4901 - Scope and application of chapter.
CHAPTER 49 SIZE, WEIGHT AND LOAD Subchapter A. General Provisions B. Width, Height and Length C. Maximum Weights of Vehicles D. Special Permits for Excessive Size and Weight E. Measuring and Adjusting Vehicle Size and Weight Enactment. Chapter 49 was added June 17, 1976, P.L.162, No.81, effective July 1, 1977. Cross References. Chapter 49 is referred to in sections 102, 1334.1, 6309, 6506 of this title; sections 4102, 4150 of Title 3 (Agriculture); sections 6202, 6207 of Title 27 (Environmental Resources). SUBCHAPTER A GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec. 4901. Scope and application of chapter. 4902. Restrictions on use of highways and bridges. 4903. Securing loads in vehicles. 4904. Limits on number of towed vehicles. 4905. Safety requirements for towed vehicles. 4906. Fire apparatus. 4907. Penalty for violation of chapter. 4908. Operation of certain combinations on interstate and certain other highways. 4908.1. Operation of motor homes on interstate and certain other highways. 4909. Transporting foodstuffs in vehicles used to transport waste. § 4901. Scope and application of chapter. (a) General rule.--No vehicle, combination or load which has a size or weight exceeding the limitations provided in this chapter and no vehicle, combination or load which is not so constructed or equipped as required in this title or the regulations of the department shall be operated or moved upon any highway of this Commonwealth, unless permitted as provided in this title by the department or local authority with respect to highways and bridges under their respective jurisdictions. Failure to obtain a permit prior to the operation or movement of such a vehicle, combination or load shall subject the owner, lessee and operator of the vehicle or combination to the institution of summary criminal proceedings by citation for any violations of this part. (b) Limitations on local regulation.--The maximum size and weight of vehicles specified in this chapter shall govern throughout this Commonwealth and local authorities shall have no power or authority to alter these limitations except as express authority may be granted in this title. (c) Permit authorizing prohibited movement.--If an overweight or oversize movement cannot be made in any other feasible manner, the permit may authorize the movement to be made in contravention to any provision of this title provided that: (1) the department or local authority determines that the movement is in the public interest; and (2) the movement is escorted by the Pennsylvania State Police, extra-duty Pennsylvania State Police or department personnel. When the movement is escorted by extra-duty Pennsylvania State Police or department personnel, the following shall apply: (i) Approval must be obtained from the Pennsylvania State Police or the department for the use of their respective personnel. (ii) The permittee shall bear the total costs of escorting the movement. (d) Responsibility of local authorities.--Local authorities: (1) that have adopted an ordinance under this chapter; or (2) that establish or enforce size or weight limitations which differ from those provided for in this chapter; have the burden and responsibility to properly administer, adhere to and enforce compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the department. Failure of a local authority to properly administer, adhere to or enforce the substantive requirements of this chapter and the department's regulations shall subject the local authority to penalties set forth under section 4907 (relating to penalty for violation of chapter). (e) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "extra- duty Pennsylvania State Police" means sworn members of the Pennsylvania State Police performing escort duty outside of their regularly scheduled shift on an overtime basis. (Dec. 7, 1994, P.L.820, No.115, eff. imd.; Dec. 28, 1994, P.L.1450, No.172, eff. 60 days; June 22, 2001, P.L.411, No.33, eff. 60 days; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1278, No.152, eff. 60 days) 2002 Amendment. Act 152 amended subsec. (c) and added subsec. (e). 2001 Amendment. Act 33 added subsec. (d). 1994 Amendments. Act 115 amended subsec. (a) and Act 172 amended subsec. (a). The amendments by Acts 115 and 172 are identical and therefore have been merged.