Berks County, PA Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under Court of Common Pleas of Berks County Administrative Security Order & Pa.R.Crim.P. 112, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Berks County Courthouse (Reading). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. Yes. Berks County Courthouse (Reading) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Pennsylvania court rule to Berks County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (610) 478-6208 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Berks County Courthouse (Reading)
- Address
- 633 Court St, Reading, PA 19601
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (610) 478-6208
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~1,546 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.pacourts.us/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Berks County Juror Parking Facility (Reading Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Berks County Juror Garage in downtown Reading. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Reading local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Berks County)
Authority: Court of Common Pleas of Berks County Administrative Security Order & Pa.R.Crim.P. 112 · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Pennsylvania); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Berks County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Berks County Courthouse (Reading) President Judge Security Order: "Cell phones and recording devices are restricted or must be secured at the Sheriff checkpoint/pouch station prior to entering courtroom floors. Summoned jurors may use devices in the Jury Lounge."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · Lockers at door (Free) | “Berks County Courthouse (Reading) President Judge Security Order: "Cell phones and recording devices are restricted or must be secured at the Sheriff checkpoint/pouch station prior to entering courtroom floors. Summoned jurors may use devices in the Jury Lounge."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | Lockers available (Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Berks County Courthouse (Reading)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (lobby lockers: Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Berks County Courthouse (Reading)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Berks County Juror Parking Facility (Reading Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Berks County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Berks County Juror Parking Facility (Reading Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Berks County Courthouse (Reading) President Judge Security Order: "Cell phones and recording devices are restricted or must be secured at the Sheriff checkpoint/pouch station prior to entering courtroom floors. Summoned jurors may use devices in the Jury Lounge."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Berks County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Berks County Courthouse (Reading) President Judge Security Order: "Cell phones and recording devices are restricted or must be secured at the Sheriff checkpoint/pouch station prior to entering courtroom floors. Summoned jurors may use devices in the Jury Lounge."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Berks County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berks County Courthouse (Reading) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 633 Court St, Reading, PA 19601 |
Banned for Public | Free lockers at security | Validated free (Berks County Juror Parking Facility (Reading Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Berks County Courthouse (Reading)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Berks County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Use the lobby lockers (free) before the metal detector. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Berks County, PA
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Berks County, PA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Berks County Courthouse in Reading, PA?
No for the general public. Under Court of Common Pleas of Berks County Administrative Security Order & Pa.R.Crim.P. 112, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Berks County Courthouse (Reading). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Berks County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
Yes. Berks County Courthouse (Reading) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush.
Where do I park for jury duty at Berks County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Berks County Juror Parking Facility (Reading Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Berks County Juror Garage in downtown Reading. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Berks County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Berks County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Berks County Courthouse (Reading) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Berks County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (610) 478-6208 or consult a local Berks County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
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Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Berks County Courthouse (Reading)? Submit a verified update.