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Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec.
37.137.8. [Reserved].
37.1137.22. [Reserved].
37.3137.44. [Reserved].
37.5137.95. [Reserved].
37.10137.176. [Reserved].
37.18137.199. [Reserved].
37.201. General.
37.202. Definitions.
37.203. Effect of incorporation of the Code of Federal Regulations.
37.204. Adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference.
37.205. Additions or modifications to 49 CFR.
37.206. Interpretations of the Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 52 Pa. Code § 37.271 (relating to application).
§ § 37.137.8. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.137.8 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (85920), (90000) to (90001) and (43460) to (43465).
§ § 37.1137.22. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.1137.22 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (43465) to (43475).
§ § 37.3137.44. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.3137.44 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (43475) to (43479), (78383) to (78384) and (43482) to (43495).
§ § 37.5137.64. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.5137.64 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (43495) to (43499) and (78387).
§ 37.65. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 37.65 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; reserved October 22, 1982, effective October 23, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 3781. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (43500) to (43501).
§ 37.66. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 37.66 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; reserved October 22, 1982, effective October 23, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 3781. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (43502).
§ § 37.6737.95. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.6737.95 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (78387) to (78389) and (43504) to (43511).
§ § 37.10137.176. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.10137.176 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (43511) to (43541), (78391) to (78392), (43544) to (43547), (78393) to ((78394), (43550) to (43591), (90002) to (90003), (43596) to (43603), (78397) to (78398), (43606) to (43607) and (90004).
§ § 37.18137.199. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 37.18137.199 adopted July 20, 1973, effective July 21, 1973, 3 Pa.B. 1372; amended August 15, 1975, effective August 16, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 2135; reserved May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (90004) to (90007), (73181), (90008) to (90014), (90016) to (90019), (78405) to (78414), (95623) to (95624), (78417) to (78420), (78423), (43626) to (43627) and (113357).
§ 37.201. General.
(a) Purpose. This chapter prescribes the minimum requirements for drivers and vehicles involved in the transportation of property and passengers by motor carrier, as regulated by the Commission. Much of this chapter incorporates by reference 49 CFR Parts 382 and 390396.
(b) Application.
(1) Except as provided for in Subchapter D (relating to requirements for lightweight vehicles), this chapter is applicable to drivers, employes, officers, agents, representatives and motor carriers, involved in the transportation of property, including household goods, and passengers as regulated by the Commission.
(2) A motor carrier shall be knowledgeable of and comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter, and shall instruct its drivers, employes, officers, agents and representatives of them.
(3) Motor vehicles, operated by motor carriers regulated by the Commission, shall be maintained in compliance with this chapter, and other applicable laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
(4) Driver and vehicle inspections of a motor carrier regulated by the Commission, conducted by qualified personnel employed by a Federal, State or local government agency, may be used in an investigation or administrative proceeding before the Commission.
Source The provisions of this § 37.201 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951.
§ 37.202. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ACAlcohol concentrationThe concentration of alcohol in a persons blood or breath. When expressed as a percentage, the term means grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
Act66 Pa.C.S. (relating to the Public Utility Code).
BusA motor vehicle designed, constructed and used for the transportation of passengers under certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Commission in scheduled route or in group or party service. For the purpose of this chapter, the designed seating capacity of the bus shall be 16 or more passengers.
Business districtThe territory contiguous to and including a highway when within any 600 feet along the highway there are buildings in use for business or industrial purposes, including hotels, banks or office buildings, railroad stations and public buildings which occupy at least 300 feet of frontage on one side or 300 feet collectively on both sides of the highway.
Direct assistanceTransportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its drivers incident to the immediate restoration of essential servicessuch as, electricity, medical care, wastewater, water, telecommunications and telecommunication transmissionsor essential suppliessuch as, food and fuel. The term does not include transportation related to long term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries after the initial threat to life and property has passed.
Driveaway-towaway operationAn operation in which a motor vehicle constitutes the commodity being transported and one or more set of wheels of the vehicle being transported are on the surface of the roadway during transportation.
DriverA person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholCommitting one or more of the following acts in a motor vehicle:(i) Driving a motor vehicle while the persons alcohol concentration is .04% or more.
(ii) Driving under the influence of alcohol, as prescribed by Commonwealth law.
