserve the substance of unusual statutory venue provisions which reflect public policy rather than mere procedure.
(2) Any Act of Assembly providing for service upon a statutory agent.
(3) Any Act of Assembly creating or defining a right of action in trespass or assumpsit, whether or not described in those terms, or dealing with damages therefor, except insofar as such an act may provide for procedure.
Official Note
See, for example, the actions mentioned in the notes to Rules 301 and 501.
Source The provisions of this Rule 382 amended through December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (72973) to (72974).
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