act-2001-0-75•Pennsylvania Act 2001-75 — VEHICLE CODE (75 PA.C.S) - OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS
Pennsylvania Act 2001-75 — VEHICLE CODE (75 PA.C.S) - OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS
act-2001-0-752001 Pa. Act 75Law
Act text
VEHICLE CODE (75 PA.C.S) - OMNIBUS AMENDMENTS
Act of Jun. 26, 2001, P.L. 734, No. 75 Cl. 75
Session of 2001
No. 2001-75
HB 155
AN ACT
Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, adding and amending definitions; further providing
for registration plates, for licensing of drivers, for
driver's license violations, for commercial drivers, for
obedience to and effect of traffic laws, for traffic-control
devices, for restrictions of use of limited access highways,
for right-of-way, for maximum speed limits, for rights and
duties of pedestrians, for fleeing or attempting to elude
police officer, for lighting equipment, for equipment of
authorized and emergency vehicles, for inspection
requirements and for enforcement; and providing for a shared-
ride pilot program for persons with disabilities.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definition of "emergency vehicle" in section
102 of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is
amended and the section is amended by adding definitions to
read:
§ 102. Definitions.
Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent
provisions of this title which are applicable to specific
provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when
used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
* * *
"Ambulance." Any vehicle which is specifically designed,
constructed or modified and equipped and is used or intended to
be used and is maintained or operated for the purpose of
providing emergency medical care to and transportation of human
patients. The term includes advanced or basic life support
vehicles that may or may not transport such patients.
* * *
"Blood delivery vehicle." Any vehicle which is used or
intended to be used and is maintained or operated for the
purpose of transporting blood or blood products on an emergency
basis.
* * *
"Emergency vehicle." A fire department vehicle, police
vehicle, sheriff vehicle, ambulance, blood[-]delivery vehicle,
human organ delivery vehicle, hazardous material response
vehicle, armed forces emergency vehicle, one vehicle operated by
a coroner or chief county medical examiner and one vehicle
operated by a chief deputy coroner or deputy chief county
medical examiner used for answering emergency calls, or any
other vehicle designated by the State Police under section 6106
(relating to designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania
State Police), or a privately owned vehicle used in answering an
emergency call when used by any of the following:
(1) A police chief and assistant chief.
(2) A fire chief, assistant chief and, when a fire
company has three or more fire vehicles, a second or third
assistant chief.
(3) A fire police captain and fire police lieutenant.
(4) An ambulance corps commander and assistant
commander.
(5) A river rescue commander and assistant commander.
(6) A county emergency management coordinator.
(7) A fire marshal.
(8) A rescue service chief and assistant chief.
* * *
"Fire department vehicle." A vehicle owned or leased by an
organized paid or volunteer fire department.
* * *
"Hazardous material response vehicle." A vehicle owned or
leased by a hazardous material response team certified through
the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
* * *
"Human organ delivery vehicle." Any vehicle which is used or
intended to be used and is maintained or operated for the
purpose of transporting human organs or human tissue on an
emergency basis.
* * *
Section 2. Sections 1339 and 1341 of Title 75 are amended to
read:
§ 1339. Legislative plate.
Upon application by a member or retired member of the General
Assembly of the Commonwealth or the Congress of the United
States, the department [shall] may issue special registration
plates indicating that the vehicle is owned by a member or
retired member of the Pennsylvania or United States Senate or
House of Representatives, as appropriate.
§ 1341. [Personal plate] Special registration plates
generally.
Upon request by the applicant, the department may issue
registration plates consisting of any combination of numbers,
letters or numbers and letters. These special plates may be
issued for special groups or for special purposes and bear an
appropriate designation. Special groups may charge a fee for
authorization to request a registration plate bearing the name
of the group. They shall have the same force and effect as
regular registration plates. The department may refuse any
combination of letters and numbers for cause and shall adopt
reasonable rules and regulations for the issuance of the plates
and for carrying out the provisions of this section. The
applicant shall comply with all laws and regulations pertaining
to registration including the payment of any additional fees.
