PROPOSED RULEMAKING
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
[67 PA. CODE CH. 175]
Vehicle Equipment and Inspection
[26 Pa.B. 4230] The Department of Transportation (Department), Bureau of Motor Vehicles, under the authority contained in 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103 (Vehicle Code), proposes to amend Chapter 175 (relating to vehicle equipment and inspection) to read as set forth in Annex A. The statutory provisions, respectively, direct the Department to promulgate vehicle equipment standards for vehicles, equipment and devices; direct the Department to promulgate regulations governing lighting, brakes and other vehicle equipment; and authorize the Department to promulgate regulations to implement the Vehicle Code.
Purpose of this Chapter
The purpose of Chapter 175 is to establish and maintain regulations concerning permitted or required equipment on motor vehicles, and to regulate the vehicle equipment safety inspection process.
Purpose of these Proposed Amendments
The purpose of these proposed amendments is to revise the equipment and inspection standards as they relate to auxiliary driving lights; light truck exhaust systems; doors; windows and tailgates on trucks and trailers; suspension systems; bumper heights; vehicle body mounts; rear wheel shields; windshield defrosters; motorcycle brakes; and windshields on street rods, reconstructed and specially constructed vehicles. These proposed amendments also modify and add definitions to clarify the meaning of terms used in this chapter. These proposed amendments are the result of suggestions and information received at Department seminars attended by vehicle owners, inspection station mechanics and owners, vehicle manufacturers, new and used car dealers, the Pennsylvania Automotive Association and the State Police. Additionally, the Department formed a Safety Inspection Roundtable group that met on February 21, 1995. The group consisted of representatives from the Department, State Police, Pennsylvania Council of Automotive Associations, Delaware County Automotive Association, Bucks County Automotive Association, Pennsylvania Independent Automotive Dealers Association, American Automobile Association, Automotive Service Association, an independent automotive repair shop, a community college and a vocational-technical school. During the course of the meeting the group was made aware of the proposed amendments to this chapter and no objections were raised.
The significant provisions of these proposed amendments include the following:
1. Section 175.2 (relating to definitions) has been amended by amending five definitions to reference the terms as defined in section 102 of the Vehicle Code (relating to definitions). The Department believes that amending the definitions of the terms ''classic motor vehicle,'' ''implement of husbandry,'' ''passenger car,'' ''reconstructed vehicle'' and ''registered gross weight'' in this manner will promote consistency between the Vehicle Code and this chapter. Further, these proposed amendments will eliminate the possibility of inspection station mechanics and other affected persons confusing the meaning of these terms. To eliminate confusion, the definition of the term ''school bus'' has also been added.
Moreover, this section is proposed to be amended by amending the definition of the term ''antique motor vehicle'' to clarify that a vehicle will not be considered an antique motor vehicle unless registered with the Department as an antique motor vehicle. This clarification is necessary since antique motor vehicles are exempt from inspection. Further, the definition of the term ''ornamental lamps'' is proposed to be amended to clarify for inspection station owners and mechanics which lamps are not acceptable for inspection purposes. The current definition does not make it clear what criteria to follow when determining whether a lamp is ornamental or has a specific function. This has created an inconsistency in interpretation by which certain ornamental lamps, for example undercarriage lights, are considered by certain inspection station mechanics as having a function, even though these lights are not set forth in the tables relating to required lamps. This amendment will make it easier for inspection station owners and mechanics to determine which lamps are ornamental and promote consistency in inspections throughout this Commonwealth.
Finally, a definition of the term ''cargo lamp'' has been added to clarify for inspection station mechanics what is meant by this term. A cargo lamp is installed on multipurpose vehicles, trucks and buses to illuminate cargo area for loading and unloading. This section is proposed to be amended to allow cargo lamps on vehicles on which these lamps are installed by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment. This definition will explain to inspection station mechanics what is considered a cargo lamp.
2. Sections 175.64(b)(5), 175.94(b)(10), 175.123(b)(7) and 175.144(b)(6) are proposed to be amended to require that lines being used as brake lines be of a type constructed and used as a brake line. This requirement is being proposed as a safety measure to ensure that inferior quality lines are not installed as brake lines. These proposed amendments will help ensure the safety of vehicle owners and the motoring public.
