[26 Pa.B. 4230]
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Subchapter F. MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS [AND], BUSES AND SCHOOL BUSES § 175.91. Application of subchapter.
Equipment standards [set forth] in this subchapter apply to medium and heavy trucks [and], buses and school buses driven on highways.
§ 175.94. Braking systems.
* * * * * (b) Service brakes. Every medium and heavy truck [and], bus and school bus shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems).
* * * * * (10) Brake lines shall be approved for use as brake lines.
* * * * * § 175.95. Tires and wheels.
* * * * * (b) Tire standards. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have tires which conform to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications as to tire size and were manufactured in conformance with standards contained in Chapter 159 (relating to new pneumatic tires). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4525 (relating to tire equipment and traction surfaces). Tires with equivalent metric size designations may be used.
* * * * * (g) Tires and rims. The axles of a vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with the number and type of tires and rims as originally [designed] offered by the manufacturer.
* * * * * § 175.96. Lighting and electrical systems.
* * * * * (f) Illumination except headlamps, fog [lamp] lamps and auxiliary driving lamps. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have parking lamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps and hazard warning lamps of a type used as original equipment which, under normal atmospheric conditions, shall be capable of being seen and distinguished during nighttime operation at a distance of 500 feet. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303 (b)--(d).
* * * * * (j) Back-up lamps. Back-up lamps [shall] are not permitted to be lighted when the [car] vehicle is in forward motion. Back-up lamps shall turn off automatically when the vehicle goes forward. If the lamps do not turn off automatically, a dash indicator that lights or creates audible warning is required.
* * * * * (l) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps. Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps may be installed on a medium or heavy truck and bus [provided they] if the lamps comply with following [requirements]:
* * * * * (2) Fog lamps [shall] are not permitted to be substituted for headlamps [except under conditions of rain or fog. Fog lamps may only be used with lower headlamp beams].
(3) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps shall be mounted on the front, spaced not less than 20 inches apart from center to center and at a height not [less than 12 inches nor] more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, nor lower than the lowest chassis part.
* * * * * (9) In accordance with 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303(f), roof or roll bar mounted off-road lights may be installed if they are not used on a highway or trafficway and are covered with an opaque covering at all times while operating on the highway or trafficway. Vehicles equipped with roof or roll bar mounted off-road lights shall have a switch that indicates to the driver, through the use of a pilot light, that the lights are on when so switched.
* * * * * (n) Battery fastening. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a system for secure fastening of the battery that is equivalent to those used as original equipment.
§ 175.98. Mirrors.
* * * * * (c) Obstruction. On every vehicle specified under this subchapter, the rearview mirror shall be free from obstructions as described in § 175.110.
* * * * * (2) Rear window louvers are permitted only if vehicle has at least two outside rearview mirrors, one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side, each with a minimum reflective surface of 19.5 square inches. This paragraph does not apply to school buses.
* * * * * § 175.105. Exhaust systems.
* * * * * (b) Exhaust system requirements. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated [so as] to prevent engine exhaust gases from penetrating and collecting in any part of the vehicle occupied by the driver or a passenger, in addition to the requirements of this title for emission control systems and smoke control for a diesel-powered vehicle.
* * * * * (5) An exhaust system shall extend and discharge completely to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed, except for the following:
(i) Heavy trucks or truck tractors. The exhaust system of every heavy truck and truck tractor shall discharge to the atmosphere at a location to the rear of the cab or, if the exhaust projects above the cab, at a location near the rear of the cab.
(ii) Gasoline powered buses, including school buses. The exhaust system of a bus powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus. Until June 15, 1998, the tailpipe of school buses may extend to, but not beyond the body limits on the left side of the school bus within 60 inches of the left rear wheel as measured from the center of the wheel axis.
(iii) Buses, including school buses, powered by fuels other than gasoline. The exhaust system of a bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either at or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits. Until June 15, 1998, the tailpipe of school buses may extend to, but not beyond the body limits on the left side of the school bus within 60 inches of the left rear wheel as measured from the center of the wheel axis.
* * * * * § 175.107. Body.
* * * * * (f) Doors. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with doors of a type used as original equipment. The doors shall [close securely] function as originally designed. Tailgates, except on vehicles where the tailgate gives access to the passenger compartment, may be replaced with wood planking, nets or other material that will prevent loss of load. Tailgates may be removed when optional equipment, for example a truck camper, is added.
§ 175.108. Chassis.
* * * * * (c) Motor mounts. The motor mounts [shall] may not be broken, cracked or missing.
