Subchapter K. STREET RODS, SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED AND
RECONSTRUCTED VEHICLES
Sec.
175.201. Application of subchapter.
175.202. Conditions.
175.203. Braking systems.
175.204. Tires.
175.205. Lighting and electrical systems.
175.206. Glazing.
175.207. Mirrors.
175.208. Body.
175.209. Chassis.
175.210. Unconventional operator location.
175.211. Inspection.
175.220. Inspection procedure.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175A.50 (relating to substantive inspection).
§ 175.201. Application of subchapter.
The equipment standards set forth in this subchapter apply to all street rods, specially constructed vehicles and reconstructed vehicles being driven on highways.
Source The provisions of this § 175.201 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended July 14, 1978, effective August 1, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2006; amended April 30, 1982, subsection (c)(1) effective August 1, 1982 and subsection (c)(2) and (3) effective November 1, 1982, provided that existing subsection (c)(1)—(5) remains in effect for issuance and replacement of certificates of inspection for inspection campaigns beginning prior to the foregoing effective date, 12 Pa.B. 1400; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (82391).
§ 175.202. Conditions.
All parts of a vehicle must comply with this subchapter and Subchapters E—H and J.
Source The provisions of this § 175.202 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended April 30, 1982, subsection (h) effective November 1, 1982, provided that the existing subsection (h)(1) and (2) remains in effect to recording inspections for inspection campaigns beginning prior to the foregoing effective date, 12 Pa.B. 1400; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (82391).
Notes of Decisions The placing of an inspection sticker on a vehicle and completion of a TS-431 form by one who did not witness the inspection is not in conformity with 67 Pa. Code § 175.202(b) and is ground for a suspension of certification under 75 Pa.C.S. § 4726(b) Szot v. Commonwealth, 456 A.2d 734 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1983).
§ 175.203. Braking systems.
(a) Condition of braking systems. Braking systems and components shall be compatible and in safe operating condition as described in § § 175.80, 175.110, 175.130, 175.160, 175.190 and 175.220.
(b) Service brakes. The service brakes shall act on all wheels upon application and shall be capable of stopping the vehicle in not more than the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I (relating to brake performance). Every street rod, specially constructed vehicle and reconstructed vehicle shall be equipped with a service brake system which is identical to the originally manufactured brake system; except, if the original system has been modified or the street rod has rear tires wider than 9 inches, the service brake system shall be of a design that rupture or failure of either the front or rear brake system will not result in the complete loss of braking function. Braking function may be obtained by hydraulic or other means through a normal brake mechanism. In the event of a rupture or failure of actuating force component, unaffected brakes shall be capable of applying adequate braking force to the vehicle.
(c) Refuse trucks. A vehicle reconstructed as a refuse truck and designed to be operated from an unconventional location—usually the right side of the vehicle—shall be equipped with a system that prevents movement of the vehicle when the operator is not at the controls. This system shall engage the brakes and lock the transmission in neutral. This system need be operative only when the vehicle is being operated from the unconventional location.
Source The provisions of this § 175.203 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended July 31, 1981, effective August 1, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 2686; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (82391) to (82392).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.204 (relating to tires).
§ 175.204. Tires.
(a) Condition of tires. Tires shall be in safe operating condition as described in this subchapter and Subchapters E—H and J.
(b) Tire width. The front tires on a street rod shall have a minimum width of 5 inches. If the rear tires on a street rod are wider than 9 inches, the vehicle shall be equipped with a dual service brake system, see § 175.203(b) (relating to braking systems).
Source The provisions of this § 175.204 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended July 14, 1978, effective August 1, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2006; amended April 30, 1982, subsections (a) and (b) effective June 1, 1982, provided that existing subsections (a)(1)—(3) and (b)(9) remain in effect for ordering certificates of inspection to be issued for inspection campaigns beginning prior to the foregoing effective dates, 12 Pa.B. 1400; amended June 4, 1982, effective June 5, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 1767; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (82392).
§ 175.205. Lighting and electrical systems.
A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have hazard warning lamps if so originally equipped 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).
Source The provisions of this § 175.205 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (82392).
§ 175.206. Glazing.
(a) Condition of windshield. A windshield shall be in safe operating condition as described in § § 175.80, 175.110, 175.130, 175.160, 175.190 and 175.220 and this subchapter.
(b) Requirements. Glazing shall meet following requirements:
(1) A windshield may not be 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.
(2) A windshield and side windows or openings shall allow the driver minimum outward horizontal vision capability of 90° from each side of the vertical plane passing through the fore and aft centerline of the vehicle. This range of vision may be interrupted by window framing not exceeding 2 inches in width and windshield door post support areas not exceeding 4 inches in width.
