2012 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Title 75 - VEHICLES
Chapter 45 - Other Required Equipment
Section 4571 - Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles

EQUIPMENT OF AUTHORIZED AND

EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Sec.

4571.  Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.

4572.  Visual signals on authorized vehicles.

4573.  Identification of certain vehicles.

Cross References.  Subchapter D is referred to in section 3327 of this title.

§ 4571.  Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.

(a)  General rule.--Every emergency vehicle shall be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing red lights and an audible warning system. Spotlights with adjustable sockets may be attached to or mounted on emergency vehicles.

(b)  Police, sheriff, fire and coroner or medical examiner vehicles.--

(1)  Police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles may in addition to the requirements of subsection (a) be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing blue lights. The combination of red and blue lights may be used only on police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles.

(2)  Unmarked police and sheriff vehicles used as emergency vehicles and equipped with audible warning systems shall be equipped with the lights described in this subsection.

(b.1)  Mounted lights and additional equipment.--

(1)  Police, sheriff and fire vehicles may be equipped with a mounted rack containing one or more emergency warning lights or side mounted floodlights or alley lights or all such lights in conformance with department regulations.

(2)  Additional visual or audible warning signal equipment, including, but not limited to, flashing headlamp system, flashing or revolving white or clear lights, steady burning lights, traffic-control emergency directional light assembly, amber lights and intersection lights, may be utilized on emergency vehicles in accordance with regulations promulgated by the department.

(c.1)  Public Utility Commission vehicles.--Vehicles owned or operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and used in the enforcement of 66 Pa.C.S. Chs. 23 (relating to common carriers) and 25 (relating to contract carrier by motor vehicle and broker) may be equipped with revolving or flashing red lights in accordance with subsection (a).

(d)  Vehicles prohibited from using signals.--Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, no vehicle other than an emergency vehicle may be equipped with revolving or flashing lights or audible warning systems identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and (b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual or audible warning systems in violation of this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.

(e)  Authorized period of use.--The lights and warning systems specified by this section may be used only during an emergency, or in the interest of public safety, or by police officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in enforcement of the law. Unauthorized use of the lights and warning systems specified by this section shall be a summary offense punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.

(f)  Conformity with department regulations.--All equipment authorized or required by this section shall conform to department regulations.

(Feb. 15, 1980, P.L.12, No.8, eff. imd.; July 10, 1981, P.L.250, No.82, eff. imd.; July 9, 1984, P.L.671, No.142, eff. imd.; May 9, 1986, P.L.158, No.51, eff. 60 days; Dec. 11, 1986, P.L.1530, No.166, eff. 60 days; Mar. 13, 1990, P.L.69, No.14, eff. 60 days; Dec. 18, 1992, P.L.1411, No.174, eff. 60 days; June 26, 2001, P.L.734, No.75, eff. 60 days)

Cross References.  Section 4571 is referred to in sections 4107, 4306 of this title; section 5704 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).