(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, no vehicle shall bear or display any illuminated signs, letters, numerals or figures of any kind whatsoever.
(b) Buses.--A bus or school bus may bear an illuminated sign stating its use or destination.
(c) Taxicabs.--A taxicab may carry on the rear or the top of the vehicle illuminated signs placed so as not to interfere with the vision of the driver through the rear window of the vehicle. The size and placement of the sign must receive approval of the department or be a type approved by the department prior to use on the vehicle.
(c.1) Transportation network company driver.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, but subject to 53 Pa.C.S. ยง 57A01 (relating to definitions), a Transportation Network Company Driver may display an illuminated sign provided by a Transportation Network Company within the interior of his or her vehicle so long as such sign is approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or the Philadelphia Parking Authority, as applicable. The Transportation Network Company shall file the illuminated sign with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for review and approval. If the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission does not approve the illuminated sign, the Philadelphia Parking Authority may approve the illuminated sign within their jurisdiction, after the Transportation Network Company files the illuminated sign with the Philadelphia Parking Authority for review and approval. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Philadelphia Parking Authority shall each have 15 business days to review the illuminated sign, as applicable.
(d) Trucks and truck tractors.--A truck or truck tractor may carry on the top of the cab roof an illuminated sign placed so as not to interfere with the vision of the driver through the windshield of the vehicle. Illuminated signs so placed shall be of a size and type designed not to interfere with or unduly distract the drivers of other vehicles on the highway. The type, size and placement of the sign must receive approval of the department or be a type approved by the department prior to use on the vehicle.
(e) Implements of husbandry.--An implement of husbandry or vehicle used exclusively for highly perishable crops for processing, operating between sunset and sunrise, shall have two rotating yellow beacons and four-way flashers operating.
(f) Food delivery vehicle.--A food delivery vehicle may display an illuminated sign which shall be of a department-approved size and type designed not to interfere with or unduly distract the drivers of other vehicles on the highway. The department shall promulgate regulations setting forth the size, type and placement of signs approved for use under this subsection.
(f.1) Illuminated decal.--A vehicle may display a single illuminated decal in the corner of the rear window so as not to interfere with the driver or unduly distract a driver of another vehicle upon the highway or trafficway.
(g) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Food delivery vehicle." A vehicle engaged in the transportation or conveyance of food products or items from their place of origin or production to a place of delivery. The vehicle may make intermittent stops that are customary in the routine conduct of the business for which the transportation occurs.
"Illuminated decal." A battery-powered device measuring no greater than six inches in width and six inches in height with an illumination source not designed to project light beyond the vehicle, but only to provide backlighting for a graphic.
(July 10, 1981, P.L.259, No.86, eff. 60 days; June 30, 1990, P.L.266, No.63, eff. imd.; Dec. 18, 2007, P.L.436, No.67, eff. 60 days; July 5, 2012, P.L.934, No.99, eff. 60 days; Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.705, No.108, eff. 60 days)
2018 Amendment. Act 108 added subsec. (c.1).
2012 Amendment. Act 99 amended subsec. (g) and added subsec. (f.1).
2007 Amendment. Act 67 added subsecs. (f) and (g).
1990 Amendment. Act 63 added subsec. (e).
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 43 - Lighting Equipment
Section 4301 - Promulgation of regulations by department
Section 4302 - Periods for requiring lighted lamps
Section 4303 - General lighting requirements
Section 4304 - Obstructed lights not required
Section 4305 - Vehicular hazard signal lamps
Section 4306 - Use of multiple-beam road lighting equipment
Section 4307 - Use and display of illuminated signs
Section 4308 - Lighted head lamps on school buses