Vehicular manslaughter is a criminal offense defined as the unintentional killing (homicide) of another person as a result of criminal negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle—often while the operator is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, engaged in a high risk activity such as street racing, or committing a misdemeanor or infraction offense (speeding) with ordinary negligence.

Vehicular manslaughter is usually a felony offense and often includes significant jail or prison time as potential punishment. Vehicular manslaughter laws vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Pennsylvania, vehicular manslaughter, also known as vehicular homicide, is addressed under Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Specifically, Section 3732 outlines the offense of 'Homicide by Vehicle,' which occurs when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person as a result of committing a violation of any law of the Commonwealth or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or to the regulation of traffic, except section 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance), and the violation is the cause of death. This is a felony of the third degree and can result in significant penalties, including prison time. If the vehicular homicide is committed while driving under the influence, the offense is categorized as 'Homicide by Vehicle while Driving Under the Influence' and is governed by Section 3735. This is a more serious offense, classified as a second-degree felony, and carries steeper penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences. The specific penalties for these offenses can include fines, imprisonment, and license suspension, and they are influenced by various factors such as the driver's prior record, the circumstances of the offense, and the presence of aggravating factors.