The department is authorized to reissue a combination of numbers
or letters for a personal plate if the department records reveal
that no activity, such as renewal or transfer of the personal
registration plate, has occurred for a period of five or more
consecutive years and provided that the personal registration
plate was never reported as lost or stolen. Whenever the
department reissues an inactive personal plate, the department
may purge its records of all references to the previous owners
of that personal plate. The department shall, however, note upon
its records the reissuance of the personal plate and to whom the
plate was issued.
Section 3. Sections 1510 and 1610 of Title 75 are amended by
adding subsections to read:
§ 1510. Issuance and content of driver's license.
* * *
(h) Sale of photographs prohibited.--Neither the department
nor any person under contract with the department shall sell
photographs of holders of a driver's license or identification
card for any commercial purpose.
§ 1610. Commercial driver's license.
* * *
(f) Sale of photographs prohibited.--Neither the department
nor any person under contract with the department shall sell
photographs of holders of a commercial driver's license for any
commercial purpose.
Section 4. Sections 3102, 3105, 3107(c), 3111(a), 3113,
3313(d) and 3325 of Title 75 are amended to read:
§ 3102. Obedience to authorized persons directing traffic.
No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any
lawful order or direction of any uniformed police officer,
sheriff or constable or, in an emergency, a railroad or street
railway police officer; or any appropriately attired person,
including an agent or employee of the funeral director during a
funeral, authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic or an
employee who has been trained in traffic control by a licensed
and insured private security company and who is acting in the
scope of employment.
§ 3105. Drivers of emergency vehicles.
(a) General rule.--The driver of an emergency vehicle, when
responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an
actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to
but not upon returning from a fire alarm or other emergency
call, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but
subject to the conditions stated in this section.
(b) Exercise of special privileges.--The driver of an
emergency vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of
this part.
(2) Proceed past a red signal indication or stop sign,
but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe
operation, except as provided in subsection (d).
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as the
driver does not endanger life or property, except as provided
in subsection (d).
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of
movement, overtaking vehicles or turning in specified
directions.
(c) Audible and visual signals required.--The privileges
granted in this section to an emergency vehicle shall apply only
when the vehicle is making use of an audible signal and visual
signals meeting the requirements and standards set forth in
regulations adopted by the department[, except that an emergency
vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with
or display the visual signals. An ambulance which is
transporting a patient may use either the lights or the audible
warning system, or both, as determined by the driver of the
ambulance].
(d) Ambulances [and blood-delivery], blood delivery vehicles
and human organ delivery vehicles.--The driver of an ambulance
[or blood-delivery], blood delivery vehicle or human organ
delivery vehicle shall comply with maximum speed limits, red
signal indications and stop signs. After ascertaining that the
ambulance [or blood-delivery], blood delivery vehicle or human
organ delivery vehicle will be given the right-of-way, the
driver may proceed through a red signal indication or stop sign.
(e) Exercise of care.--This section does not relieve the
driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due
regard for the safety of all persons.
(f) Pedalcycles.--No part of this [title] section shall be
construed to restrict the operation of a pedalcycle used by a
police officer during the course of performing official duties.
(g) Emergency vehicle preemption devices.--
(1) The department may promulgate regulations for the
operation and use of preemptive traffic devices by emergency
vehicles.
(2) An individual other than authorized emergency
personnel who operates or uses a preemptive traffic device
commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(3) The possession of a preemptive traffic device by an
individual who is not an authorized user of the device is
prohibited. The device if in the possession of a
nonauthorized user shall be deemed contraband and shall be
seized by a law enforcement officer.
§ 3107. Drivers in funeral processions.
* * *
(c) Right-of-way to emergency vehicles.--This section does
not relieve the driver of a vehicle which is being driven in a
funeral procession from yielding the right-of-way to an
emergency vehicle making use of audible [or] and visual signals,
nor from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all
persons.
§ 3111. Obedience to traffic-control devices.
(a) General rule.--Unless otherwise directed by a uniformed
police officer or any appropriately attired person authorized to
direct, control or regulate traffic, the driver of any vehicle
shall obey the instructions of any applicable official traffic-
control device placed or held in accordance with the provisions
of this title, subject to the privileges granted the driver of
an [authorized] emergency vehicle in this title.
