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Subchapter H. MOTORCYCLES
Sec.
175.141. Application of subchapter.
175.142. Suspension.
175.143. Steering.
175.144. Braking systems.
175.145. Tires and wheels.
175.146. Lighting and electrical systems.
175.147. Glazing.
175.148. Mirrors.
175.149. Fuel systems.
175.150. Speedometers.
175.151. Odometers.
175.152. Exhaust systems.
175.153. Horns and warning devices.
175.154. Body.
175.155. Chassis.
175.160. Inspection procedure.
Cross References This subchapter cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.202 (relating to conditions); 67 Pa. Code § 175.204 (relating to tires); and 67 Pa. Code § 175.209 (relating to chassis).
§ 175.141. Application of subchapter.
Equipment standards set forth in this subchapter apply to all motorcycles being driven on highways.
Source The provisions of this § 175.141 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; adopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (77552).
§ 175.142. Suspension.
(a) Condition of suspension components. Every suspension component shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Suspension system. A motorcycle shall be equipped with a suspension system.
(1) A motorcycle shall be equipped with a suspension system on at least the front wheel.
(2) The suspension system shall be effective in reducing road shock and shall be designed for the purpose of maximizing the vehicles stability.
Source The provisions of this § 175.142 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (77552) to (77553).
§ 175.143. Steering.
(a) Condition of steering components. The steering assembly and steering mechanism shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Condition of steering. A motorcycle shall meet the following specifications in relation to front wheel geometry:
(1) Maximum rake: 45°. Maximum trail: 14 inches positive.
(2) Minimum rake: 20°. Minimum trail: 2 inches positive.
(3) Minimum rake and minimum trail are not applicable to three-wheel motorcycles unless the third wheel is derived from a sidecar.
(c) Steering head. A head shall be provided with a bearing or similar device allowing the steering shaft to turn freely in rotating fashion.
(d) Handlebars. The handlebars or grips may not be higher than the operators shoulder level when the operator is properly seated upon the motorcycle.
(1) The handlebars shall be of a sturdy construction adequate in size and length to provide proper leverage for steering and capable of withstanding a minimum force of 100 pounds applied to each handle grip in any direction.
(2) The handlebars shall be designed so as not to restrict front fork movement and shall be capable of vertical adjustments.
(3) The handlebar design shall provide a minimum of 18 inches between ends, after final assembly.
(4) The handlebars shall be equipped with grips of nonslip design and materials.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.143 amended under 75 Pa.C.S. 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.143 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221288) to (221289).
§ 175.144. Braking systems.
(a) Condition of braking systems. Braking systems and components shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Service brakes. A motorcycle shall be equipped with a service brake system. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4502 (relating to general requirements for braking systems).
(1) The service brakes shall act on all wheels upon application and shall be capable of stopping the vehicle in not more than the maximum stopping distance prescribed in Table I (relating to brake performance).
(2) The service brake system shall act upon all wheels according to the vehicle manufacturers specifications, except on a vehicle being towed in driveaway-towaway operation or side cars not originally equipped.
(3) The brake lining and brake fluids shall be of type approved by vehicle manufacturer or shall meet the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards (J998, January 1980)Appendix A (relating to minimum requirements for motor vehicle brake liningsSAE J998).
(4) The service brake system shall be of a design that rupture or failure of either the front or rear brake system will not result in the complete loss of braking function. Braking function may be obtained by hydraulic or other means through a normal brake mechanism. In the event of a rupture or failure of actuating force component, the unaffected brakes shall be capable of applying adequate braking force to vehicle.
(5) Metal from the shoe or caliper may not contact brake drums or rotors.
(6) Brake lines shall be approved for use as brake lines.
Authority The provisions of this 175.144 amended under 75 Pa.C.S. 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.144 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221289) to (221290).
§ 175.145. Tires and wheels.
(a) Condition of tires and wheels. Tires and wheels shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Tire standards. A motorcycle shall have tires that were manufactured in conformance with standards contained in Chapter 159 (relating to new pneumatic tires). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4525 (relating to tire equipment and traction surfaces). Tires with equivalent metric size designations may be used.
