Pennsylvania § 2501 - Misuse of property and waters.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2501 — Misuse of property and waters., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2501. Misuse of property and waters.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts in or along any waters or lands adjacent to or contiguous to waters within or bordering on this Commonwealth:
(1) Park or leave standing any motor vehicle or other means of conveyance in such a manner as to obstruct the owner or his lessee ingress, egress or regress to his property or cattleways without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.
(2) Drive a motor vehicle, all terrain vehicle or other type of conveyance on or over any lands or waters, including frozen waters, without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.
(3) Start, build, tend or abandon any open fire without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.
(4) Dig, cut or disturb in any manner lands, shrubs, trees or other vegetation without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.
(5) Sever fences or cause any other change or damage to public or private property without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.
(6) Run any vehicle, except fording in the most direct manner, in any stream.
(7) Refuse to identify himself upon request to the owner or the lessee of the land or waters upon which he is present.
(8) While in the act of fishing, fish in a water area or enter a riparian area clearly marked and posted by the commission as a no fishing zone.
(b) Penalty.--
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a summary offense of the second degree.
(2) Any person who violates subsection (a)(1), (3), (7) or (8) commits a summary offense of the third degree.
(3) Any person convicted of violations under paragraph (1) or (2) may, in addition to any penalty imposed, have his fishing license revoked for a period of one year.
(Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days)
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2501
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2501 cover?
Section 2501 ("Misuse of property and waters.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 2501?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2501" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2501 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.