* * *
§ 3113. Pedestrian-control signals.
(a) General rule.--Whenever special pedestrian-control
signals exhibiting words or symbols are in place, the signals
shall indicate as follows:
(1) Word "Walk" or walking person symbol.--Pedestrians
facing the signal should proceed across the roadway in the
direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way
by the drivers of all vehicles.
(2) Phrase "Don't Walk" or upraised hand symbol.--
Pedestrians should not start to cross the roadway in the
direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially
completed his crossing on the "Walk" signal should proceed to
a sidewalk or safety zone while the "Don't Walk" signal is
showing.
(3) Flashing "Walk".--Pedestrians facing the signal are
cautioned that there is possible hazard from turning
vehicles, but pedestrians may proceed across the roadway in
the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-
way by the drivers of all vehicles.
(4) Flashing "Don't Walk" Signal.--Pedestrians should
not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the
signal, but any pedestrian who has partly completed crossing
during the "Walk" signal should proceed to a sidewalk or
safety zone, and all drivers of vehicles shall yield to the
pedestrian.
(b) Local regulation.--This section does not prohibit a
municipality from establishing a summary offense for violation
of subsection (a)(2) or (4).
(c) Penalties.--The driver of a vehicle who violates
subsection (a) commits a summary offense and, upon conviction,
shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $50. This subsection shall
not apply to those municipalities that establish a summary
offense as authorized under subsection (b) with a fine in excess
of $50.
§ 3313. Restrictions on use of limited access highways.
* * *
(d) Driving in right lane.--[Vehicles shall be driven in the
lane nearest the right-hand edge of the roadway, except when
overtaking another vehicle, or for a distance of up to two miles
in preparation for a left turn, or as directed by official
traffic control devices, police officers or appropriately
attired persons authorized to divert, control or regulate
traffic.]
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) and unless
otherwise posted, upon all limited access highways having two
or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all
vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lanes when
available for traffic except when any of the following
conditions exist:
(i) When overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction.
(ii) When traveling at a speed greater than the
traffic flow.
(iii) When moving left to allow traffic to merge.
(iv) When preparing for a left turn at an
intersection, exit or into a private road or driveway
when such left turn is legally permitted.
(2) Unless otherwise posted, no vehicle or combination
over 10,000 pounds may be driven in the left-hand lane of a
limited access highway having three or more lanes for traffic
moving in the same direction except when preparing for a left
turn at an intersection, an exit or into a private road or
driveway when such left turn is legally permitted.
§ 3325. Duty of driver on approach of emergency vehicle.
(a) General rule.--Upon the immediate approach of an
emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal and visual
signals meeting the requirements and standards set forth in
regulations adopted by the department, [or of a police vehicle
properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only,] the
driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and
shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close
as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear
of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position
until the emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise
directed by a police officer or an appropriately attired person
authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic. On one-way
roadways a driver may comply by driving to the edge or curb
which is nearest to the lane in which he is traveling.
(b) Duty of operator of streetcar.--Upon the approach of an
emergency vehicle, the operator of every streetcar shall
immediately stop the streetcar clear of any intersection and
remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed,
except when otherwise directed by a police officer[.] or an
appropriately attired person authorized to direct, control or
regulate traffic.
(c) Defense.--It is a defense to prosecution under this
section if the defendant can show by a preponderance of the
evidence that the failure to stop immediately for a police
officer was based on a good faith concern for personal safety.
In determining whether the defendant has met this burden, the
court may consider the following factors:
(1) The time and location of the event.
(2) The type of vehicle used by the police officer.
(3) The defendant's conduct while being followed by the
police officer.
(4) Whether the defendant stopped at the first available
reasonably lighted or populated area.
(5) Any other factor considered relevant by the court.
Section 5. Title 75 is amended by adding sections to read:
§ 3327. Duty of driver in emergency response areas.
(a) General rule.--When approaching or passing an emergency
response area, no person shall drive a vehicle:
(1) at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent
under the conditions, having regard to the actual and
potential hazards then existing; or
(2) in disobedience of instructions or indications
relating to traffic flow which are made, either verbally or
through the use of signs, flares, signals, lights or other
traffic control devices, by law enforcement personnel or
emergency service responders.
