Section 173.2. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Authorized vehicle—The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).

Emergency vehicle—The term as defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102.

Flash—An intermittent burst of light.

Flash rate—The rate of flash, revolution or oscillation per minute of a single light, when that light is observed from a fixed position.

Flashing headlamp system—A system designed to automatically flash the high intensity—high beam—portion of the headlamps of a vehicle in either an alternate or simultaneous flash. The system shall be designed so that activation of the high intensity—high beam—portion of the standard headlamp system overrides the flashing headlamp system.

Flashing light—A light designed to flash by current interruption, or by other means providing an intermittent change in intensity when the light is observed from a fixed position.

Hazard warning system—Driver-controlled flashing front and rear lights used to warn approaching motorists when a vehicle is broken down or is traveling at a slow speed.

Intersection light—A flashing red, blue, white, or clear light used as part of a flashing, oscillating, or revolving light system to enhance the visibility of an emergency vehicle from the front and side as it approaches or travels through an intersection.

Light activation indicator—An audible signal or an illuminated switch or pilot light which provides the driver of an emergency or authorized vehicle with a clearly audible or visible and continual indicator that a flashing or revolving light, flashing headlamp system, traffic control emergency directional light or authorized nonflashing or nonrevolving light is activated.

Light-bar assembly—A device or devices designed and constructed to provide and display more than one steady burning, flashing, oscillating or revolving light.

Oscillating light—A light designed to flash by movement back and forth between two or more points, including the alternation between the maximum and minimum voltage.

Revolving light—A light designed to give the appearance of flashing by its rotation around a fixed axis through a 360° arc, on a horizontal plane.

Single light—A device containing one or more lenses, lamps or bulbs which are designed to produce, when viewed from a fixed position or point, the appearance of one flashing or revolving beam of light.

Traffic control emergency directional light assembly—A device electronically designed to display amber or yellow warning signal lights in a distinctive motion-lighting pattern—arrow left, arrow right, center out or alternately flashing—to warn motorists that they are approaching a hazard or to direct them around an impending hazard.

Unmarked police vehicle—A police vehicle not equipped with a roof-mounted light-bar assembly. The vehicle may display graphics, markings or decals, identifying the agency or department.

The provisions of this § 173.2 adopted October 21, 1977, effective October 22, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 3131; amended May 12, 1978, effective May 13, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 1329; amended November 5, 1993, effective November 6, 1993, 23 Pa.B. 5309; amended July 13, 2007, effective July 14, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 3242. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (317449) to (317450).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 173.2 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § § 4571, 4572 and 6103.