Pennsylvania Act 2024-43 — VEHICLE CODE (75 PA.C.S.) - REMOVAL OF VEHICLES IN A CITY OF THE FIRST CLASS

Act text

Session of 2024

No. 2024-43

HB 816

AN ACT

Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of the road in general, providing for removal of vehicles in a city of the first class.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:

§ 3355. Removal of vehicles in a city of the first class.

(a) Evidence of violation.--In cities of the first class, if a vehicle is found in violation of the provisions of this subchapter, prior to the removal of the vehicle, a towing and storage agent shall take digital photographs that clearly show all of the following:

(1) The vehicle's license plate.

(2) The violation for which the vehicle is being towed or removed.

(3) The posted sign, if any, identifying that unauthorized stopping, standing or parking is prohibited where the vehicle was found and that unauthorized vehicles will be towed or removed.

(b) Towing and storage agent responsibilities.--Prior to accepting payment for the towing and storage of a vehicle, upon request of the owner or lienholder of the vehicle, the towing and storage agent shall provide, without charge, a printed copy of the photographs to the owner or lienholder of a vehicle when the owner or lienholder claims the vehicle. Photographs shall be retained by the towing company for at least 60 days or until the vehicle is claimed, whichever is later.

(c) Enforcement.--The parking authority in a city of the first class shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement this section. If deemed necessary, the parking authority may establish penalties for towing and storage agents who violate the provisions of this section.

(d) 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:

"Towing and storage agent." In a city of the first class, the parking authority or the parking authority's authorized agent. This term includes a person authorized to engage in the business of operating a wrecker or motor vehicle designed or constructed and used for the towing of abandoned or disabled vehicles.

Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

APPROVED--The 8th day of July, A.D. 2024.

JOSH SHAPIRO