(b) Penalty.--Any person violating subsection (a) commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of $85.
(c) Marking.--An emergency response area shall be clearly
marked with road flares, caution signs or any other traffic-
control device which law enforcement officials may have at their
immediate disposal.
(d) Reports by emergency service responders.--
(1) An emergency service responder observing a violation
of subsection (a) may prepare a written, signed report which
indicates that a violation has occurred. To the extent
possible, the report shall include the following information:
(i) Information pertaining to the identity of the
alleged violator.
(ii) The license number and color of the vehicle
involved in the violation.
(iii) The time and approximate location at which the
violation occurred.
(iv) Identification of the vehicle as an automobile,
station wagon, motor truck, motor bus, motorcycle or
other type of vehicle.
(2) Within 48 hours after the violation occurs, the
emergency service responder shall deliver a copy of the
report to a police officer having authority to exercise
police power in the area where the violation occurred. If the
police officer believes that the report established a
sufficient basis for the issuance of a citation, the officer
shall file a citation and a copy of the report with the
issuing authority. If the issuing authority determines that
the report and citation establish a sufficient basis for the
issuance of a summons, a summons shall be issued in
accordance with general rules governing the institution of
proceedings in summary traffic offense cases. The issuing
authority shall send the defendant a copy of the citation,
together with a statement that it was filed by the police
officer named in the citation on the basis of information
received.
(3) A person may institute a proceeding pursuant to this
subsection or in accordance with any means authorized by the
Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.
(e) Fines to be doubled.--In addition to any penalty as
provided in subsection (b), the fine for any of the following
violations when committed in an emergency response area manned
by emergency service responders shall be double the usual
amount:
Section 3102 (relating to obedience to authorized persons
directing traffic).
Section 3111 (relating to obedience to traffic-control
devices).
Section 3114 (relating to flashing signals).
Section 3302 (relating to meeting vehicle proceeding in
opposite direction).
Section 3303 (relating to overtaking vehicle on the
left).
Section 3304 (relating to overtaking vehicle on the
right).
Section 3305 (relating to limitations on overtaking on
the left).
Section 3306 (relating to limitations on driving on left
side of roadway).
Section 3307 (relating to no-passing zones).
Section 3310 (relating to following too closely).
Section 3312 (relating to limited access highway
entrances and exits).
Section 3323 (relating to stop signs and yield signs).
Section 3325 (relating to duty of driver on approach of
emergency vehicle).
Section 3361 (relating to driving vehicle at safe speed).
Section 3707 (relating to driving or stopping close to
fire apparatus).
Section 3710 (relating to stopping at intersection or
crossing to prevent obstruction).
Section 3714 (relating to careless driving).
Section 3715.1 (relating to restriction on alcoholic
beverages).
Section 3731 (relating to driving under influence of
alcohol or controlled substance).
Section 3736 (relating to reckless driving).
(f) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection:
"Emergency response area." The area in which emergency
service responders render emergency assistance to individuals on
or near a roadway.
"Emergency service responder." An individual acting in an
official capacity as police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff,
coroner, deputy coroner, firefighter, fire police, fire marshal,
medical examiner, deputy medical examiner, rescue personnel,
ambulance personnel, hazardous material response team member or
emergency medical service personnel.
§ 3328. Unmarked police vehicles.
(a) General rule.--The Pennsylvania State Police, in
consultation with the department, shall promulgate regulations
for the use of unmarked vehicles by police officers. The
regulations shall:
(1) establish the procedure to be used by a police
officer in an unmarked vehicle when stopping a motorist;
(2) require the use of audible and visual signals which
meet the requirements and standards set forth in this title
and in regulations adopted by the department; and
(3) establish requirements for the wearing of an
official police uniform and the display of official police
identification.
(b) Public awareness.--The Pennsylvania State Police and the
department shall provide for the dissemination of information to
the public regarding the use of unmarked vehicles. Such
information shall accompany annual vehicle registration or
vehicle registration renewal forms distributed by the department
no earlier than July 1, 2002.
