MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES

Philadelphia Code tit. 12, ch. 12-1100

in effect

Philadelphia Code § 12-1101 Load Restrictions Upon Vehicles Using Certain Streets.

§ 12-1101. Load Restrictions Upon Vehicles Using Certain Streets. (1) When signs are erected giving notice as required by The Vehicle Code, no person shall operate a commercial vehicle upon any street if the vehicle has a gross weight in excess of the amount specified in such notice.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1102 Designation of Restricted Street.

§ 12-1102. Designation of Restricted Street. (1) Whenever an ordinance prohibits the use of any street by certain types of vehicles the Department shall erect and maintain appropriate signs to give notice thereof.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1103 Use of Certain Streets by Commercial Vehicles.

§ 12-1103. Use of Certain Streets by Commercial Vehicles. (1) Council may, by ordinance, restrict the operation of commercial or burden vehicles on designated City streets. (2) Ordinances restricting commercial or burden vehicles from using certain City streets shall not be deemed to prohibit the use of such vehicles on such streets: (a) in the usual course of business with the occupiers of properties abutting thereon; or (b) while carrying passengers for hire; or (c) if the vehicle does not have more than two axles or does not have a vehicle license for weight in excess of 21,000 pounds gross weight. Notes 147 | Amended, 1964 Ordinances, p. 538.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1104 Restrictions Upon Use of Streets by Certain Vehicles.

§ 12-1104. Restrictions Upon Use of Streets by Certain Vehicles. (1) When the Department erects signs giving appropriate notice, no person shall operate a motor-driven cycle or a bicycle, horse-drawn vehicle or other non-motorized traffic upon any street.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1105 Railroad Trains and Street Cars Not to Block Streets.

§ 12-1105. Railroad Trains and Street Cars Not to Block Streets. (1) No operator of any railroad train or street car shall prevent the use of any streets for purposes of travel for a period of time longer than 5 minutes, nor prevent vehicles from using off-street facilities for a period of time longer than 5 minutes, except that this provision shall not apply to trains or cars in motion but shall apply to cars engaged in switching. (2) No operators of any street car shall stop within an intersection or on a cross-walk for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1106 Operating a Vehicle or Street Car Through Funeral or Other Procession.

§ 12-1106. Operating a Vehicle or Street Car Through Funeral or Other Procession. (1) No operator shall operate his vehicle or street car between the vehicles, persons, or animals, comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while such funeral or procession is in motion, except when otherwise directed by a policeman. This provision shall not apply to authorized emergency vehicles as defined in this Title.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1107 Participants in a Procession.

§ 12-1107. Participants in a Procession. (1) All vehicles, persons afoot, or animals comprising a funeral or other authorized procession shall proceed as near to the right-hand curb of the roadway as practicable and shall follow in line as closely as practicable and safe.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1108 Funeral Processions To Be Identified.

§ 12-1108. Funeral Processions To Be Identified. (1) Each vehicle in a funeral procession shall be identified by the display upon the outside of identifying insignia, or by such other method as may be designated by the Police Department.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1109 Permits Required for Parades, Processions and Assemblages.

§ 12-1109. Permits Required for Parades, Processions and Assemblages. (1) No parade, procession, or assemblages, except of the armed forces of the United States, the military forces of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the forces of the Police Department or the Fire Department, or a funeral procession, shall occupy, march, or proceed along any street except in accordance with a written permit issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections. (2) No permit shall be issued under this Section until the applicant has entered into a written agreement with the City, in form approved by the Law Department, under which the applicant agrees to: (i) pay rental fees for any and all equipment which is to be provided by the City at the applicant's request for use in connection with the activity for which the permit is to be issued, and to pay the City for the repair and/or replacement cost of any such equipment that is not returned or that is returned in a damaged condition; and (ii) reimburse the City an amount equal to all personnel costs for services that the applicant specifically requests from the City in connection with the activity for which the permit is to be issued, including, but not limited to, costs for public safety, public health, sanitation, and Department of Public Property personnel, except that this provision shall not be construed to apply to City police costs associated with traffic and crowd control. This subsection (2) shall not apply to demonstrations covered by the "Office of Managing Director: Regulation Governing Permits for Demonstrations on City Property". 148 (3) Other than the rental fees and reimbursements set forth in subsection (2), the City shall not charge any person who receives a permit under this Section for any public safety services provided by the City in connection with, or as a result of, the activity for which the permit was issued. This provision shall be retroactive to January 1, 2009, and the City shall refund any amounts received from any person before this subsection became law that are in excess of the maximum amounts permitted. 149 Notes 148 | Added, Bill No. 100158 (became law June 10, 2010). 149 | Added, Bill No. 100158 (became law June 10, 2010).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1110 Vehicles Shall Not Be Driven on a Sidewalk.

