(a) Colored lights.--
(1) Subject to subsection (b), tow trucks may be equipped with one or more flashing or revolving yellow lights and one or more flashing or revolving white lights. The manner in which the light or lights shall be displayed shall be determined by regulation of the department.
(2) Subject to subsection (b.1), tow trucks may be equipped with one or more flashing or revolving yellow lights and one or more flashing or revolving blue lights. The blue lights shall only be equipped in the rear of the vehicle.
(b) Limitations on white lights.--The flashing or revolving yellow and white lights under subsection (a)(1) on tow trucks shall be activated only when the vehicle is actively performing the type of work which is the basis of the designation of the vehicle as an authorized vehicle or is within the vicinity of an emergency response area. Tow trucks shall not operate with activated flashing or revolving yellow and white lights under subsection (a)(1) when:
(1) Not engaged in the act of towing a vehicle.
(2) Brake lights, turn signals and operating lights are visible from the rear and not obstructed.
(3) The vehicle being towed does not trail behind the tow truck and is securely positioned on the flatbed of the tow truck with no parts of the towed vehicle overhanging.
(b.1) Limitations on blue lights.--A tow truck may only operate with blue lights under subsection (a)(2) while the tow truck is stationary on the side of the road or highway while responding to a disabled vehicle. A tow truck shall not operate with blue lights under subsection (a)(2) at any time while the tow truck is in motion.
(c) Penalty.--Unauthorized use of the lights specified in this subsection shall be a summary offense punishable by a fine of $50.
(Oct. 19, 2018, P.L.547, No.83, eff. 60 days; Nov. 3, 2022, P.L.2156, No.157, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment. Section 2 of Act 157 provided that all regulations and parts of regulations are abrogated to the extent of any inconsistency with the provisions of Act 157.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 45 - Other Required Equipment
Section 4501 - Promulgation of regulations by department
Section 4502 - General requirements for braking systems
Section 4521 - Promulgation of regulations by department
Section 4522 - Effect of amendments to Federal regulations (Repealed)
Section 4523 - Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control
Section 4524 - Windshield obstructions and wipers
Section 4525 - Tire equipment and traction surfaces
Section 4527 - Image display device
Section 4528 - Fire extinguishers
Section 4529 - Slow moving vehicle emblem
Section 4530 - Portable emergency warning devices
Section 4531 - Emission control systems
Section 4532 - Smoke control for diesel-powered motor vehicles
Section 4533 - Rear wheel shields
Section 4534 - Rearview mirrors
Section 4535 - Audible warning devices
Section 4537 - Device used to carry pedalcycles
Section 4551 - Safety regulations
Section 4552 - General requirements for school buses
Section 4553 - General requirements for other vehicles transporting school children
Section 4571 - Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles
Section 4572 - Visual signals on authorized vehicles
Section 4572.1 - Flashing or revolving lights on tow trucks
Section 4572.2 - Solid waste collection vehicles
Section 4573 - Identification of certain vehicles
Section 4581 - Restraint systems
Section 4582 - Child Passenger Restraint Fund
Section 4583 - Hospital information program
Section 4584 - Oral hazard warning (Deleted by amendment)
Section 4585 - Use of information or evidence of violation of subchapter