(c) Obstructions forward of the windshield. A vehicle specified under this subchapter may not have 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 the windshield wiper components.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.206 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.206 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; reserved July 9, 1982, effective July 10, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2181; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221322) to (221323).
§ 175.207. Mirrors.
(a) Condition of mirrors. Mirrors shall be in safe operating condition as described in § § 175.80, 175.110, 175.130, 175.160, 175.190 and 175.220 and this subchapter.
(b) Mirrors. A specially constructed or reconstructed vehicle designed to be operated from an unconventional location—usually the right side—shall have sufficient mirrors for the operator to view the front and both sides and rear of the vehicle for a distance not less than 200 feet from any operator location.
Source The provisions of this § 175.207 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (77582).
§ 175.208. Body.
(a) Condition of body. All items on the body shall be in safe operating condition as described in § § 175.80, 175.110, 175.130, 175.160, 175.190 and 175.220 (relating to inspection procedure) and this subchapter.
(b) Fenders. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have fenders on all wheels which cover the entire tread width of a tire that comes in contact with the road surface. The tire tread circumference coverage shall be from at least 15 degrees front to at least 75 degrees rear of the vertical centerline at each wheel, measured from the center of wheel rotation. Vehicles registered as street rods are exempt from the requirements regarding fenders.
(c) Hood—street rods only. A street rod is not required to have a hood which covers the top of the entire engine compartment. If the hood top or sides, or both, are removed from the vehicle, the engine fan must be enclosed with a shroud designed to protect the fan from accidental contact from the outside.
(d) Doors. A door shall be installed for any location from which a refuse truck is to be operated. If the vehicle is equipped with dual controls, a door shall be installed at each control position.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.208 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.208 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended October 25, 2013, effective October 26, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 6349. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (250442).
§ 175.209. Chassis.
(a) Condition of chassis. All items of a chassis shall be in safe operating condition as described in this subchapter and Subchapters E—H and J.
(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. Vehicles registered as street rods are exempt from the requirements regarding bumpers.
(1) Some part of the main horizontal bumper of a passenger vehicle and all street rods, if so equipped, shall fall within 12-20 inches above ground level.
(2) Some part of the horizontal bumper of a truck shall fall within 16-30 inches above ground level.
(c) Scrub line. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall meet the minimum scrub line requirements. See Chart 5 (relating to scrub line).
(1) A scrub line is an imaginary surface created if lines were drawn from the bottom of the wheel rim on one side to the bottom of the tire on the other side. When lines are drawn from both sides, an ‘‘X’’ under the vehicle suspension is created. A suspension or chassis component may not be below the top portion of this imaginary ‘‘X.’’
(2) Only exhaust systems and sheet metal may extend below the scrub line.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.209 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.209 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670; amended October 25, 2013, effective October 26, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 6349. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (250442) to (250443).
§ 175.210. Unconventional operator location.
A vehicle described under this subchapter designed to be operated from an unconventional location shall have all controls and switches listed as follows positioned so they may be conveniently operated from each operator location:
(1) A steering wheel.
(2) A gear shift.
(3) Brake controls.
(4) Windshield wiper controls.
(5) A speedometer.
(6) A headlamp and tail lamp control.
(7) A turn signal control.
(8) A defroster control.
(9) A hazard warning light control.
(10) A horn or warning device activator.
Source The provisions of this § 175.210 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (77583).
§ 175.211. Inspection.
A vehicle shall be inspected by a certified inspection mechanic to insure the vehicle conforms to Vehicle Code and this title prior to titling. The vehicle owner shall not be the inspecting mechanic. A certificate of inspection shall not be issued upon initial inspection. After the title and registration have been issued, an inspection station shall reinspect the vehicle to make certain the vehicle still complies with this chapter and only then shall a certificate of inspection be issued. Failure to follow proper inspection procedures in either of the two inspections listed in this chapter will be reasonable grounds to suspend the station and mechanic under Subchapter D (relating to schedule of penalties and suspensions: official inspection stations and certified mechanics).
Source The provisions of this § 175.211 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (77583).