Section 6. Sections 3362(a)(1.1), 3542, 3548, 3733(a) and
(c), 4306, 4571, 4572 and 4702(b)(7) of Title 75 are amended to
read:
§ 3362. Maximum speed limits.
(a) General rule.--Except when a special hazard exists that
requires lower speed for compliance with section 3361 (relating
to driving vehicle at safe speed), the limits specified in this
section or established under this subchapter shall be maximum
lawful speeds and no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed in
excess of the following maximum limits:
* * *
(1.1) 65 miles per hour for all vehicles[:
(i) on interstate highways outside of urbanized
areas of population of 50,000 or more; and
(ii)] on [other] freeways where the department has
posted a 65-miles-per-hour speed limit [in accordance
with the provisions of 23 U.S.C. (relating to highways)].
* * *
§ 3542. Right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks.
(a) General rule.--When traffic-control signals are not in
place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield
the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any
marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection.
(b) Exercise of care by pedestrian.--No pedestrian shall
suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run
into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute a
hazard.
(c) Limitation on vehicles passing.--Whenever any vehicle is
stopped at any crosswalk at an intersection or at any marked
crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the
driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not
overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
(d) Application of section.--Subsection (a) does not apply
under the conditions stated in section 3543(b) (relating to
pedestrians crossing at other than crosswalks).
(e) Penalties.--The driver of a vehicle who violates
subsection (a) commits a summary offense and shall, upon
conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $50.
§ 3548. Pedestrians to yield to [authorized] emergency
vehicles.
(a) General rule.--Upon the immediate approach of an
[authorized] emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual
signals meeting the requirements of this title, [or of a police
vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal
only,] every pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to the
[authorized] emergency vehicle.
(b) Exercise of care by driver.--This section does not
relieve the driver of an [authorized] emergency vehicle from the
duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons
using the highway nor from the duty to exercise due care to
avoid colliding with any pedestrian.
§ 3733. Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer.
(a) Offense defined.--Any driver of a motor vehicle who
willfully fails or refuses to bring his vehicle to a stop, or
who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police
officer, when given a visual [or] and audible signal to bring
the vehicle to a stop, commits a misdemeanor of the second
degree. Any driver upon conviction shall pay an additional fine
of $500. This fine shall be in addition to and not in lieu of
all other fines, court expenses, jail sentences or penalties.
* * *
(c) Defenses.--
(1) It is a defense to a prosecution under this section
that the pursuing police officer's vehicle was not clearly
identifiable by its markings or, if unmarked, was not
occupied by a police officer who was in uniform and
displaying a badge or other sign of authority.
(2) It is a defense to prosecution under this section if
the defendant can show by a preponderance of the evidence
that the failure to stop immediately for a police officer's
vehicle was based upon a good faith concern for personal
safety. In determining whether the defendant has met this
burden, the court may consider the following factors:
(i) The time and location of the event.
(ii) The type of police vehicle used by the police
officer.
(iii) The defendant's conduct while being followed
by the police officer.
(iv) Whether the defendant stopped at the first
available reasonably lighted or populated area.
(v) Any other factor considered relevant by the
court.
§ 4306. Use of multiple-beam road lighting equipment.
(a) Approaching an oncoming vehicle.--Whenever the driver of
a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, the
driver shall use the low beam of light.
(b) Approaching a vehicle from rear.--Whenever the driver of
a vehicle approaches another vehicle from the rear within 300
feet, the driver shall use the low beam of light.
(c) Exception.--
(1) [A police or sheriff vehicle] An emergency vehicle
which is equipped with a flashing headlamp system that
conforms to regulations promulgated by the department shall
be exempt from the provisions of this section only when the
vehicle is being used pursuant to the provisions of section
4571(e) (relating to visual and audible signals on emergency
vehicles).
(2) Nothing in this section shall limit drivers from
flashing high beams at oncoming vehicles as a warning of
roadway emergencies or other dangerous or hazardous
conditions ahead.
§ 4571. Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.
(a) General rule.--Every emergency vehicle shall be equipped
with one or more revolving or flashing red lights and an audible
warning system. Spotlights with adjustable sockets may be
attached to or mounted on emergency vehicles.