(c) Nonpneumatic tires. A motorcycle operated on a highway may not be equipped with nonpneumatic tires.
(d) Ice grips or studs. A tire may not be equipped with ice grips or tire studs or wear-resisting material which have projections exceeding 2/32 inch beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire.
(e) Antique vehicle pneumatic tire exemption. An antique vehicle may be equipped with nonpneumatic tires if originally equipped by the manufacturer.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.145 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.145 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982; effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; amended February 1, 1983, effective February 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 708, except subsection (b), effectiveness of which has been indefinitely postponed until further notice, to the extent that these portions of the regulations prohibit placement of oversize tires that remain within the body line of vehicles and require the rejection of inspected vehicles equipped with these tires; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (221290).
§ 175.146. Lighting and electrical systems.
(a) Condition of lamps and switches. Every required lamp or switch shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Lighting standards. Lamps shall comply with the vehicle lighting equipment requirements of Tables II, IV and V; Chapter 153; and 75 Pa.C.S. § 4301.
(c) Headlamp system. A motorcycle driven on a highway shall have at least one and no more than two headlamps. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303(a) (relating to general lighting requirements).
(1) Lamps in the headlamp system shall be of Type I or Type II construction. On one-lamp system, the lamp shall be located in the center of the vehicle. On a two-lamp system, the lamps shall be symetrically located on each side of the vehicles vertical centerline.
(2) The headlamp low beam minimum candlepower shall not be less than 7,500.
(3) The headlamp high beam minimum candlepower shall not be less than 10,000.
(4) Every headlamp shall be aimed to comply with inspection procedure of this subchapter.
(5) Approved SAE modulating lamps are legal.
(6) A motorcycle shall be equipped with a manual dimmer switch conveniently located for use by the driver while in a normal operating position. An automatic dimming device may be used in addition to a manual switch.
(7) A motorcycle shall be equipped with a beam indicator which shall be lighted whenever the high beam of light from the headlamp is in use and shall not otherwise be lighted. The indicator shall be so located that when lighted it is readily visible without glare to the operator of the vehicle.
(d) Total candlepower. Total candlepower for headlamps and auxiliary lamps shall not exceed 150,000.
(e) Other required lamps. A motorcycle shall have at least one red stop lamp and no more than twoone on each sideon the rear of the vehicle, which shall be illuminated immediately upon application of the service brake.
(f) Illumination except headlamps, fog lamps and auxiliary driving lamps. A motorcycle shall have a stop lamp and tail lamp which, under normal atmospheric conditions, shall be capable of being seen and distinguished during nighttime operation at a distance of 500 feet. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4303(b) and (d).
(1) Rear lamps shall be lighted whenever headlamps, fog lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are in operation.
(2) A vehicle specified under this subchapter may be equipped with turn signals.
(3) The turn signals shall have a frequency of flash between 60120 flashes per minute.
(4) The stop lamps shall be operated through a switching arrangement so that any motion of brake towards applied position immediately illuminates the stop lamp.
(5) The stop lamps shall not be combined with turn signal lamps unless arrangement of switches or other parts are such that the stop lamp is extinguished when the turn signal is in use.
(6) The stop lamps shall be visible for 100 feet in normal sunlight.
(7) A motorcycle manufactured after 1978 shall be equipped with an alternator, generator or electrical energy storage source, capable of providing lighting in compliance with Chapter 153 (relating to lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment) and SAE J392Appendix B (relating to motorcycle and motor vehicle cycle electrical system (maintenance of design voltage)SAE J392)Maintenance of Design Voltage.
(8) A motorcycle shall be equipped with at least one red reflector to the rear.
(9) A motorcycle shall have at least one tail lamp if it was manufactured after 1973 or if originally so equipped.
(g) Condition and position of lamps. Lamps shall be properly fastened; direct light properly; be of a color not contrary to Tables II, IV and V; and not be so obstructed by a screen, bar, auxiliary equipment or a device as to obscure, change the color of or obstruct the beam.
(h) Ornamental lamps. A lamp not enumerated in this section, and not located as described in Tables IIIV of this chapter, is prohibited unless it is available as original equipment. An illuminated sign is prohibited. Flashing or revolving lights are not ornamental lamps. Provisions relating to flashing or revolving lights are located in Chapters 15 and 173 (relating to authorized vehicles and special operating privileges; and flashing or revolving lights on emergency and authorized vehicles).