3. Sections 175.65(b), 175.95(b), 175.124(b) and 175.145(b), relating to tires and wheels, are proposed to be amended to clarify that tires with equivalent metric size designations may be used in place of tires conforming to vehicle manufacturers' specifications. Since many standard--English measurement--tire sizes are no longer available, older vehicles with tires of the equivalent metric size are unfairly rejected. These proposed amendments will eliminate this practice.
4. Section 175.65(h) (relating to tires and wheels) has been added to prohibit the use of spacers or similar devices to increase wheel track. Spacers are devices installed between the hub and wheel of the vehicle to increase the distance the tire and wheel assembly extends beyond the body. When this is done, the tires' tread will often extend beyond the body and cause splash and spray conditions during periods of inclement weather. Additionally, the use of spacers decrease the amount of available wheel bolt thread that is used to secure the wheel assembly to the vehicle. The addition of this subsection will help ensure the safety of the motoring public as well as operators of affected motor vehicles.
5. Sections 175.66(l)(3) and 175.96(l)(3) (relating to lighting and electrical systems; and lighting and electrical systems) are proposed to be amended by changing the minimum height requirement for auxiliary driving lights from a minimum height of 12 inches above the ground surface to the lowest chassis part. Because many newer-model vehicles are manufactured with auxiliary driving lights below the bumper, these vehicles cannot comply with current Department regulations. Without this proposed amendment, sales of these affected vehicles would be hindered in this Commonwealth. These proposed amendments will benefit motor vehicle dealers and owners of affected vehicles. Further, a paragraph (9) has been added to both subsections to allow for the mounting of roof and roll bar lights. This provision is necessary to conform with section 4303(f) of the Vehicle Code (relating to general lighting requirements) which was added by the act of November 24, 1992 (P.L. 725, No. 109). Section 4303(f) of the Vehicle Code permits the mounting of off-road lighting lamps on the roof or roll bar of a vehicle as long as these lights are covered while the vehicle is being operated on a highway or trafficway.
6. Sections 175.77(f), 175.107(f) and 175.127(c) (relating to body) are proposed to be amended for clarification purposes to require the doors of vehicles to operate as originally designed. The current regulations only require vehicles to be equipped with doors that close securely. Inspection station mechanics have interpreted this language as allowing vehicle doors to be bolted or welded closed. This interpretation, however, makes it impossible for a person to get out of a vehicle in an emergency. Further, these subsections are proposed to be amended to permit wood planking, tailgate nets or other material to be used as a tailgate on trucks and trailers. These proposed amendments will allow vehicle owners to alter their vehicles as long as provisions are made to prevent the loss of loads. As a result, vehicles altered with wood planking, tailgate nets or other material will no longer fail inspection for lack of a standard tailgate. This clarification will aid inspection station mechanics in their work as well as benefit affected vehicle owners.
7. Sections 175.78(e)(5) and (6) and 175.80(a)(8)(iii) and (iv) (relating to chassis) are proposed to be amended by changing the height measurement requirement for the front and rear bumpers on passenger cars and light trucks. The current regulations require the measurement of the bumper from the ground to the bottom edge of the bumper. The proposed amendments require the measurement from a level ground surface to the bottom of the frame rail. This proposed amendment is necessary since the current provisions are being circumvented by the addition of supplemental bumper bars that allow unsafe vehicle heights. Because of the high center of gravity created by the excessive modifications of vehicles, single vehicle roll-overs continue to be one of the most significant causes of property damage and bodily injury. The proposed language provides for maximum heights of vehicles that are based on vehicle weight and class of vehicle so that owners of modified vehicle and inspection station mechanics are made fully aware of the requirements. This proposed amendment is adopted from recommended guidelines set forth in the January, 1988, Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association (MVMA) information paper entitled, ''Regulation of Raised Vehicles.''
8. Sections 175.78(h) and 175.108(l) (relating to chassis), are proposed to be amended to provide that body mounts are not allowed to be broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing. Body mounts are designed to attach the chassis to the body of a vehicle. Substandard body mounts could result in the separation of the body from the chassis in an accident, possibly causing further injury and damage. Omission of this requirement was an oversight by the Department and the importance of inspecting this part of vehicle equipment was brought to our attention by inspection station mechanics and the State Police. Further, §§ 175.80(d)(5) and 175.110(d)(8) (relating to inspection procedure) are proposed to be amended so that a vehicle will be rejected if body mounts do not hold as required, or are broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing.