(iii) Refusal to undergo testing required in the enforcement of 49 CFR 392.5(a)(2) (relating to intoxicating beverage).
EmergencyA hurricane, tornado, stormfor example: thunderstorm, snowstorm, ice storm, blizzard, sandstorm, and the likehigh water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, mud slide, drought, forest fire, explosion, blackout or other occurrence, natural or man-made, which interrupts the delivery of essential services or essential supplies or otherwise immediately threatens human life or public welfare, if the hurricane, tornado or other event results in one of the following:(i) A declaration of an emergency by the President of the United States, the Governor of a State or his authorized representatives having authority to declare emergencies; or by other Federal, State or local government officials having authority to declare emergencies.
(ii) A request by a police officer for tow trucks to move wrecked or disabled vehicles.
Emergency reliefAn operation in which a motor carrier or driver of a motor vehicle is providing direct assistance to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives or property or to protect public health and safety as a result of an emergency as defined in this section.
EmployeOne or more of the following:(i) A driver of a motor vehicle.
(ii) A mechanic.
(iii) A freight handler.
(iv) An individual, other than an employe, who is employed by a motor carrier and who in the course of employment directly affects motor vehicle safety.
EmployerA common or contract motor carrier as regulated by the Commission.
Gross combination weight ratingThe value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a combination.
Gross vehicle weight ratingThe value specified on the Federal weight certification label by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.
Gross weightThe combined weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and its load excluding the drivers weight.
Intermittent, casual or occasional driverA driver who in any period of 7 consecutive days is employed or used as a driver by more than a single motor carrier.
Lightweight vehicleA motor vehicle, other than a vehicle that is being used to transport passengers for hire; or a vehicle that is being used to transport hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded under 49 CFR 177.823 (relating to marking and placarding motor vehicles) that was one of the following:(i) Manufactured on or after January 1, 1972, and has a manufacturers gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, in the case of a single vehicle, or a manufacturers gross combination weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, in the case of an articulated vehicle.
(ii) Manufactured before January 1, 1972, and has a gross weight including its load and the gross weight of a vehicle being towed by the motor vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less.
Medical examinerA person who is licensed, certified or registered, in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations, to perform physical examinations.
Motor carrierIncludes the following:
(i) Common carrier by motor vehiclePersons or corporations holding out or undertaking, directly or indirectly, to transport property, or a class of property or passengers between points within this Commonwealth by motor vehicle for compensation, whether or not the owner or operator of the vehicle; or providing or furnishing a motor vehicle with or without driver for transportation or for use in transportation of property as described in this definition, and including common carriers by rail, water or air and express or forwarding public utilities insofar as the common carrier or the public utilities are engaged in the motor vehicle operation, except as expressly exempted by the act.
(ii) Contract carrier by motor vehicleA person or corporation who or which provides or furnishes transportation of property, or a class of property or passengers, between points within this Commonwealth by motor vehicles for compensation whether or not the owner or operator of the motor vehicle, or who or which provides or furnishes with or without driver a motor vehicle for the transportation or for use in the transportation other than as a common carrier by motor vehicle, except as expressly exempted by the act.
Motor vehicleA vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used upon the highways in the transportation of passengers or property, or a combination thereof. The term includes a truck, truck tractor or combination having a gross vehicle weight rating or registered gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, and a vehicle defined as a bus in this section. For purposes of § 37.205(1) (relating to additions or modifications to 49 CFR), this definition does not apply. See the definition in § 37.205(1)(ii)(C).
OperatorSee definition of driver in this section.
Out-of-service orderA declaration by an enforcement officer employed by the Commission that a driver or a motor vehicle is out-of-service under § 37.205(6)(ii), (7)(i) or the Commissions Out-of-Service Criteria.
PersonA natural person, firm, copartnership, association or corporation.
Principal place of businessA single location designated by the motor carrier, normally its headquarters, where records required by this chapter will be maintained. Provisions in this chapter are made for maintaining certain records at locations other than the principal place of business.
Regularly employed driverA driver who, in a period of 7 consecutive days is employed or used as a driver solely by a single motor carrier.
Residence districtThe territory contiguous to and including a highway not comprising a business district when the property on the highway for a distance of 300 feet or more is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.
TrailerThe term includes:
(i) Full trailerA trailer so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. The term includes a semitrailer attached to a towing vehicle by means of an auxiliary front axle or dolly.