* * * * * (f) Rear [bumper] protection device. A vehicle specified under this subchapter [shall be equipped with a bumper or rear-end protrusion securely attached to the chassis or frame which is within 24 inches of the rear of the vehicle, within 30 inches of the ground and within 18 inches of each side, unless the vehicle has dual wheels which extend at least 24 inches beyond the rear of vehicle], except truck tractors, whose body or chassis has a rear end clearance of more than 30 inches from the ground when empty, shall be equipped with a rear bumper or rear end protection device as follows:
(1) [A bumper shall be of at least equivalent strength and mounting as the original equipment.
(2) No portion of a bumper shall be broken, torn or protruding as to create a hazard.
(3) No bumper shall extend beyond the body or line or be longer than original equipment, whichever is greater.
(4) A wood plank bumper is permitted on a road service truck or wrecker if firmly attached to a regular bumper or equivalent steel backing.
(5) Some part of the horizontal bumper bar shall fall within 16--30 inches above ground level.]
The rear bumper or rear end protection device shall be:
(i) Within 30 inches of the ground when the vehicle is empty.
(ii) Within 24 inches of another rear bumper or rear end protection device, if more than one rear bumper or rear end protection device is used.
(iii) Within 18 inches--transverse distance--of the widest part of the rear of the vehicle.
(iv) Within 24 inches of the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(v) Substantially constructed and firmly attached.
(2) Vehicles constructed and maintained so that the body, chassis or other parts of the vehicle afford the rear end protection described in paragraph (1) will be deemed to be in compliance with this subsection.
* * * * * (h) Rear wheel shields. A vehicle specified under this subchapter, except a truck-tractor while towing a trailer, shall be constructed or equipped so as to bar water or other road surface substances thrown from the rear wheels of the vehicle or combination at tangents exceeding [22 1/2 degrees] 22.5°, measured from the road surface, from passing in a straight line to the rear of [such] the vehicle or combination. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4533 (relating to rear wheel shields).
* * * * * (l) Body mounts. Body mounts may not be broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing.
§ 175.110. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (2) Check the glazing.
(i) Reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(A) Approved safety glazing is not [used] present in every windshield, window or wing as originally equipped.
* * * * * (G) There are defects in an acute area of the windshield--center of the critical area on the driver's side of the vehicle directly in the driver's normal line of vision--8 1/2 inches wide and 5 1/2 inches high--or discolorations or hazardous cracks to the front, right, left or rear of the driver which would interfere with the driver's vision. See Appendix C.
* * * * * (3) Check the windshield wiper system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (v) The windshield washers, if originally so equipped, do not operate.
(4) Check the door operation, including tailgate, and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (ii) The doors, including the tailgate, [cannot be closed securely] if so equipped, do not function as originally designed.
(iii) Tailgate or equivalent is not on the vehicle, unless removed for the addition of optional equipment that is present at the time of the inspection.
(5) Check the outside mirrors and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) [The mirror] A required mirror is cracked, broken, missing or discolored.
* * * * * (9) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iii) The turn signal lamps do not properly indicate the right or left or hold in position when so switched or do not self-cancel if originally designed to do so.
* * * * * (vi) The lamp or filament indicated at the switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on.
* * * * * (b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (6) Check the seat and safety belts if the vehicle is so equipped and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iv) There is no safety belt for each seating location, if the vehicle was originally so equipped, or if seats have been added.
* * * * * (7) Check the inside mirror and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iv) The mirror is missing, unless the vehicle is equipped with an outside mirror, except on school buses.
(8) Check front windshield defroster system, if so equipped, and reject if defroster fan does not function.
(c) Under the hood inspection. An under the hood inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (2) Check the motor mounts, either here or during beneath vehicle inspection, and reject if the motor mounts are broken, cracked or missing.
* * * * * (7) Check the battery and reject if the battery is not securely fastened with a device similar to that used as original equipment.
(8) Check steering gear box and reject if loose on frame.
(d) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection shall be performed as follows.
(1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if one or more of the following [applies] apply:
* * * * * (xii) [The tire] A tire's tread extends beyond the outer edge of the wheel housing or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications as to size. [This subparagraph is not applicable if the Department has issued a permit under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4969 authorizing the vehicle to be operated with oversize wheels and tires.]
* * * * * (xix) Studded tires are in use after April [1] 15 and before November 1.
* * * * * (xxi) A tire makes contact with the body or chassis.
* * * * * (6) Inspect the exhaust system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) The vehicle has no muffler or noise suppressing system or the muffler has external repair.