9. Sections 175.78(i) and 175.80(a)(7)(iii) are proposed to be amended to require trucks to be constructed or equipped to prevent substances from passing in a straight line to the rear of the vehicle. These proposed amendments reflect the requirements of section 4533 of the Vehicle Code (relating to rear wheel shields). The inclusion of this requirement will enhance the safety of the motoring public since substances from lead vehicles will be less likely to obstruct the visibility of a vehicle directly behind the lead vehicle.
10. Sections 175.80(a)(3)(v) and 175.110(a)(3)(v) are proposed to be amended to require the inspection station mechanic to reject the vehicle if the windshield washers do not operate. This requirement only applies to vehicles originally equipped with windshield washers. Since the operation of the windshield wipers is checked during inspection, mechanics felt that a check of the windshield washers should be done as well, especially since both can usually be checked simultaneously. Further, windshield washers are required equipment on vehicles originally equipped with them, so the Department believes they should be addressed in the inspection procedures.
12. Section 175.105(b)(5) (relating to exhaust systems) is proposed to be amended by mirroring Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations at 49 CFR 393.83 (relating to exhaust system location). The Federal regulations set forth the exhaust location requirements for trucks, truck tractors, buses powered by gasoline engines and buses powered by fuel other than gasoline. The current regulations require an exhaust system to extend and discharge completely to the outside edge of the vehicle body or as originally designed. The affected vehicles were manufactured with the exhaust systems specified at 49 CFR 393.83. The proposed amendment will help ensure that affected vehicles are equipped with the correct type of exhaust system. This will ensure that exhaust fumes are not filtering through windows into passenger compartments, thereby protecting the health and the safety of affected vehicle owners.
This section is proposed to be further amended to allow school buses until June 15, 1998, to comply with these requirements. The Department's school bus equipment regulations at Chapter 171 (relating to school buses and school vehicles), presently allow the tailpipe of school buses to either extend beyond the rear axle, to the rearmost part of the bus; or it may extend to, but not beyond, the body of the left side of the school bus within 60 inches of the left rear wheel. At 25 Pa.B. 5589 (December 9, 1995), the Department proposed to amend Chapter 171 to be consistent with Federal exhaust system requirements. Realizing, however, that many school buses are equipped with the exhaust systems presently allowed by the current regulations, the Department decided to provide school bus owners and operators with sufficient time to equip affected vehicles in accordance with Federal requirements. The June 15, 1998, date was agreed to after meeting with school bus owners and operators, school districts and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association.
The Department expects the proposed amendments to Chapter 171 to be adopted by September 1996. Therefore, the Department has proposed to amend § 175.105(b)(5) to include this exception. Failure to do so would result in many school buses not passing vehicle equipment safety inspections, thereby inconveniencing many school bus owners, operators and students. Section 171.110(d)(6) has a similar proposed amendment.
11. Section 175.108(f) and § 175.128(d) (relating to chassis) are proposed to be amended to more closely mirror 49 CFR 393.86 (relating to rear end protection). The Federal regulations set forth requirements for rear bumper clearance, distance between rear bumpers or devices and location of rear bumpers or devices. These requirements are used by motor carrier enforcement personnel when citing motor carriers or motor carrier drivers for violations. Motor carriers and motor carrier drivers are required to adhere to the Federal regulations. Therefore, the Department believed that one set of requirements would benefit affected persons and eliminate confusion.
12. Section 175.160(b)(3) (relating to inspection procedure) is proposed to be amended to permit braking systems on motorcycles to be visually inspected. Under the current regulations, inspection station mechanics must remove the wheels to inspect the braking system on a motorcycle. Often this process includes the removal of the drive chain or other equipment before the brakes may be inspected. This results in increased costs for motorcycle owners since the labor involved goes beyond simply removing the wheel to check the brake linings. The proposed amendment will eliminate the necessity of removing the wheels if the motorcycle is equipped with view ports or mechanical brake wear indicators. Further, this proposed amendment will reduce costs to affected motorcycle owners since the labor involved will be significantly reduced.
13. Section 175.206(b)(1) (relating to glazing) is proposed to be amended to allow windshields between 7 inches and 12 inches in vertical height on street rods, specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles. This proposed amendment applies if the original body configuration had a windshield of less than 12 inches. This will allow a vehicle owner to conform the vehicle more closely with the original manufacturer's design, thereby possibly enhancing the value of the vehicle.
