(a) General rule.--Immediately following an accident, a police officer may remove or direct removal of spilled cargo from any roadway to the nearest point off the roadway where the spilled cargo will not interfere with or obstruct traffic.
(b) Storage of cargo.--When, in the opinion of a police officer, it is necessary to protect the contents, load or spilled cargo of a wrecked vehicle from the elements, spoilage or theft, the police officer may remove or direct the removal of the contents or load or spilled cargo and have the same stored, at the expense of the owner, at the nearest practical place of storage.
(c) Liability for damage or loss.--In carrying out the provisions of this section, no liability shall attach to the police officer or, absent a showing of gross negligence, to any person acting under the direction of the police officer for damage to or loss of any portion of the contents or load or spilled cargo.
(Dec. 8, 2004, P.L.1791, No.237, eff. 150 days)
2004 Amendment. Act 237 added section 3743.1.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 37 - Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 3701 - Unattended motor vehicle
Section 3701.1 - Leaving an unattended child in a motor vehicle
Section 3702 - Limitations on backing
Section 3703 - Driving upon sidewalk
Section 3704 - Obstruction to driving view or mechanism
Section 3705 - Opening and closing vehicle doors
Section 3706 - Riding in house trailers, mobile homes or boats on trailers
Section 3707 - Driving or stopping close to fire apparatus
Section 3708 - Unauthorized driving over fire hose
Section 3709 - Depositing waste and other material on highway, property or waters
Section 3710 - Stopping at intersection or crossing to prevent obstruction
Section 3711 - Unauthorized persons and devices hanging on vehicles
Section 3712 - Abandonment of vehicles
Section 3712.1 - Restitution of property owners
Section 3712.2 - Stripping abandoned vehicles
Section 3713 - Railroad trains not to block crossings
Section 3714 - Careless driving
Section 3715 - Restriction on alcoholic beverages (Repealed)
Section 3716 - Accidents involving overturned vehicles
Section 3717 - Trespass by motor vehicle
Section 3718 - Minor prohibited from operating with any alcohol in system
Section 3719 - Passengers in open trucks
Section 3720 - Snow and ice dislodged or falling from moving vehicle (Repealed)
Section 3722 - Off-road vehicles in urban municipalities
Section 3723 - Theft of catalytic converter
Section 3731 - Driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance (Repealed)
Section 3731.1 - Operators of commercial vehicles (Repealed)
Section 3732 - Homicide by vehicle
Section 3732.1 - Aggravated assault by vehicle
Section 3733 - Fleeing or attempting to elude police officer
Section 3734 - Driving without lights to avoid identification or arrest
Section 3735 - Homicide by vehicle while driving under influence
Section 3735.1 - Aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence
Section 3736 - Reckless driving
Section 3741 - Application of subchapter
Section 3742 - Accidents involving death or personal injury
Section 3742.1 - Accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed
Section 3743 - Accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property
Section 3743.1 - Spilled cargo
Section 3744 - Duty to give information and render aid
Section 3745 - Accidents involving damage to unattended vehicle or property
Section 3745.1 - Accident scene clearance
Section 3746 - Immediate notice of accident to police department
Section 3747 - Written report of accident by driver or owner
Section 3749 - Reports by coroners and medical examiners
Section 3750 - Reports by garages
Section 3751 - Reports by police
Section 3752 - Accident report forms
Section 3753 - Department to compile, tabulate and analyze accident reports
Section 3754 - Accident prevention investigations
Section 3755 - Reports by emergency room personnel