(ii) Pole trailerA motor vehicle which is designed to be drawn by another motor vehicle and attached to the towing vehicle by means of a reach or pole, or by being boomed or otherwise secured to the towing vehicle, for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, pipes or structural members, which generally are capable of sustaining themselves as beams between the supporting connections.
(iii) SemitrailerA trailer so constructed that some part of its weight rests upon or is carried by the towing vehicle.
TruckA motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
Truck tractorA motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so drawn.
VehicleEvery device in, upon or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon rails or tracks.
Authority The provisions of this § 37.202 amended under the Public Utility Code, 66 Pa.C.S. § 501.
Source The provisions of this § 37.202 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951; amended February 13, 1998, effective February 14, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 801. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (233156) to (233159).
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 37.203 (relating to effect of incorporation of the Code of Federal Regulations); 52 Pa. Code § 37.204 (relating to adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference); 52 Pa. Code § 37.205 (relating to additions or modifications to 49 CFR); and 52 Pa. Code § 37.271 (relating to application).
§ 37.203. Effect of incorporation of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(a) Title and name changes. To reconcile differences between this chapter and the incorporated sections of Federal regulations and to effectuate their joint enforcement, the following words and phrases shall be substituted for the language of the Federal regulations:
(1) Reference to interstate commerce means transportation as regulated by the Commission.
(2) Reference to the Director means the Director of Transportation and Safety.
(3) Reference to the Regional Director means the Director of Transportation and Safety.
(4) Reference to commercial motor vehicle means motor vehicle, as defined in § 37.202 or § 37.205 (relating to definitions; and additions or modifications to 49 CFR) as appropriate.
(5) Reference to the Secretary means the Director of Transportation and Safety.
(6) Reference to special agent means an enforcement officer employed by the Commission.
(7) Reference to the Federal Highway Administration means the Commission.
(8) Reference to the Federal Highway Administration Administrator or FHWA Administrator means the Director of Transportation and Safety, except in § 37.205(1)(iv).
(9) Reference to the subchapter or Subchapter B means Chapter 37.
(10) Reference to the Regional Offices of Motor Carrier Safety means Bureau of Transportation and Safety.
(11) Reference to the Associate Administrator means the Director of Transportation and Safety.
(12) Reference to Part 40 means 49 CFR Part 40 (relating to procedures for transportation workplace drug testing programs).
(b) Address changes. Reference to addresses of the offices of the Federal Highway Administration means: Public Utility Commission, Motor Carrier Enforcement Division, Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-3265.
(c) Forms and documents. Reference to forms and documents in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations incorporated by reference, shall be replaced by the appropriate form prescribed by the Commission.
(d) 49 CFR Parts 382 and 390396. Appropriate parts may be obtained from the following:
(1) United States Government Printing Office, Room 118 Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, (412) 644-2721.
(2) United States Government Printing Office, 100 North 17th St., Robert Morris Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, (215) 597-0677.
(3) United States Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 20402, (202) 655-4000.
Source The provisions of this § 37.203 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951.
§ 37.204. Adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference.
The Commission incorporates by reference the following portions of 49 CFR (relating to transportation), subject to § § 37.202 and 37.205 (relating to definitions; and additions or modifications to 49 CFR).
(1) Part 382 (relating to driver drug and alcohol testing).
(2) Part 390 (relating to Federal motor carrier safety regulations; general).
(3) Part 391 (relating to qualifications of drivers).
(4) Part 392 (relating to driving of motor vehicles).
(5) Part 393 (relating to parts and accessories necessary for safe operation).
(6) Part 395 (relating to hours of service for drivers).
(7) Part 396 (relating to inspection, repair and maintenance).
Source The provisions of this § 37.204 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951.
Cross References The provisions of this § 37.205 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951.
Cross References This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 37.202 (relating to definitions); 52 Pa. Code § 37.203 (relating to effect of incorporation of the Code of Federal Regulations); 52 Pa. Code § 37.204 (relating to adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference).
§ 37.206. Interpretations of the Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation.
The Commission will be guided by the interpretations issued by the Federal Highway Administration, United States Department of Transportation.
Source The provisions of this § 37.206 adopted May 19, 1995, effective May 20, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1951.
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