Pennsylvania HB 1205: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to vehicles, further providing for definitions; in financial responsibility, providing for mini trucks; providing for additional special vehicles; and, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection and providing for vehicles exempt from emission inspections.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1353
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1205
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY ZIMMERMAN, SMITH, ROWE AND HOGAN, APRIL 15, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, APRIL 15, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes, in general provisions relating to vehicles, further
providing for definitions; in financial responsibility,
providing for mini trucks; providing for additional special
vehicles; and, in inspection of vehicles, further providing
for operation of vehicle without official certificate of
inspection and providing for vehicles exempt from emission
inspections.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 102 of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a definition to read:
§ 102. Definitions.
Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent
provisions of this title which are applicable to specific
provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when
used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
* * *
"Mini truck." A motor vehicle of the keijidōsha class of
Japanese imported vehicles commonly referred to as a mini truck
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or kei truck that is imported under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(b)(9)
(relating to prohibitions on manufacturing, selling, and
importing noncomplying motor vehicles and equipment) and has:
(1) Four wheels.
(2) A truck bed.
(3) An engine displacement of 660 cubic centimeters or
less.
(4) An overall length of 130 inches or less.
(5) An overall height of 78 inches or less.
(6) An overall width of 60 inches or less.
* * *
Section 2. Title 75 is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 1789. Mini trucks.
(a) Minimum coverage requirements.--A mini truck that is
registered or operated on a highway shall be covered by
financial responsibility in the amount of $15,000 for injury to
one person in any one accident, in the amount of $30,000 for
injury to two or more persons in any one accident and in the
amount of $5,000 for damage of property of others in any one
accident. The financial responsibility shall be in a form
acceptable to the department.
(b) Exemption from other coverages.--For a mini truck, no
person shall be required to purchase and no insurer shall be
required to offer or make available any other coverage contained
in this chapter.
Section 3. Title 75 is amended by adding a chapter to read:
CHAPTER 36
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL VEHICLES
Subchapter
A. (Reserved)
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B. Operation of Mini Trucks
SUBCHAPTER A
(Reserved)
SUBCHAPTER B
OPERATION OF MINI TRUCKS
Sec.
3610. Scope of subchapter.
3611. Required equipment.
3612. Operation.
3613. Same treatment as passenger cars.
3614. Seating limitation.
§ 3610. Scope of subchapter.
This subchapter applies to the operation of mini trucks on
certain highways or roadways in this Commonwealth.
§ 3611. Required equipment.
(a) General rule.--A mini truck operated upon a highway or
roadway in this Commonwealth shall be equipped with the
following equipment:
(1) Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to
stop the vehicle.
(2) An odometer.
(3) A speedometer.
(4) The original manufacturer's vehicle identification
number die stamped upon the body or frame, or both, of the
vehicle or the original manufacturer's vehicle identification
number die stamped upon the engine or motor of the vehicle.
(5) A windshield and windshield wipers.
(6) A horn.
(7) Head lamps.
(8) Tail lamps.
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(9) Turn signals.
(10) Side mirrors.
(11) Seat belts.
(12) Tires that conform with the requirements under
section 4525 (relating to tire equipment and traction
surfaces).
(b) Exemption.--A mini truck is exempt from equipment
requirements not enumerated in this subchapter.
(c) Penalties.--An individual who operates a mini truck
without the equipment prescribed in this section shall be
subject to the penalties under section 6502 (relating to summary
offenses).
§ 3612. Operation.
(a) State highways.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided under paragraphs (2)
and (3), a mini truck may not be operated upon a highway or
roadway under the jurisdiction of the department with a
posted speed limit in excess of 55 miles per hour.
(2) The secretary may, by order, permit the use of a
mini truck upon a highway or roadway under the jurisdiction
of the department where the posted speed limit is greater
than 55 miles per hour but not greater than 70 miles per
hour.
(3) The secretary may, by order, prohibit the use of a
mini truck upon any street under the jurisdiction of the
department where the secretary determines that the operation
of a mini truck would constitute a hazard.
(4) The secretary shall transmi