(i) [Reserved].
(j) Registration plate lamp. A registration plate lamp, if originally equipped, shall emit white light and make the registration plate visible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear of the vehicle.
(k) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps. Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps may be installed on a motorcycle if they comply with the following requirements:
(1) Fog lamps shall not be substituted for headlamps except under conditions of rain or fog. Fog lamps may be used with lower headlamp beams.
(2) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps shall be mounted on front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 42 inches above level surface upon which the vehicle stands. Rear fog lamps, if originally installed or offered as optional equipment, are acceptable.
(3) Auxiliary lamps and fog lamps shall be aimed when the vehicle and lamp assembly are in the straight ahead position with the beam not above the horizontal centerline of the lamp at 25 feet.
(4) A motorcycle may have one and no more than two approved auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps.
(5) Auxiliary driving lamps and fog lamps shall not be placed in front of any required lamp.
(6) A vehicle equipped with headlamps, auxiliary driving lamps or fog lamps may not have more than four forward projecting lamps illuminated at the same time.
(l) Antique vehicle lighting exemption. An antique vehicle, if operated exclusively between the hours of sunrise to sunset and not during periods of reduced visibility or insufficient illumination, is exempt from requirements of this section, except requirements pertaining to stop lamps.
(m) Battery fastening. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall be equipped with a system which is specifically designed for the secure fastening of the battery.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.146 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.146 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221290) to (221292).
§ 175.147. Glazing.
(a) Condition of glazing. Glazing shall meet the requirements of Chapter 161 (relating to glazing materials). See 75 Pa.C.S. § 4526 (relating to safety glass).
(b) Safety glazing. A motorcycle may be equipped with a windscreen. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1934, if the original glazing is not cracked or discolored.
(c) Stickers. Out-of-State inspection stickers, tax stamps, road use permits or other government-related permitsall municipalities and statesmay be placed at the lower left- or right-hand corner of the windscreen.
(d) Obstructions. A vehicle specified under this subchapter shall have glazing free from obstructions as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(1) With the exception of the materials in paragraph (3), signs, posters or other materials, whose design prevents a driver from seeing through the material, may not be placed on the windscreen or a side wing or side window so as to obstruct, obscure or impair the drivers clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway. Under FMVSS No. 205, these restrictions do not apply to the rear side windows, rear wings or rear window of vehicles subject to this subchapter, if so equipped.
(2) The requirements of this subsection also apply to glass etchings, except those used for vehicle identification.
(3) A sun screening device or other material which does not permit a person to see or view the inside of the vehicle is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by FMVSS No. 205, or a certificate of exemption has been issued in compliance with § 175.265 (relating to exemption provisions). See Table X for specific requirements for vehicles subject to this subchapter.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.147 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4521, 4524, 4702 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.147 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4640. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (132928).
Cross References The provisions of this § 175.148 amended under 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4521, 4524, 4702 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.148 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4640. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (132928) to (132929).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
§ 175.149. Fuel systems.
(a) Condition of fuel systems. All components in the fuel system shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Fuel system requirements. The fuel system components shall be leakproof and shall be fastened securely to the vehicle with fasteners designed for that purpose.
(c) Accelerator operation. The accelerator control system shall return the engine throttle to the idle position when the operator removes the actuating force from the accelerator control.
(d) Filler cap. The fuel system shall be equipped with a filler cap.
(e) Alternate fuel systems. See Subchapter M (relating to alternate fuel systems and controls).
Source The provisions of this § 175.149 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (77557) and (86009).
§ 175.150. Speedometers.
Every motorcycle shall have an operating speedometer calibrated to indicate miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
Source The provisions of this § 175.150 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (86009).
§ 175.151. Odometers.
Every motorcycle shall have an operating odometer calibrated to indicate total miles or kilometers driven, except a motorcycle at least 25 years old.
Source The provisions of this § 175.151 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (86009).
§ 175.152. Exhaust systems.
