MOST COMMON VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Please note: this is not an all inclusive list of what is legal and what is not legal. This is merely a summary of the most common modifications seen by officers on patrol. Please contact an officer for furthur consultation if you are in doubt.

WINDOW TINTING:

  • 70% of light must pass through any tint on passenger cars.
  • Tint can not be so dark that it prevents seeing in the vehicle.
  • Can not have tint on side windows, wing windows, or rear side windows unless exempted.
  • Exemption requires a certificate to be filled out and granted by PENNDOT. Usually only granted for medical reasons.
  • Persons operating a vehicle with window tinting must carry and produce the certificate to police if stopped and requested.
  • CLICK HERE FOR DO IT YOURSELF TINT REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS

    ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC VEHICLES

  • Are exempt from lighting standards if operated during daylight hours only.
  • Have many other exemptions too numerous to list. Please speak with an officer.

    LIGHTING AND LIGHT COVERS:

  • Lights and reflectors must be the proper color:
      HEADLIGHTS - WHITE. PA-AA lamps (projector type) are legal, but lights which produce blue, red or green hues to mimic PA-AA ARE NOT LEGAL

      TAILLIGHTS - RED

      SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS - AMBER

      LICENSE PLATE LIGHT - WHITE

      REFLECTORS - must have 1 amber on each side located toward front of vehicle, 1 red on each side located to the rear, and 2 red rear reflectors

  • Any lighting that did not come on the vehicle as it was made from the MANUFACTURER (not dealer) is prohibited by PA inspection regulations.
      This includes neon lights, tire valve stem lights, and windshield washer lights

  • Illuminated signs (including NASCAR license plates) are prohibited except for on Taxis, Truck tractors, and Buses.
  • Auxillary equipment mounted in front of lights is prohibited.
      This includes headlight covers, taillight covers, and also brush-guards and templates which cover the taillights to produce a silouette effect.

    FOG LIGHTS AND AUXILLARY DRIVING LIGHTS:

  • Must be mounted between 12 and 42 inches from ground level, and at least 20 inches apart.
  • Must be aimed straight ahead.
  • Fog lights may only work in conjunction with the low beams, and must automatically shut off when the high beams are activated.
  • Driving lights may only work in conjunction with the high beams, and must automatically shut off when the low beams are activated.
  • Taillights must light whenever fog lights or driving lights are activated.
  • May be used alone (with taillights) at night during inclement weather such as rain, fog or snow
  • Total maximum power for all lights is 150,000 candlepower.
  • Can only have one pair fog lights, and one pair of Auxillary driving lights.

    WINDSHIELDS AND SUNSCREEN MATERIAL:

  • Windshield sunscreen must be TRANSPARENT

  • Can not extend below the AS-1 line or in absence of the line, 3 inches below the top of the windshield.
  • Can not have any stickers, lettering, tint etc. anywhere on windshield below that area except for Inspection stickers, emmission and weight class or other official stickers.

    TIRES AND WHEELS:

  • Must have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches.
  • Can not use tires which are marked NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE or FOR OFFROAD USE.
  • Tires can not extend beyond the body line. * NOTE * fender flare up to 3 inches wide may be added to extend the body line to accomodate wider tires.
  • Can not use studded snow tires between April 15 to November 1.
  • both tires on an axle must be of the same type and size.

    WINDSHIELD WIPERS:

  • Can not remove wiper arms.
      If your vehicle was originally equipped with two wiper arms, you may not replace them with one large center mounted single arm. However, if your vehicle was equipped with only a single center mounted wiper arm from the manufacturer similar to the Volkswagen Scirracco, this is O.K.

  • Double and triple wiper blades (Euro-wipers) are O.K.

    HORNS:

  • Horn must work.
  • Can not have a siren, bell, whistle, or any other device which emits a harsh noise.

    EXHAUST:

  • Must have a muffler.
  • Can not have a muffler bypass system or similar system.
  • Exposed exhaust pipes (sidepipes or truck stacks) must have a heat shield installed.
  • Exhaust must discharge to outside edge of vehicle.

    BODY:

  • No loose or protruding parts
  • Can not remove fenders or other body parts (except registered street rods)
  • Engine must be completely covered. Exposed blowers or air intake manifolds are not allowed.

    TRAILERS:

  • All lights must work and be unobstructed by the load.
  • Safety chains must be used, and must be crossed.
  • Trailers registered at 3001 pounds or more must be inspected.
  • Must have brakes on each axle.
  • All trailers must be registered (except for vehicle tow dolly).

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