Here is a summary of motor vehicle laws recently passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signed in to law by Gov. Tom Wolf.

Act 31 of 2018 (Senate Bill 880)

Updated the Vehicle Code to make 102 inches the standard width for trailers on all Pennsylvania highways. Under Act 31, the total outside width of a vehicle, including any load, shall not exceed eight feet six inches except as otherwise provided. The new standard width takes effect Dec. 10.

Act 59 of 2018 (House Bill 1898)

Amended the State Board of Vehicles Act to require vehicle dealers to disclose in writing any open, unremedied recalls when a motor vehicle is sold. Also establishes a temporary ‘provisional license’ category so licensed new vehicle dealers may operate a dealership they are acquiring for sixty days from the date of the dealership license application to the Department of State. Also adds a dealer’s costs related to protecting consumer privacy and safeguarding customer information to the definition of “licensing costs.” Licensing costs are an authorized component of the documentary fee (or “doc fee”). Also prohibits vehicle manufacturers from requiring dealers to expand, construct or significantly modify facilities within ten years of the date of construction, alteration or remodeling at that location, unless necessary to comply with health or safety law or technology requirement. Provisions effective Aug. 27.

Act 73 of 2018 (Senate Bill 1091)

Within one year of the effective date, PennDOT will enable driver’s license/identification card and vehicle registration renewals to include an optional $5 contribution to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

The effective date is Aug. 27.

Act 74 of 2018 (Senate Bill 1101)

Creates a damage threshold that would trigger the need to obtain a recovered theft branded vehicle title. Recovered theft vehicles with minimal damage would no longer need to have a branded title. Recovered theft vehicles with significant damage would still be required to obtain the title.

The effective date is Dec. 26.

Note: This information is provided in summary form and is not intended as legal advice. Complete information on bills and amendments is available on the General Assembly’s website, www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/bills/.