(a) Condition of exhaust system. All components of the exhaust system shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Exhaust system requirements. A motorcycle shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. A muffler or exhaust system may not be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device and a muffler may not show evidence of external repair.
(1) The exhaust system of a motorcycle may not be modified in a manner which will amplify or increase noise emitted by the motor of the vehicle above the maximum level permitted by Chapter 157 (relating to established sound levels).
(2) An exposed exhaust system shall be equipped with adequate heat shield or protective system or be located to prevent contact by operator or passenger.
Authority The provisions of this § 175.152 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.152 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended December 8, 1978, effective December 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3495; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (221295).
§ 175.153. Horns and warning devices.
(a) Condition of horns and warning devices. All components of the horn or warning device shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Horn and warning device requirements. A motorcycle shall have a horn or other warning device which is audible under normal conditions at a distance of not less than 200 feet. No vehicle shall be equipped with a siren, bell, whistle or similar device emitting an unreasonably loud or harsh sound, except emergency vehicles and vehicles equipped with an anti-theft device.
Source The provisions of this § 175.153 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended December 8, 1978, effective December 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3495; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; amended December 30, 1983, effective December 31, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 4023; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (86009) to (86010).
§ 175.154. Body.
(a) Condition of body. All items on the body shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Fenders. The wheels of a motorcycle shall be equipped with fenders of a type used as original equipment. At no time shall a tire come in contact with the body, fenders or chassis of the vehicle.
(c) Protruding objects. A motorcycle shall have no torn metal, glass or other loose or dislocated parts protruding from body.
Source The provisions of this § 175.154 adopted December 2, 1977, effective February 1, 1978, 7 Pa.B. 3499; amended December 8, 1978, effective December 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3495; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (86010).
§ 175.155. Chassis.
(a) Condition of chassis. All items on the chassis shall be in safe operating condition as described in § 175.160 (relating to inspection procedure).
(b) Vehicle frame. A vehicle frame shall be in solid condition.
(c) Seats. A motorcycle shall be equipped with a seat for the operator which is firmly anchored to the frame or support. No metal spring shall protrude from the drivers seat.
(d) Chain guard or drive shaft cover. A covering device to prevent contact with a rider while in a normal riding position shall be provided.
(e) Stands. A motorcycle stand shall operate and be strong enough to support the vehicle and stay in the proper position when not holding the bike in standing position.
(f) Hand-hold. A hand-hold device shall be provided if the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person.
(g) Footrests. A motorcycle operated or driven upon the highway shall have footrests for each person operating or riding upon the vehicle.
(h) Highway bars. If the motorcycle is so equipped, highway bars shall have a maximum width of 26 inches and shall be located less than 15 inches from the foot controls and shall not interfere with the operation of foot controls.
Source The provisions of this § 175.160 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4103, 4301, 4501, 4521, 4524, 4702 and 6103.
Source The provisions of this § 175.160 adopted October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; delayed February 11, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 708; except subsection (c)(1)(xiv), effectiveness of which has been indefinitely postponed until further notice, to the extent that these portions of the regulations prohibit placement of oversize tires that remain within the body line of vehicles and require the rejection of inspected vehicles equipped with these tires; amended December 30, 1983, effective December 31, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 4023; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended February 18, 1994, effective February 19, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 962; amended September 27, 1996, effective September 28, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4640; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221297) to (221303).
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 175.142 (relating to suspension); 67 Pa. Code § 175.143 (relating to steering); 67 Pa. Code § 175.144 (relating to braking systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.145 (relating to tires and wheels); 67 Pa. Code § 175.146 (relating to lighting and electrical systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.147 (relating to glazing); 67 Pa. Code § 175.148 (relating to mirrors); 67 Pa. Code § 175.149 (relating to fuel systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.152 (relating to exhaust systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.153 (relating to horns and warning devices); 67 Pa. Code § 175.154 (relating to body); 67 Pa. Code § 175.155 (relating to chassis); 67 Pa. Code § 175.203 (relating to braking systems); 67 Pa. Code § 175.206 (relating to glazing); 67 Pa. Code § 175.207 (relating to mirrors); and 67 Pa. Code § 175.208 (relating to body).
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