Twice a year, Pittsburgh residents move their clocks forward or back an hour, but is changing the clocks actually legally required by law?
Yes, as long as Pennsylvania continues to observe daylight saving time.
The rules trace back to the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established a uniform system for time across the country. States that observe daylight saving time must follow the federally established schedule rather than choosing their own dates.
That means Pittsburgh can't simply decide on its own to stop changing the clocks while Pennsylvania continues to observe daylight saving time.
Can Pennsylvania stop changing the clocks?
Federal law does give states a way out: They can exempt themselves from daylight saving time and remain on standard time year-round.
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Hawaii and most of Arizona already do so, along with several U.S. territories. Pennsylvania has not opted out, meaning Pittsburgh follows the federal schedule.
Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, when clocks move ahead an hour. It ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, when clocks move back an hour.
For Pittsburgh, that means clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m. on Nov. 1.
The debate over whether Americans should continue changing their clocks isn't over. Congress has considered proposals to end the twice-a-year switch, including efforts to make daylight saving time permanent, but the current federal system remains in place.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it legal? Exploring Pittsburgh daylight saving
