Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB713

Introduced
5/12/25  
Refer
5/12/25  
Refer
9/9/25  
Report Pass
9/9/25  
Engrossed
9/10/25  

Caption

In lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminated signs.

Impact

This legislation will have significant implications for transportation regulations in Pennsylvania. It allows a new method of communication and advertising on public transport, enhancing the utility of these vehicles for delivering public service announcements and emergency alerts. By integrating geofenced and GPS technologies, public transportation vehicles could effectively relay crucial information to passengers and pedestrians, potentially improving public safety and awareness.

Summary

Senate Bill 713 amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning lighting equipment and illuminated signs on public transportation vehicles. The bill permits the installation of illuminated signs on the rear or side of such vehicles, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view and conform to certain safety standards. The illuminated signs must also include features like enhanced turn signals and brake lights that connect to vehicle operation indicators, enhancing overall road safety which aligns with modern technological expectations.

Sentiment

The sentiments surrounding SB 713 appear mixed. Supporters view it as a progressive step towards making public transportation more interactive and helpful for the community, advocating for the importance of modern communication methods within public transport. Conversely, some critics might express concerns about the potential for distractions on the road, both for drivers and pedestrians, and the implications of commercial advertising in public spaces.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between innovation in public transportation signage and the potential risks posed by illuminated displays on the roadways. Critics could argue that if not properly regulated, such signage might distract other drivers or overwhelm passengers with advertisements. The approval process for the deployment of these signs must be carefully considered to avoid unpopular outcomes that could result from excessive commercialization or safety risks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB547

In lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminated signs.

PA SB185

In lighting equipment, further providing for general lighting requirements.

PA HB1788

In sustainable mobility options, further providing for operating program; in metropolitan transportation authorities, providing for supplemental performance reporting; providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund transfer and annual increase; establishing the Road and Bridge Project Fund and the Road and Bridge Project Sinking Fund; in public-private transportation partnerships, providing for applicable authority projects; in lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminating signs; in taxes for highway maintenance and construction, further providing for supplemental funding for three and four digit highway construction; and establishing the Three and Four Digit State Route Account.

PA HB257

In interactive gaming, further providing for interactive gaming tax; in sustainable mobility options, further providing for definitions, for fund and for operating program and providing for annual performance evaluation and for operating a controlled substance injection site near infrastructure of a local transportation organization; in metropolitan transportation authorities, further providing for special prosecutor for mass transit; in public-private transportation partnerships, providing for metropolitan transportation authority projects; in licensing of drivers, further providing for persons ineligible for licensing, license issuance to minors and junior driver's license, for learners' permits, for application for driver's license or learner's permit by minor and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, providing for the offense of interference with operation or movement of a public transit vehicle and for sentencing enhancement for drug delivery on transit; in lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminated signs; in taxes for highway maintenance and construction, providing for supplemental funding for three and four digit highway construction; and establishing the Supplemental Funding for Three and Four Digit State Routes Account in the Motor License Fund.

PA HB1295

In other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for school buses; and, in size, weight and load, further providing for width of vehicles.

PA SB952

In sustainable mobility options, further providing for definitions and for operating program; in metropolitan transportation authorities, providing for supplemental performance reporting; and, in public-private transportation partnerships, providing for applicable authority.

PA HB1830

In other required equipment, further providing for flashing or revolving lights on tow trucks and for identification of certain vehicles.

PA HB1093

In other required equipment, further providing for restraint systems.

PA HB1708

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2219

In registration of vehicles, further providing for display of registration plate; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to offenses in general, further providing for the offense of use of registration plate flipping device.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1184

Transportation services employees; drivers; wages

CA AB1343

Local alternative transportation improvement program: Feather River crossing.

MI SB0928

Health: licensing; behavioral health transportation licensing requirements; provide for. Amends 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1001 - 330.2106) by adding ch. 9B. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0927'26

CA SB371

Transportation network companies: insurance coverage.

CA SB117

Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: loans: transit operating purposes: San Francisco Bay area.

CA AB117

Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program: loans: transit operating purposes: San Francisco Bay area.

NJ A500

Requires board of education to award certain transportation contracts to most appropriate bidder; requires board of education to hold transportation meeting prior to awarding certain transportation contracts for students with disabilities.

MI SB0265

Transportation: funds; maintenance of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure; provide for. Amends sec. 10k of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.660k).