Pennsylvania § 3749 - Reports by coroners and medical examiners.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3749 — Reports by coroners and medical examiners., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3749. Reports by coroners and medical examiners.
(a) General rule.--Every coroner or medical examiner in this Commonwealth shall report in writing to the department within five days of certification the death of any person resulting from a vehicle accident, giving the time and place of accident and the circumstances relating thereto. These reports shall be made on forms prepared by the department. Every coroner or medical examiner shall retain a copy of the reports in his office for a period of two years.
(b) Blood and urine samples.--The coroners or medical examiners of each county in this Commonwealth shall take blood or urine samples or both from the bodies of all drivers and of all pedestrians over 15 years of age who die within four hours following an accident and shall, within ten days of the accident, transmit the samples to the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. This subsection shall be applicable to all occupants over 15 years of age if the driver of the vehicle cannot be determined.
(c) Regulations for testing samples.--The Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse shall establish and promulgate rules and regulations for the testing of the blood and urine samples authorized to be taken from dead bodies under this section.
Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse is now known as the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse and is designated as the advisory council to the Department of Health for drug and alcohol programs. See section 3 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.221, No.63), known as the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 3749
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3749 cover?
Section 3749 ("Reports by coroners and medical examiners.") 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 § 3749?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3749" (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 § 3749 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.