* * * * * (viii) The exhaust does not discharge to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed, except for the following[.]:
(A) Heavy trucks or truck tractors. The exhaust system of every heavy truck and truck tractor shall discharge to the atmosphere at a location to the rear of the cab or, if the exhaust projects above the cab, at a location near the rear of the cab.
(B) Gasoline powered buses, including school buses. The exhaust system of a bus powered by a gasoline engine shall discharge to the atmosphere at or within 6 inches forward of the rearmost part of the bus. Until June 15, 1998, the tailpipe of school buses may extend to, but not beyond the body limits on the left side of the school bus within 60 inches of the left rear wheel as measured from the center of the wheel axis.
(C) Buses, including school buses, powered by fuels other than gasoline. The exhaust system of a bus using fuels other than gasoline shall discharge to the atmosphere either at or within 15 inches forward of the rearmost part of the vehicle; or to the rear of all doors or windows designed to be opened, except windows designed to be opened solely as emergency exits. Until June 15, 1998, the tailpipe of school buses may extend to, but not beyond the body limits on the left side of the school bus within 60 inches of the left rear wheel as measured from the center of the wheel axis.
(7) Inspect the braking system. At least one front and one opposite rear wheel shall be removed. [It is not necessary to remove the wheel and drum assembly if there is a removable backing plate that allows examination of the brake system.] Reject if one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (vii) The inside diameter of the drum is greater than the maximum diameter stamped on the drum or greater than .090 inch over the original drum diameter for unmarked drums less than 14 inches, or greater than .120 inch over original drum diameter for unmarked drums 14 inches or larger.
* * * * * (8) Inspect critical body mounts and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) Body mounts do not hold as required.
(ii) A body mount is broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing.
[(8)] (9) Inspect the fuel system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (e) Road test. Perform a road test and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * *
Subchapter G. RECREATIONAL, SEMI AND UTILITY TRAILERS § 175.123. Braking systems.
* * * * * (b) Service brakes. A trailer shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems).
* * * * * (7) Brake lines shall be approved for use as brake lines.
* * * * * § 175.124. Tires and wheels.
* * * * * (b) Tire standards. A trailer shall have tires which conform to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications as to tire size and were manufactured in conformance with standards [contained] in Chapter 159 (relating to new pneumatic tires). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4525 (relating to tire equipment and traction surfaces). Tires with equivalent metric size designations may be used.
* * * * * (g) Tires and rims. The axles of a vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with the number of and type of tires and rims as originally [equipped] offered by the manufacturer.
§ 175.125. Lighting and electrical systems.
* * * * * (d) Illumination. A trailer shall have parking lamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps and hazard warning lamps of a type used as original equipment, which under normal atmospheric conditions shall be capable of being seen and distinguished during nighttime operation, at a distance of 500 feet. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303 (b)[, (c), and]--(d) (relating to general lighting requirements).
* * * * * § 175.127. Body.
* * * * * (c) Doors. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with doors of a type used as original equipment. The doors [must close securely] shall function as originally designed. Tailgates may be replaced with wood planking, nets or other material that will prevent loss of load. Tailgates may be removed when optional equipment is added.
§ 175.128. Chassis.
* * * * * (d) [Bumpers] Rear protection device. A trailer, except for pole trailers, whose body has a rear end clearance of more than 30 inches from the ground when empty, shall be equipped with a rear bumper or rear end [protrusion which is within 24 inches of the rear of the vehicle and within 30 inches of the ground and within 18 inches of each side, unless the vehicle has dual wheels which extend at least 24 inches beyond the rear of the vehicle.] protection device as follows:
(1) [A bumper shall be of at least equivalent strength and mounting to original equipment.
(2) No portion of a bumper shall be broken, torn or protruding as to create a hazard.
(3) No bumper shall be longer than the original equipment.]
The rear bumper or rear end protection device shall be:
(i) Within 30 inches of the ground when the vehicle is empty.
(ii) Within 24 inches of another rear bumper or rear end protection device, if more than one rear bumper or rear end protection device is used.
(iii) Within 18 inches--transverse distance--of the widest part of the rear of the vehicle.
(iv) Within 24 inches of the extreme rear of the vehicle.
(v) Substantially constructed and firmly attached.
(2) Trailers constructed and maintained so that the body, chassis or other parts of the vehicle afford the rear end protection described in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subsection.
* * * * * § 175.130. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection of a trailer over 3,000 pounds registered gross weight shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (3) Check door operation, including the tailgate and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iii) Tailgate or equivalent is not on the vehicle, unless removed for the addition of optional equipment that is present at the time of inspection.
(4) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (vi) A lamp or filament indicated at the switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on.