§ 12-1110. Vehicles Shall Not Be Driven on a Sidewalk. (1) No operator shall drive upon any sidewalk or within any sidewalk area except as a driveway.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1111 Restricted Access Highways.

§ 12-1111. Restricted Access Highways. (1) No operator shall drive any vehicle onto or from any controlled access-highway except at such entrances and exits as are established by appropriate authority.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1112 Passing Street Car on Left.

§ 12-1112. Passing Street Car on Left. (1) Except at intersections controlled by a traffic signal or a policeman, any operator overtaking and passing upon the left of standing street car on a one-way street shall stop and proceed only when safe, allowing pedestrians the right-of-way when required by this Title.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1113 Street Car Stops.

§ 12-1113. Street Car Stops. (1) The Department shall designate street car stops. (2) Operators of street cars shall stop such street cars only at designated street car stops except in case of emergency. (3) No operator of a passenger vehicle shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle at a designated street car stop or between the right curb and any designated stop, except for the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1114 Unlawful Riding on Vehicles.

§ 12-1114. Unlawful Riding on Vehicles. (1) No person shall ride upon any portion of any vehicle or street car not designated or intended for the use of passengers, except employees engaged in the necessary discharge of a duty, or persons riding within truck bodies in space intended for merchandise.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1115 Riding on Motorcycles or Motor-Driven Cycles.

§ 12-1115. Riding on Motorcycles or Motor-Driven Cycles. (1) An operator of a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle shall ride only upon the permanent seat and the operator shall not carry any other person on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless it is equipped to carry more than one person upon a permanent seat.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1116 Clinging to Moving Vehicles.

§ 12-1116. Clinging to Moving Vehicles. (1) No person riding upon any bicycle, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, coaster, sled, roller skates, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any street car or moving vehicle upon any street or highway.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1117 Designation and Use of Disability Parking Spaces.