14. Section 175.209(b) (relating to chassis) is proposed to be amended to allow street rods, specially constructed and reconstructed vehicles to be inspected without a bumper if the vehicle was originally designed without one. This proposed amendment will allow a vehicle owner to conform the vehicle more closely with the original manufacturer's design, thereby possibly enhancing the value of the vehicle.
Persons or Entities Affected
These proposed amendments affect vehicle owners, inspection station personnel and the State Police.
Fiscal Impact
These proposed amendments do not directly impose additional costs on State or local governments. These proposed amendments establish rules and standards concerning the inspection and equipment requirements by persons who own or operate motor vehicles. Vehicle owners that have elevated their vehicle's body or suspension excessively may experience an increase in costs when conforming their vehicles with the requirements of these regulations. Further, owners of medium and heavy trucks, buses, school buses and trailers with removable backing plates on the wheels may experience some increased labor costs since these proposed amendments require wheel and drum assemblies to be removed so the braking system can be more thoroughly inspected. Owners of motorcycles with view ports or mechanical brake wear indicators may see a decrease in inspection costs since the wheels will not have to be removed before the braking system can be inspected. These proposed amendments will not require the completion of any additional forms, reports or other paperwork.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P.S. § 745.5(a)), the Department submitted on August 21, 1996, a copy of these proposed amendments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Transportation Committees. The Department has also provided IRRC and the Committees with a detailed Regulatory Analysis Form, prepared by the Department in compliance with Executive Order 1982-2, ''Improving Government Regulations.'' A copy of this material is available to the public upon request.
If IRRC has objections to any portions of the proposed amendments, it will notify the Department within 30 days of the notice of proposed rulemaking. The notification shall specify the regulatory review criteria which has not been met by that portion. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the proposed amendments, by the Department, the General Assembly and the Governor, of objections raised.
Sunset Provisions
The Department is not establishing a sunset date for these amendments since these amendments are needed to administer provisions required under the Vehicle Code. The Department, however, will continue to monitor these amendments closely for their effectiveness.
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding these proposed amendments to Louis J. Curl III, Director, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 4th floor--River Front Office Center, 1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, 17104, (717)787-2304, within 30 days of the publication of this proposal in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Contact Person:
John P. Munafo
Vehicle Control Division
3rd floor--River Front Office Center
1101 S. Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(717) 787-2895BRADLEY L. MALLORY,
SecretaryFiscal Note: 18-331. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 67. TRANSPORTATION
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subpart A. VEHICLE CODE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE VII. VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
CHAPTER 175. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND INSPECTION
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS § 175.2. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise:
* * * * * Antique motor vehicle--A motor vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformance with manufacturer's specifications and registered with the Department as an antique motor vehicle.
* * * * * Cargo lamp--A lamp mounted on a multipurpose passenger vehicle, truck or bus that provides illumination to load or unload cargo.
* * * * * Classic motor vehicle--[A self-propelled vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, manufactured more than 10 years prior to the current year and, because of discontinued production and limited availability, determined by the Department to be a model or make of significant value to collectors or exhibitors and which has been maintained in or restored to a condition which is substantially in conformity with manufacturer's specifications and appearance] The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).
* * * * * Implement of husbandry--[A vehicle designed or adapted and determined by the Department to be used exclusively for agricultural operations and only incidentally operated or moved upon highways] The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
* * * * * Ornamental lamps--[A lamp with no specific function] Lamps not required and not located as described in Tables III, IV and V, unless installed as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer or made available by a vehicle manufacturer.
* * * * * Passenger car--[A motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, designed for carrying ten passengers or less and primarily used for the transportation of persons] The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
* * * * * Pole trailer--A trailer, including those with a variable wheelbase, attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, and ordinarily used for transporting long or irregular- shaped loads, including poles, pipes or structural members capable of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
* * * * * Reconstructed vehicle--[A vehicle assembled largely from essential parts derived from other vehicles of various generally recognized makes or models or which has been materially altered by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts derived from various other makes or models and which cannot be readily identified as a vehicle of a generally recognized make or model] The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
* * * * * Registered gross weight--[The maximum gross weight at which a vehicle or combination is registered in this Commonwealth to operate upon a highway] The term as defined at 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
* * * * * School bus--The term as defined at 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.