(b) Police, sheriff, fire and coroner or medical examiner
vehicles.--
(1) Police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire
police vehicles may in addition to the requirements of
subsection (a) be equipped with one or more revolving or
flashing blue lights. The combination of red and blue lights
may be used only on police, sheriff, coroner, medical
examiner or fire police vehicles.
(2) Unmarked police and sheriff vehicles[,] used as
emergency vehicles and equipped with audible warning
systems[, may] shall be equipped with the lights described in
this [section] subsection.
(b.1) Mounted lights and additional equipment.--
[3] (1) Police, sheriff and fire vehicles may be
equipped with a mounted rack containing one or more emergency
warning lights or side mounted floodlights or alley lights or
all such lights[.], in conformance with department
regulations.
(2) Additional visual or audible warning signal
equipment, including, but not limited to, flashing headlamp
system, flashing or revolving white or clear lights, steady
burning lights, traffic-control emergency directional light
assembly, amber lights and intersection lights, may be
utilized on emergency vehicles in accordance with regulations
promulgated by the department.
(c.1) Public Utility Commission vehicles.--Vehicles owned or
operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and used
in the enforcement of 66 Pa.C.S. Chs. 23 (relating to common
carriers) and 25 (relating to contract carrier by motor vehicle
and broker) may be equipped with revolving or flashing red
lights in accordance with subsection (a).
(d) Vehicles prohibited from using signals.--Except as
otherwise specifically provided in this [part] section, no
vehicle other than an emergency vehicle may be equipped with
revolving or flashing lights or audible warning systems
identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and
(b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual or
audible warning systems in violation of this section commits a
summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay
a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
(e) Authorized period of use.--The lights and warning
systems specified by this section may be used only during an
emergency, or in the interest of public safety [and], or by
police officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in enforcement of
the law. [An ambulance which is transporting a patient may use
either the lights or the audible warning system, or both, as
determined by the driver of the ambulance.] Unauthorized use of
the lights and warning systems specified by this section shall
be a summary offense punishable by a fine of not less than $500
nor more than $1,000.
(f) Conformity with department regulations.--All equipment
authorized or required by this section shall conform to
department regulations.
§ 4572. Visual signals on authorized vehicles.
(a) Flashing or revolving blue lights.--Ambulance personnel,
volunteer firefighters, certified volunteer search and rescue
scuba divers and owners and handlers of dogs used in tracking
humans may each equip one motor vehicle with no more than two
flashing or revolving blue lights.
(1) In order to be eligible to display lights on their
vehicles under this subsection, the names of the ambulance
personnel [and], volunteer firefighters and certified
volunteer search and rescue scuba divers shall be submitted
to the nearest station of the Pennsylvania State Police on a
list signed by the chief of the ambulance or fire department
or company, the head of the search and rescue scuba diving
organization, and each dog owner and handler shall register
at the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station.
(2) The manner in which the lights are displayed and
their intensity shall be determined by regulation of the
department.
(3) The lights shall be operable by the driver from
inside the vehicle.
(4) The lights may be used only while en route to or at
the scene of a fire or emergency call.
(5) The lights shall be removed from the vehicle [within
ten days of] immediately upon receipt of notice from the
chief of the ambulance or fire department or company or the
head of the search and rescue scuba diving organization to
remove the lights upon termination of the person's status as
an active volunteer firefighter or ambulance person or upon
termination of the person's active status as a certified
volunteer search and rescue diver or dog owner or handler, or
when the vehicle is no longer used in connection with the
person's duties as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance
person, certified volunteer search and rescue diver or dog
owner or handler.
(6) This subsection does not relieve the driver from the
duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons
nor exempt the driver from complying with all provisions of
this title.
(b) Flashing or revolving yellow lights.--Vehicles
authorized pursuant to the provisions of [section] sections 6106
(relating to designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania
State Police) and 6107 (relating to designation of authorized
vehicles by department), tow trucks and vehicles used for snow
removal may be equipped with [no more than two] one or more
flashing or revolving yellow lights. The manner in which the
light or lights shall be displayed and the intensity shall be
determined by regulation of the department.
