Adopted October 24, 2003 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 208.1 defines a “motion” as any application to the court for an order in a civil action, then lists the matters and case types that fall outside motion practice — among them preliminary objections, summary judgment, petitions, trial and post-trial motions, and family-law and Orphans’ Court proceedings.
(a)As used in this chapter, ‘‘motion’’ means any application to the court for an order made in any civil action or proceeding except as provided by subdivision (b)(1) and (2).
(ii)motions for judgment on the pleadings (Rule 1034) and for summary judgment (Rule 1035.1 et seq.),
(iii)requests for special relief, including preliminary injunctions,
(iv)motions relating to the conduct of the trial, including motions for nonsuit pursuant to Rule 218, motions relating to jury selection, motions to exclude expert testimony pursuant to Rule 207.1, motions in limine, and motions made during the course of the trial,
(iv)family law actions (Rules 1901 through 1940.9), and
(v)proceedings in Orphans’ Court.
(c)The rules of this chapter shall not modify the provisions of any other general rule governing a particular motion.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule marks the boundaries of general motion practice. A “motion” is any application to the court for an order in a civil action, except for the specific matters the rule carves out.
The carve-outs matter because each excluded item has its own procedure. Outside these rules are preliminary objections, judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment, requests for special relief including preliminary injunctions, motions tied to the conduct of trial (including motions to exclude expert testimony under Rule 207.1), post-trial motions, delay-damages motions, petitions, and petitions for relief from a judgment by confession.
Whole categories of cases are excluded too — asbestos and other specially managed litigation, replevin, class actions, family-law actions, and proceedings in Orphans’ Court. And these rules never override a more specific general rule that governs a particular motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a “motion” under Chapter 200?
Any application to the court for an order in a civil action or proceeding, except the matters the rule lists — such as preliminary objections, summary judgment, special relief, trial and post-trial motions, and petitions.
Which cases are outside these motion rules?
Asbestos and other specially managed litigation, replevin actions, class actions, family-law actions, and proceedings in Orphans’ Court.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 208.1 adopted October 24, 2003, effective 9 months after the date of the Order, 33 Pa.B. 5506.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:motion definitionwhat is a motionscope of motion rules