* * * * *
Subchapter E. PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS § 175.64. Braking systems.
* * * * * (b) Service brakes. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa. C. S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems).
(1) The service brakes shall act on all wheels upon application and shall be capable of stopping a vehicle in not more than the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I (relating to brake performance), except on a vehicle being transported in [driveaway-tow-away] driveaway-towaway operation.
* * * * * (5) Brake lines shall be approved for use as brake lines.
* * * * * § 175.65. 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.
(h) Spacers. Spacers or similar devices may not be installed to increase wheel track.
§ 175.66. Lighting and electrical systems.
* * * * * (f) Illumination except headlamps, fog 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)[(c)]--(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 passenger vehicle or light truck if [they] the lamps comply with the following [requirements]:
* * * * * (2) Fog lamps [shall] may not 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] at least 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) (relating to general lighting requirements), 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.
(10) White or clear cargo lamps are permitted if installed as original equipment.
* * * * * (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.
§ 175.67. Glazing.
* * * * * (d) Obstructions. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have glazing free from obstructions as described in § 175.80 (relating to inspection procedure).
* * * * * (4) Vehicles specified under this subchapter may not have an obstruction forward of the windshield which extends more than 2 inches upward into the horizontally projected vision area of the windshield with the exception of windshield wiper components.
§ 175.75. 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 requirements of this title for an emission control system and smoke control for a diesel-powered vehicle.
(1) A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. [No] A muffler or exhaust system [shall] may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device and [no] a muffler [shall] may not show evidence of external repair.
(2) [No] A person [shall] may not modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase noise emitted by the motor of a vehicle above the maximum level permitted by Chapter 157 (relating to established sound levels).
* * * * * (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.
* * * * * § 175.77. 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.
§ 175.78. Chassis.
* * * * * (c) Motor mounts. [A motor mount shall] Motor mounts may not be broken, cracked or missing.
* * * * * (e) Bumpers. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with bumpers of a type used as original equipment, securely attached to the chassis or frame. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4536 (relating to bumpers).
* * * * * (5) Bumper height. Bumper height shall be as follows:
(i) Some part of [a] the main horizontal bumper bar, exclusive of any bumper guards, on passenger vehicles and light trucks shall fall within 16[--20] inches above ground level and may not exceed the following limits:
Maximum Height Front Rear Bumper Bumper Vehicle Class or Frame or Frame Passenger cars 22 inches 22 inches Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles 5,000 lbs. or less 24 inches 26 inches 5,001 lbs.--7,000 lbs. 27 inches 29 inches 7,001 lbs.--9,000 lbs. 28 inches 30 inches 9,001 lbs.--11,000 lbs. 30 inches 30 inches (ii) The height measurement shall be made to the bottom of the foremost portion of the frame rail, or to the original mounting brackets, whichever is lower, if one of the following apply:
(A) The bumper height, relative to the frame rail, has been altered.
(B) The vehicle was not originally equipped with a front or rear bumper.
(C) A supplemental bumper has been added.
(D) The manufacturer's specified bumper has been replaced with a bumper not identical to the manufacturer's specified bumper.
[(6) Some part of a horizontal bumper bar on a multipurpose passenger vehicle and light truck shall fall within 16--30 inches above ground level.]
* * * * * (h) Body mounts. Body mounts may not be broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing.
(i) Rear wheel shields. Trucks shall be constructed or equipped to bar water or other road surface substances thrown from rear wheels of the vehicle at tangents exceeding 22.5°, measured from the road surface, from passing in a straight line to rear of the vehicle. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4533 (relating to rear wheel shields).
§ 175.80. Inspection procedure.
(a) External inspection. An external inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Verify ownership, legality and proof of financial responsibility. For the purpose of this subchapter, ownership and legality shall be proven by a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer's statement of origin. Reject if one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (ii) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of vehicle registration card:
* * * * * (D) The license plate lamp, if originally so equipped, does not illuminate the license plate.
* * * * * (2) Check glazing.
(i) Reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(A) Approved safety glazing is not [used] present in every windshield, window [and] or wing as originally designed.
* * * * * (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 the tailgate, and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) The doors, except a tailgate on a pick-up truck, are not on the vehicle if originally fitted by the manufacturer.
(ii) The doors, including the tailgate, [cannot be closed securely] do not function as originally designed.
