Bureau of Ride & Measurement Standards

The Bureau’s Amusement Ride Safety Program serves citizens and visitors by enforcing the safety laws specific to amusement rides and attractions, keeping them safe when enjoying leisure time at state fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. The Amusement Ride Safety Program uses an effective public/private program that encompasses regulation, education and training to protect those who live and play in PA.

General Information:

An owner may not operate an amusement ride or attraction, at an event (public or private), unless the amusement attraction has been registered, inspected, and an affidavit of inspection issued by a licensed inspector.  Many owners are inspectors and can inspect their own equipment.

Registration:

• Amusement Rides or attractions must be registered with the State, annually,  in order to operate within the State
• There is no fee for registering amusement attractions with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) (look for a silver aluminum plate near the ride, with the current year decal to know the ride has been registered and has a valid date to operate).

Inspections:

• There is no inspection fee, unless a private inspector is required.
• Each time an amusement ride or attraction is set up, it must be inspected by a certified inspector and a new affidavit of inspection issued before operation.  Quality control inspections are conducted by State Inspectors on a frequent and random schedule.
• Upon a completed inspection, the inspector will issue an affidavit of inspection.

For additional information, contact:

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Ride & Measurement Standards
2301 North Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 787-6772
Website: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/Page.aspx?name=Contact&navid=26&parentnavid=0&pageid=35&