§ 12-1117. Designation and Use of Disability Parking Spaces. (1) Definitions. (a) Disability parking permit. A registration plate or placard issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as provided in 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338 (relating to person with disability plate and placard) or 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342(a), (b), or (c) (relating to veteran plate and placard), as amended. (b) Person with disability. The current and valid holder of a disability parking permit. (c) Disability parking space. An on-street or off-street parking space reserved for any vehicle bearing or displaying a disability parking permit. 151 (d) Parking Authority. The Philadelphia Parking Authority. (e) Residential disability parking space. An on-street parking space reserved for a specific disability parking permit on the block where the person with disability resides. (2) Disability Parking Spaces – Generally. (a) Disability parking spaces shall be located as close as practicable to educational institutions, government buildings, hospitals, medical centers, cultural institutions, and recreational facilities. (b) On-street disability parking spaces may not be designated where on-street parking is prohibited by ordinance or by the Vehicle Code. (c) On each side of each hundred block on which there is metered parking, one disability parking space shall be located as close as possible to an accessible curb ramp, marked by signs at both ends of the space showing the international symbol of accessibility. Parking at each disability parking space shall be regulated by a parking meter that has no moving parts, handles or thumb slides and shall be limited to vehicles that are bearing a disability parking permit and being operated by or for the transportation of a person with disability. Such vehicles shall comply with all parking prohibitions, including, but not limited to, snow emergency, street cleaning, or resident parking provisions. (d) When a vehicle identifiable as a wheelchair lift-equipped van is being operated by or for the transportation of a disabled person, the vehicle may be parked without limitation as to time and without payment of any parking meter fees on streets where parking is limited but not prohibited by ordinance or by the Vehicle Code. Such vehicles shall comply with all parking prohibitions, including, but not limited to, snow emergency, street cleaning, or resident parking provisions. (e) Each disability parking permit shall be prominently displayed on the vehicle so that it is easily observable from the street or sidewalk. (f) A person may not park a vehicle in a disability parking space unless that vehicle lawfully bears a disability parking permit and is being either driven by or used to transport a person with disability. A person who parks in violation of this paragraph shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 12-2809. (.1) A person who parks a vehicle bearing or displaying a disability parking permit in a disability parking space when the vehicle is not being driven by or used to transport a disability person does so fraudulently and shall be subject to the enhanced penalties set forth in Section 12-2809. (g) A person may not park a vehicle in a disability parking space while displaying a replica or counterfeit disability parking permit. A person who parks in violation of this paragraph shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 12-2809. (3) Residential Disability Parking Spaces. (a) A person with disability, or their authorized agent, may request a residential disability parking space by submitting an application to the Parking Authority that includes the following information: (.1) the nature and use of adjacent buildings; (.2) the availability and proximity of off-street parking; (.3) proof of the applicant’s residence on the subject block; (.4) proof that the vehicle to be parked in the requested residential disability parking space is registered to the applicant at the address identified pursuant to subsection 12-1117(3)(a)(.3). The Department of Streets may promulgate regulations providing for alternate requirements in the case of applications submitted on behalf of a minor person or a person otherwise unable to own and register a motor vehicle; (.5) confirmation that the vehicle to be parked in the requested residential disability parking space displays a current and valid person with disability plate pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338 or severely disability veteran plate pursuant to 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342(a); (.6) such other information as the Parking Authority, Department of Streets, and/or the Department of Health may require. (b) Applications will be evaluated based on: the applicant’s medical need for a residential disability parking space, including factors identified in 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338(a); feasibility of on-street parking and traffic operations; and compliance with other legal limitations or restrictions. The Department of Streets may promulgate regulations providing for additional need-based factors and the process for review. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d), the non-refundable application fee for a residential disability parking space shall be fifty dollars ($50), unless increased by regulation of the Department of Streets. The Department of Streets shall review the application fee every two years to determine an appropriate increase. (d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, an individual determined to be low-income pursuant to eligibility criteria established by regulation of the Revenue Department shall not be required to pay the application fee for a residential disability parking space. (e) Upon approval of the application, a residential disability parking space shall be designated at the approved location by a parking sign that identifies the Pennsylvania license plate number and disability parking permit number authorized to park and indicates that all other vehicles are prohibited from parking in the designated space. (f) A person may not park a vehicle in a residential disability parking space unless the vehicle lawfully bears the disability parking permit designated for that space. A person who parks in violation of this paragraph shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 12-2809. (g) A person whose application for a residential disability parking space is denied may request a hearing to contest the denial pursuant to subsection (5). If no hearing is requested, the denial is upheld after hearing, or the application is otherwise adjudicated to be denied, the applicant who submitted the denied application for a residential disability parking space may not submit a new application for the same residence for at least one year. (h) Each disability parking space authorized in a residential area before July 1, 2025, will expire five years from the date the original application was approved and on the date of expiration become eligible for conversion to a residential disability parking space. (i) An application to convert a disability parking space in a residential area to a residential disability parking space may be submitted to the Parking Authority as provided in this Section not sooner than 90 days prior to the date of expiration. (j) Each residential disability parking space authorized on or after July 1, 2025 will expire without notice on the first to occur of the following: three years from the date the application was approved; the date the person with disability identified in the application ceases to reside at the applicable residence; the date the person with disability is no longer qualified for a residential disability parking space; or the date the person with disability becomes deceased. The failure of the Parking Authority or Department to remove associated parking signs shall not be deemed to authorize a residential disability parking space that has expired pursuant to this subsection. (k) A vehicle lawfully bearing the disability parking permit designated for a residential disability parking space may not park in another space on the same unit block, unless, for reasons outside the vehicle owner’s control, the designated residential disability parking space is blocked or otherwise unavailable for use. A person who parks in violation of this paragraph shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 12-2809. (4) Administration. (a) The Department of Streets may promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or desirable to effectuate the purpose of this Section. (b) The Police Department, in its discretion, may limit or temporarily suspend any of the parking privileges specified in this Section to cover emergencies or special events and may impose any other restriction deemed necessary in the interest of traffic safety and traffic control. (c) The Parking Authority may initiate an investigation to determine the continuing need for a disability parking space authorized by this Section at any time. Upon determination of a lack of need or other change in circumstances, the Parking Authority shall provide notice of discontinuance of the residential parking space to the address associated with the original application or in the event the original application information is unavailable, the address immediately adjacent to the disability parking space and remove applicable signs. (5) Request for a Hearing. (a) Upon denial of an application under this Section, the applicant may, within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice, request a hearing to contest the denial by written request submitted to the Parking Authority. (b) Upon receipt of a hearing request, the matter shall be scheduled before a hearing officer appointed by the Director of Finance. Written notice of the date, time, and place of hearing shall be provided to the registered owner of the vehicle associated with the disability parking by first class mail. (c) Hearings shall be conducted pursuant to 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 (relating to practice and procedure) and be subject to appeal pursuant to 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to judicial review). (d) The Director of Finance may provide by regulation for additional rules for the hearing and determination of cases involving violations under this Section. Any regulations inconsistent with this Section that are in effect on the date the ordinance adding this Section 12-1117 to the Code becomes law are hereby repealed. Notes 150 | Former Section repealed and new Section added, 1982 Ordinances, p. 1906; amended, 1988 Ordinances, p. 899; amended, 1989 Ordinances, p. 72.; amended, Bill No. 000358 (approved January 23, 2001); amended, Bill No. 000359 (approved January 23, 2001); amended, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008); amended, Bill No. 190463 (approved June 26, 2019); Caption and Section amended, Bill No. 240613-AA (approved December 18, 2024). Section 3 of Bill No. 240613-AA provides: "This Ordinance shall be effective the later of 180 days after it becomes law or 30 days after the effective date of regulations implementing eligibility guidelines for low-income applicants." Implementing regulations became effective on June 5, 2025, so Bill No. 240613-AA is effective on July 7, 2025. 151 | Amended, Bill No. 250208 (approved May 7, 2025), effective July 7, 2025.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1118 Soliciting Rides or Business.