(5) Check outside mirrors and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iii) The mirrors, if originally so equipped, are missing.
(6) Check fenders, hood and trunk lid and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) A fender--front [and] or rear--has been removed.
* * * * * (iv) The trunk lid is not present or does not close securely.
* * * * * (7) Check the flooring and floor beds and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iii) A truck is not equipped with rear wheel shields--mud flaps--as required under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4533 (relating to rear wheel shields).
* * * * * (8) Check the bumpers and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iii) Some part of the main horizontal bumper bar, exclusive of bumper guards, on passenger [vehicles] cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles and light trucks does not fall within 16[--20] inches above ground level or exceeds the following limits:
Maximum Height Front Rear Bumper Bumper Vehicle Class or Frame or Frame Passenger cars 22 inches 22 inches Trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles 5,000 lbs. or less 24 inches 26 inches 5,001 lbs.--7,000 lbs. 27 inches 29 inches 7,001 lbs.--9,000 lbs. 28 inches 30 inches 9,001 lbs.--11,000 lbs. 30 inches 30 inches (iv) [Some part of the horizontal bumper bar on multipurpose passenger vehicles and light trucks does not fall within 16--30 inches above ground level.] The height measurement shall be made to the bottom of the foremost portion of the frame rail, or to the original mounting brackets, whichever is lower, if one of the following apply:
(A) The bumper height, relative to the frame rail, has been altered.
(B) The vehicle was not originally equipped with a front or rear bumper.
(C) A supplemental bumper has been added.
(D) The manufacturer's specified bumper has been replaced with a bumper not identical to the manufacturer's specified bumper.
* * * * * (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 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.
* * * * * (x) The fog lamps operate with the high beams of the headlamps or are substituted for the low beams.
* * * * * (b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Check steering column [completed.] and reject if one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (vii) The number of turns of the steering wheel from a straight ahead tire position to the right stop is not equal to the number of turns to the left stop within a tolerance of 1/4 turn.
* * * * * (4) Check the brake pedal and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) The brake pedal travel exceeds 80% of the total available travel unless originally designed to do so.
(ii) The brake pedal fades while the vehicle is stopped unless originally designed to do so.
* * * * * (iv) A brake warning lamp or other device indicates a malfunction of the braking systems.
* * * * * (6) Check the seat and safety belts, if originally 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.
* * * * * (viii) A passive seat belt restraint system is inoperative.
* * * * * (7) Check [inside] the inside mirror and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iv) The mirror, if originally so equipped, is missing.
(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 the beneath vehicle inspection, and reject if the motor mounts are broken, cracked or missing.
* * * * * (6) Check the battery and reject if the battery is not securely fastened with a device similar to that used as original equipment.
(d) 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:
* * * * * (ix) A [tire] tire's tread extends beyond the outer edge of the wheel housing [or exceeds the manufacturers' specifications as to size].
* * * * * (xvi) Studded tires are in use after April [1] 15 and before November 1.
* * * * * (xx) A tire makes contact with the body or chassis.
(xxi) Spacers are used to increase wheel track.
(2) Inspect the steering system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
(i) Steering gear box is loose on frame.
(ii) Measured movement at the front or rear of a tire is greater than 1/4-inch. Eliminate all wheel bearing movement by applying the service brake; then, with the vehicle raised and wheels in the straight ahead position, grasp the front and rear of the tire and attempt to move the assembly right and left without moving the steering gear. Measure the movement.
[(ii)] (iii) ***
[(iii)] (iv) ***
[(iv)] (v) ***
(3) Inspect the suspension system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (viii) Spring shackle kits or blocks are used to lower the suspension.
(ix) Spring shackle kits are more than 1 inch over original equipment.
(x) Blocks are used on front axle to raise the vehicle.
(xi) Blocks used on rear axle exceed 5 inches over original equipment.
* * * * * (5) Inspect the vehicle frame and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (iv) Body mounts do not hold as required.
(v) A body mount is broken, cracked, deteriorated or missing.
(vi) The difference in the body floor and the top of the frame rail exceeds 4 inches.
(6) Inspect exhaust system and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (viii) The exhaust does not discharge to the outside edge of the vehicle body, including a truck bed, or as originally designed.
(7) Inspect the braking system. Remove at least one front and one opposite rear wheel and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * * (e) Road test. Perform road test and reject if [any] one or more of the following apply:
* * * * *
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