§ 53.4. Use of plates.
(a) Dealer plates.
(1) Dealer plates may be used on vehicles owned or in possession of a dealer or manufacturer and operated by the dealer or manufacturer or its employes only when the vehicle is used for one of the following purposes:
(i) In the business of the registrant as a dealer or manufacturer. If a dealer or manufacturer is engaged in a business other than the business of motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer, dealer plates may not be used on vehicles used in the other business, nor on vehicles used in both businesses.
(ii) For the personal pleasure or use of the dealer or members of the dealer’s immediate family, or when the dealer is a corporation, for the personal pleasure or use of the officers or members of their immediate families, or for the personal use of the regular employes of the dealer.
(iii) For teaching students enrolled in an approved driver education course how to operate a vehicle and for taking an examination for a driver’s license by the new driver.
(iv) For testing vehicles in the possession of the dealer or manufacturer.
(v) For demonstrating vehicles in the possession of the dealer or manufacturer.
(vi) For loaning to customers whose vehicles are being repaired.
(vii) For loaning to prospective purchasers for a period not exceeding 5 days for the purpose of demonstrating vehicles.
(2) Limited use of certain types of dealer plate shall be as follows:
(i) A motor driven cycle or motorized pedalcycle dealer plate shall be used only on motor driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles.
(ii) A motorcycle dealer plate shall be regularly used only on motorcycles, motor driven cycles and motorized pedalcycles. A motorcycle dealer plate may be used on other vehicles owned or in the possession of the motorcycle dealer only when the vehicle is being demonstrated for a prospective customer.
(iii) Other dealer plates may be used on any type of vehicle.
(3) See 75 Pa.C.S. § 1336(b) (relating to use of dealer registration plates). Permits for the use of manufacturer and dealer registration plates in the manner provided in paragraph (1)(iii), (vi) and (vii), shall be issued and records of their issuance shall be retained as follows:
(i) The dealer or manufacturer shall complete in ink or by typing, in duplicate, a dealer registration plate permit (form MV-355) for each use, including the name and address of the authorized user; the dealer registration plate number; the make and vehicle identification number of the vehicle; the date of issuance of the permit; the dealer or manufacturer’s name, address and dealer identification number (DIN); and the purpose for which use of the vehicle was authorized. The form shall be signed by both the authorized user and the dealer or manufacturer.
(ii) The original copy of the dealer registration plate permit shall be given to the authorized user and shall be in the possession of the driver whenever the vehicle is being driven on a highway. The dealer registration card issued for the dealer registration plate attached to the vehicle shall also be in possession of the authorized user when the vehicle is being driven.
(iii) The duplicate copy of the dealer registration plate permit shall be retained at the dealer’s or manufacturer’s place of business for at least 6 months for inspection by police and authorized representatives of the Commonwealth.
(b) Miscellaneous motor vehicle business plates.
(1) Miscellaneous motor vehicle business plates may be used only when the vehicle is used for one of the following purposes:
(i) In the conduct of the miscellaneous motor vehicle business. If the owner of the miscellaneous motor vehicle business is engaged in another business, the miscellaneous motor vehicle business plates may not be used on vehicles used in the other business, nor on vehicles used in both businesses.
(ii) For the personal pleasure or use of the owner of the miscellaneous motor vehicle business or members of the owner’s immediate family, or when the business is a corporation, for the pleasure or use of not more than three officers or members of their families, or for the personal use of the regular employes of the business when operated by the employe.
(2) Miscellaneous motor vehicle business plates shall be used by transporters only on motor vehicles which are hauling loads no greater than 1,000 pounds. The plates may not be used by transporters on truck tractors towing mobile homes or loaded trailers, or on loaded trailers.
Source The provisions of this § 53.4 adopted May 25, 1984, effective June 12, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1809; readopted May 26, 1989, effective May 27, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 2252. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (95334) and (90230) to (90231).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 53.9 (relating to sanctions for violations by dealer, manufacturer or miscellaneous motor vehicle business registrants).
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