§ 15.3. Special operating privileges.
(a) General. The following types of authorized vehicles may exercise the special privileges indicated when they are performing the type of work which is the basis of the vehicle’s designation as an authorized vehicle in § 15.2 (relating to types of authorized vehicles) and the special privileges can be executed in a reasonable and safe manner:
(1) Any type of authorized vehicle, except Types III, VI and VII vehicles, may utilize special median openings on divided highways designated for emergency and authorized vehicles, if every precaution is taken to insure the safety of all motorists and pedestrians.
(2) Types I, II and IV authorized vehicles may drive on highways, or any part thereof, closed to the general public when they are performing the type of work which is the basis of the designation of the vehicle as an authorized vehicle in § 15.2, if the driving can be done in a reasonable and safe manner.
(3) Type II authorized vehicles registered or leased by or under contract to the Commonwealth or a political subdivision may exceed the following statutory weight restrictions when they are performing the type of work which is the basis of the vehicle’s designation as an authorized vehicle:
(i) Maximum gross weight.
(ii) Registered gross weight.
(iii) Maximum axle weight.
(iv) Maximum wheel load.
(4) An authorized vehicle may disregard the requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § 4305 (relating to vehicular hazard signal lamps) when one of the following occur:
(i) A flashing or revolving yellow light is used;
(ii) An activated arrow board or temporary arrow sign is used on a one-way roadway in accordance with Chapter 203 (relating to work zone traffic control); or
(iii) The vehicle is on a closed highway or in an area protected from the traveling public by a barrier or a series of channelizing devices.
(b) Special privileges with lights. The following types of authorized vehicles may exercise the special privileges indicated when they are performing the type of work which is the basis of the vehicle’s designation as an authorized vehicle in § 15.2, if the flashing or revolving yellow lights or the red flashing lights on school buses are activated and the special privileges can be executed in a reasonable and safe manner:
(1) Types I and II authorized vehicles may:
(i) Stop, stand or park, irrespective of official signs or 75 Pa.C.S. § § 101—9909 (relating to the Vehicle Code).
(ii) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(2) Types I, II and V authorized vehicles may drive slower than the minimum speed limit.
(3) Type III authorized vehicles may stop, stand or park irrespective of official signs or 75 Pa.C.S. § § 101—9909 (relating to the vehicle code). In addition, if a garbage truck is equipped with special driving controls on the right side, the operator may:
(i) Drive the garbage truck by use of the special controls at speeds not exceeding 20 miles per hour.
(ii) Disregard the following requirements of 75 Pa.C.S. § 3701 (relating to unattended vehicles):
(A) That the engine be stopped.
(B) That the ignition be locked, in a vehicle so equipped, and the key removed from the ignition.
(4) Type VII authorized vehicles may stop on the roadway at locations where the vehicle is not visible from a distance of 500 feet in each direction while actively engaged in loading or unloading school students if the school bus on-roadway loading zone has been established under § 104.3 (relating to standards), with the concurrence of the local authorities as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).
Source The provisions of this § 15.3 adopted March 17, 1978, effective March 18, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 759; amended May 25, 1984, effective May 26, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1807; readopted April 21, 1989, effective April 22, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 1736. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (132804) and (90186) to (90187).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 104.3 (relating to standards).
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