(c) Vehicles prohibited from using lights.--No vehicle other
than a duly authorized vehicle may be equipped with lights
identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and
(b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual systems
in violation of this section commits a summary offense and
shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less
than $100 nor more than $500.
§ 4702. Requirement for periodic inspection of vehicles.
* * *
(b) Semiannual safety inspection of certain vehicles.--The
following vehicles shall be subject to semiannual safety
inspections:
* * *
(7) Motor carrier vehicles with a registered gross
weight in excess of 17,000 pounds, other than farm vehicles
for which a biennial certificate of exemption has been
issued.
* * *
Section 7. Section 4704(c) of Title 75 is amended and the
section is amended by adding a subsection to read:
§ 4704. Inspection by police or Commonwealth personnel.
* * *
(c) Operation prohibited if hazardous.--
(1) In the event a vehicle or a mass transit vehicle, or
its equipment, load or driver, in the reasonable judgment of
the officer or qualified Commonwealth employee, is in such
condition that further operation would be hazardous, the
officer or qualified Commonwealth employee may require that
the vehicle or the mass transit vehicle not be operated under
its own power or that the driver discontinue driving, or
both, and may so stipulate in the notice given under
subsection (b). In the case of motor carrier vehicles or
their drivers, all such determinations shall be based on out-
of-service criteria established in department regulations.
(2) In the event a motor carrier vehicle or mass transit
vehicle is involved in an accident that causes the death of
the vehicle operator or another person, the motor carrier
vehicle or mass transit vehicle shall be inspected by a
qualified Commonwealth employee as designated by the
department in accordance with the provisions of subsection
(f) before the vehicle or driver will be allowed to continue
operation.
* * *
(h) Administrative coordination.--The department shall
coordinate with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in
the enforcement of this section and 66 Pa.C.S. § 3312(a)
(relating to evasion of motor carrier and broker regulations).
Section 8. Sections 6106 and 6110(a) of Title 75 are amended
to read:
§ 6106. Designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania
State Police.
(a) General rule.--The Pennsylvania State Police may
designate any vehicle or group of vehicles as emergency vehicles
upon a finding that the designation is necessary to the
preservation of life or property or to the execution of
emergency governmental functions.
(a.1) Exception.--Vehicles designated as emergency vehicles
under this section shall not display or be equipped with a
combination of red and blue lights.
(b) Manner and carrying of designation.--The designation
shall be in writing and the written designation shall be carried
in the vehicle at all times[, but failure to carry the written
designation shall not affect the status of the vehicle as an
emergency vehicle].
§ 6110. Regulation of traffic on Pennsylvania Turnpike.
(a) General rule.--The provisions of this title apply upon
any turnpike or highway under the supervision and control of the
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission unless specifically modified by
rules and regulations promulgated by the commission which shall
become effective only upon publication in accordance with law. A
copy of the rules and regulations, so long as they are
effective, shall be posted at all entrances to the turnpike or
highway for the inspection of persons using the turnpike or
highway. This section does not authorize the establishment of a
maximum speed limit greater than 55 miles per hour, except that
a 65-miles-per-hour maximum speed limit for all vehicles may be
established[:
(1) on interstate highways outside of urbanized areas of
population of 50,000 or more; and
(2) on other freeways] where the commission has posted a
65-miles-per-hour speed limit [in accordance with the
provisions of 23 United States Code (relating to highways)].
* * *
Section 9. Title 75 is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 80
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Subchapter
A. Persons with Disabilities Shared-ride Pilot Program
SUBCHAPTER A
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
SHARED-RIDE PILOT PROGRAM
Sec.
8001. Persons with disabilities shared-ride pilot program.
§ 8001. Persons with disabilities shared-ride pilot program.
The department shall establish or administer a shared-ride
pilot program for persons with disabilities, authorizing grants
to eligible applicants as determined by the department. The
department is further authorized to take any action that will
facilitate the gathering or analyzing of information developed
by the pilot program.
Section 10. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
APPROVED--The 26th day of June, A. D. 2001.
THOMAS J. RIDGE
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