Notes of Decisions The phrase ‘‘of the same nature’’, as used in the penalty provisions regarding second and subsequent offenses, means these offenses having the same character or quality as previous offenses, i.e., second or subsequent charges in the same category as the previous offense which includes fraudulent record keeping. Department of Transportation v. Johnson, 482 A.2d 1378 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
§ 175.220. 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. When a vehicle being held for resale is presented for inspection by a dealer licensed to sell vehicles in this Commonwealth, a VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney evidencing the dealership’s acquisition of the vehicle, or both, may be presented instead of a vehicle registration card, certificate of title or manufacturer’s statement of origin. Reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney:
(A) The VIN is not in agreement with the certificate of title, manufacturer’s statement of origin, VIN-specific auction slip or VIN-specific secure power of attorney. Exception: If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct the error or transposition.
(B) The VIN plate is not securely fastened or is defaced, misplaced or missing.
(ii) When vehicle ownership and legality are demonstrated by presentation of vehicle registration card:
(A) The license plate is not in agreement with numbers on vehicle registration card. If only one digit is incorrect or two digits are transposed, and the owner provides evidence that the appropriate Department form has been completed to correct an error or transposition, this clause does not apply.
(B) The license plate is hanging loosely from its mounting bracket.
(C) The license plate is obscured so that the numbers cannot be identified.
(D) The license plate lamp, if so equipped, does not illuminate the license plate.
(iii) Acceptable proof of financial responsibility is not provided. For the purpose of this chapter, financial responsibility shall be proven by one of the following documents:
(A) A valid financial responsibility identification card issued in accordance with 31 Pa. Code (relating to insurance).
(B) The declaration page of a valid insurance policy.
(C) A valid self-insurance identification card.
(D) A valid binder of insurance issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth.
(E) A valid insurance policy issued by an insurance company licensed to sell motor vehicle liability insurance in this Commonwealth.
(2) Check the windshield and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) A windshield is less than 7 inches in vertical height on a street rod.
(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.
(iii) The windshields and side windows or openings do not allow the driver minimum outward horizontal vision capability of 90° from each side of vertical plane passing through fore and aft centerline of vehicle.
(iv) The range of vision is interrupted by window framing exceeding 2 inches in width and windshield door post support areas exceeding 4 inches in width.
(v) Obstructions except windshield wiper components of more than 2 inches upward into horizontally projected vision area of the windshield is found.
(3) With the exception of vehicles registered as street rods, check the fenders and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The fenders do not cover the entire tire tread width of tire that comes in contact with the road surface.
(ii) The front tire tread circumference coverage is less than 15° to the front and 75° to the rear of each tire.
(iii) The rear tire tread circumference coverage is less than 75°.
(4) With the exception of vehicles registered as street rods, check the bumpers and reject if one or more of the following apply:
(i) The front or rear bumper is missing.
(ii) Some part of the main horizontal bumper does not fall within 12-20 inches above the ground level on specially constructed vehicles and reconstructed passenger vehicles.
(5) Check the lights and reject if the vehicle does not have operating hazard warning lamps capable of being seen and distinguished during nighttime operations at a distance of 500 feet.
(b) Internal inspection. An internal inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Check the mirrors and reject if the mirrors for the operator are insufficient to view front and both sides and rear of vehicle for distance not less than 200 feet.
(2) Check the unconventional operation location and reject if all the major controls and switches are not conveniently located for use by the driver while in an unconventional operating position.
(c) Under the hood inspection. An under the hood inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Check the engine compartment and reject if the street rod hood top or sides, or both, are removed from the vehicle and the engine fan is not enclosed with a shroud designed to protect the fan from accidental contact from the outside.
(2) Check the brake system and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) The dual service brake system is not installed when the original system was modified.
(ii) The dual service brake system is not installed on the vehicle with the rear tires exceeding 9 inches in width.
(d) Beneath the vehicle inspection. A beneath the vehicle inspection shall be performed as follows:
(1) Inspect the tires and reject if any of the following apply:
(i) The front tires measure less than 5 inches in width on the street rods.
(ii) The rear tires exceed 9 inches in width and the vehicle is not equipped with a dual service brake system.
(2) Inspect the scrub line and reject if any of the following chassis and suspension components are below the scrub line:
(i) The frame.
(ii) The axle.
(iii) The axle housing.
(iv) The lower control bar.
(v) The shock mounts.
(vi) The crossmembers.
(vii) The torsion bar.
(viii) The radius rods.
(ix) The spindle arms.
(x) The steering components.
(xi) The brake components.
(xii) The spring perch bolts.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.220 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521, 4702 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.220 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended February 18, 1994, effective February 19, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 962; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670; amended October 25, 2013, effective October 26, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 6349. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (250444) to (250447).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.203 (relating to braking systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.206 (relating to glazing); 67 Pa. Code § 175.207 (relating to mirrors); and 67 Pa. Code § 175.208 (relating to body).
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