§ 12-1118. Soliciting Rides or Business. (1) No person shall stand on or adjacent to any street for the purpose of soliciting a ride or business from the occupant of any vehicle.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1119 Soliciting the Watching of Cars.

§ 12-1119. Soliciting the Watching of Cars. (1) No person shall stand on or adjacent to any street for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of any vehicle parked or to be parked on any street.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1120 Abandoned Vehicles.

§ 12-1120. Abandoned Vehicles. (1) Definitions. In this Section, the following definitions shall apply: (a) Abandoned Vehicle. As defined in Section 102 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 102; including, but not limited to, any vehicle not capable of being moved under its own power, or with deflated tire or tires, or without tire or tires, or without current license tags, which remains parked upon such street or highway for a period of more than forty-eight (48) hours. (b) Salvor. Any person who maintains an established place of business and is engaged in the business of buying, selling or exchanging abandoned vehicles and junkers for the purpose of remodeling, taking apart, or rebuilding the same, or buying or selling of parts, as defined in Sections 1337(c)(2) and 7301(a) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. §§ 1337(c)(2) and 7301(a); and regulations thereunder, 67 Pa. Code § 253.2. (c) Authorized Salvor. Any salvor complying with the requirements of Chapter 73 of the Vehicle Code, as defined in Section 7301(a) thereof, 75 Pa. C.S. § 7301(a). (2) No person shall leave parked upon a street or highway any vehicle not capable of being moved under its own power; or with deflated tire or tires; or without current license tags. (3) Such vehicle may be removed by the Police Department or by an authorized salvor pursuant to police direction, or the direction of an authorized Public Safety Officer, as an abandoned vehicle if the vehicle is not moved after ten days' written notice for removal has been sent to the last registered owner thereof; except that if the vehicle constitutes a safety hazard, the Police Department may remove it immediately and within twelve (12) hours send a written notice to the last registered owner, stating cause of removal, the location of vehicle and the procedure to follow in reclaiming the vehicle. 163 (a) When a vehicle is towed by the Police Department as an abandoned vehicle, the provisions of Chapter 12-2400, Towing and Immobilizing of Parked or Abandoned Vehicles, shall apply. (4) If such vehicle is not removed by the Police Department within sixty (60) days after written notice for removal has been sent to the last registered owner, the Police Department, or an authorized Public Safety Officer, shall request in writing that an authorized salvor take possession of and remove such abandoned vehicle. The Police Department, or an authorized Public Safety Officer, may request in writing an authorized salvor to take possession of and remove such vehicle prior to the expiration of the sixty (60) days' notice when in the Departments' judgement, or in the judgement of an authorized Public Safety Officer, the Department will not be able to remove the abandoned vehicle within sixty (60) days. 164 (5) Upon written request of the Police Department, or an authorized Public Safety Officer, as per 67 Pa. Code § 253.5(b), an authorized salvor shall take possession of and remove to the storage facility of the salvor any abandoned vehicle located within thirty (30) miles of the place of business of the salvor. When a vehicle is towed by an authorized salvor as an abandoned vehicle, the provisions of Chapter 73 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. §§ 7301 - 7312, and of Chapter 253 of the Pennsylvania Code, 67 Pa. Code §§ 253.1 - 253.6 shall apply. 165 (6) The towing and storage fees that may be charged by an authorized salvor for the towing and storage of an abandoned vehicle shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-2406.1 of this Code. 166 Notes 162 | Amended and subsections added, 1984 Ordinances, p. 21. 163 | Amended, Bill No. 210802 (approved June 1, 2022). 164 | Amended, Bill No. 210802 (approved June 1, 2022). 165 | Amended, Bill No. 210802 (approved June 1, 2022). 166 | Amended, Bill No. 060156 (approved April 20, 2006); amended, Bill No. 080373 (approved June 18, 2008).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1121 Electrical Work Not To Be Performed Without Approval.