* * * * * (c) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection of a trailer over 3,000 pounds registered gross weight shall be performed as follows:
(1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (xiv) Studded tires are in use after April [1] 15 and before November 1.
* * * * * (3) Inspect the braking system.
* * * * * (ii) The brake lining from one side of each axle shall be examined. [It is not necessary to remove a wheel on a semitrailer, if there is a removable backing plate for inspection of the brake lining.]
* * * * *
Subchapter H. MOTORCYCLES § 175.143. Steering.
* * * * * (d) Handlebars. The handlebars or grips [shall] may not be [no] higher than the operator's shoulder level when the operator is properly seated upon the motorcycle.
* * * * * § 175.144. Braking systems.
* * * * * (b) Service brakes. A motorcycle shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems).
* * * * * (6) Brake lines shall be approved for use as brake lines.
§ 175.145. Tires and wheels.
* * * * * (b) Tire standards. A motorcycle shall have tires which conform to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications as to tire size and were manufactured in conformance with standards contained in Chapter 159 (relating to new pneumatic tires). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4525 (relating to tire equipment and traction surfaces). Tires with equivalent metric size designations may be used.
* * * * * § 175.146. Lighting and electrical systems.
* * * * * (k) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps. Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps may be installed on a motorcycle if they comply with the following requirements:
* * * * * (6) A vehicle equipped with headlamps, auxiliary driving lamps or fog lamps may not have more than four lamps illuminated at the same time.
* * * * * (m) Battery fastening. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a system for secure fastening of the battery that is equivalent to those used as original equipment.
§ 175.160. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (6) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (v) The lamp or filament indicated at switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on.
* * * * * (b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (3) Check the brake system [and reject] by doing visual inspection. If the vehicle is equipped with view ports or mechanical brake wear indicators, wheels do not have to be pulled but the mechanic shall determine if the lining should be replaced. Reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (xiv) Mechanical indicator shows that pads should be replaced.
(4) Check the motor mounts and reject if motor mounts are broken, cracked or missing.
* * * * * (c) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (xiii) Studded tires in use after April [1] 15 and before November 1.
* * * * * (5) Inspect the exhaust system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (vii) The exposed exhaust system does not have an adequate heat shield or protective system or is not located to prevent contact with riders.
* * * * * (d) Road test. Perform a road test and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * *
Subchapter J. MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES AND MOTORIZED PEDALCYCLES § 175.172. Steering.
* * * * * (c) Handlebars. The handlebars or grips may not be [no] higher than the operator's shoulder level when the operator is properly seated upon the vehicle.
* * * * * § 175.175. Lighting and electrical systems.
* * * * * (k) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps. Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps may be installed on a motor-driven cycle or motorized pedalcycle if they comply with the following requirements:
* * * * * (6) A vehicle equipped with headlamps, auxiliary driving lamps or fog lamps may not have more than four lamps illuminated at the same time.
* * * * * § 175.190. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection of motor-driven cycles only shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (5) Check the lamps and lenses and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (v) The lamp or filament indicated at switch position does not light when the correct switch indicates the lamp should be on.
* * * * * (c) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection of motor-driven cycles only shall be performed as follows:
(1) Inspect the tires and wheels and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (xii) Studded tires are in use after April [1] 15 and before November 1.
* * * * * (4) Inspect the exhaust system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (vi) The exposed exhaust system does not have an adequate heat shield or protective system or is not located to prevent contact with riders.
(d) Road test. Perform a road test and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * *
Subchapter K. STREET RODS, SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED AND RECONSTRUCTED VEHICLES § 175.206. Glazing.
* * * * * (b) Requirements. Glazing shall meet following requirements:
(1) A windshield may not be [no] less than 7 inches in vertical height on a street rod and 12 inches vertical height on reconstructed vehicles and specially constructed vehicles. If the original body configuration provided by a recognized manufacturer had a windshield of less than 12 inches, reconstructed vehicles and specially constructed vehicles may use the original windshield size, except that this size may not be less than 7 inches.
* * * * * § 175.209. Chassis.
* * * * * (b) Bumpers. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with front and rear bumpers securely attached to the chassis, except when the original body configuration provided by a recognized manufacturer did not include bumpers in the design of the vehicle.
* * * * * § 175.220. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection shall be performed as follows:
* * * * * (2) Check the windshield and reject if one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (ii) A windshield is less than 12 inches in vertical height, or the vertical height is less than what was originally designed, on a reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle.
* * * * * (3) Check the fenders and reject if one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (ii) The [front] tire tread circumference coverage is less than 15° to the front and 75° to the rear of each tire.
* * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1432. Filed for public inspection August 30, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
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