§ 12-1121. Electrical Work Not To Be Performed Without Approval. (1) No person shall alter, or place in service any electrically powered traffic-control signal unless the Department has approved the plans, diagrams and specifications of all controllers, circuits and other devices, apparatus or facilities employed in connection therewith or affecting the operation thereof. Notes 167 | Added, 1976 Ordinances, p. 879.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1122 Use of Audio Headphones While Operating Motor Vehicles.

§ 12-1122. Use of Audio Headphones While Operating Motor Vehicles. (1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while wearing headphones connected to an audio device. (2) For the purposes of this Section, the term motor vehicle shall include any automobile, truck, bus, motorcycle, or motor-bike. Notes 168 | Added, 1982 Ordinances, p. 1656.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1123 Audible Motor Vehicle Alarms.

§ 12-1123. Audible Motor Vehicle Alarms. (1) No person shall park a motor vehicle upon a public highway or on private property if the vehicle has in operation an audible anti-theft alarm device thereon unless such alarm device is of a type capable of, and is programmed to, automatically terminate the sounding of its audible alarm within five (5) minutes of its being activated. Any sounding of an audible anti-theft alarm from a motor vehicle for more than five (5) continuous minutes shall be deemed a violation of this subsection. (2) No person shall park a motor vehicle upon a public highway or on private property if the vehicle has in operation an audible anti-theft alarm thereon that is of a type capable of, and is programmed to, have its audible alarm activated without direct physical contact occurring to the motor vehicle, except such alarm may be remotely activated by such person. Notes 169 | Added, Bill No. 518 (approved March 29, 1995), 1995 Ordinances, p. 156.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1124 Use of Certain Streets by Mobile and Motor Homes.

§ 12-1124. Use of Certain Streets by Mobile and Motor Homes. (1) The parking of Mobile and Motor Homes as defined in The Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth shall be restricted as provided by ordinance of City Council. Notes 170 | Added, 1984 Ordinances, p. 717.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1125 Operation of Motor Vehicles on a Portion of South Street Prohibited During Certain Hours.

§ 12-1125. Operation of Motor Vehicles on a Portion of South Street Prohibited During Certain Hours. (1) The operation of motor vehicles on South street between Broad street and Front street is prohibited from midnight to 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights except for the period from December 1st to March 1st. The Streets Department and the Police Department are authorized to enforce these provisions by appropriate regulations and procedures. Notes 171 | Added, 1991 Ordinances, p. 33.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1126 Sound Reproduction Devices.

§ 12-1126. Sound Reproduction Devices. (1) No person, while driving, parked or in control of any vehicle, shall operate a radio, tape player or any other type of sound reproduction device, in any area within the City at a sound level which produces a sound audible at a distance of greater than twenty-five feet from the location of such radio, tape player or other sound reproduction device, unless such device is being used in connection with the holding of a public assembly for which a permit or license has been issued by the City. Notes 172 | Added, 1993 Ordinances, p. 131; amended, 1993 Ordinances, p. 790.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1127 Excessive Idling of and Noise from Motor Vehicles.

§ 12-1127. Excessive Idling of and Noise from Motor Vehicles. (1) No person shall cause or permit the engine of a motor vehicle to idle for longer than three minutes while parking, stopping or standing, except this prohibition shall not apply to: (a) any vehicle if the ambient outside temperature is less than twenty degrees Fahrenheit (20°F); (b) an Authorized Emergency Vehicle, including Public Utility vehicles engaged in emergency repair work and maintenance; (c) vehicles engaged in road repairs performed by or on behalf of a governmental entity; (d) vehicles which are being serviced; for which idling is part of that service; (e) vehicles that must idle to operate auxiliary equipment, including, but not limited to, pumps, compressors and refrigeration units, but excluding vehicle heaters and air conditioners; (f) vehicles enroute to a destination but stopped by traffic congestion; or (g) a bus or truck idling at any terminal point along an established route (such a bus or truck is subject to the provisions of subsection 12-1127(2)). (2) No person shall cause or permit the engine of a bus or truck to idle for longer than five (5) minutes while parking, stopping or standing at any terminal point along an established route, except that this prohibition shall not apply to: (a) any bus or truck when the ambient temperature is forty degrees Fahrenheit (40°F) or less; (b) a bus or truck enroute to a destination but stopped by traffic congestion; or (c) a bus that pursuant to law must maintain a specific temperature for passenger comfort, provided that such a bus may idle in excess of five (5) minutes only to the minimum extent necessary to comply with such law. (3) No person, while driving, parked or in control of a motor vehicle within any of the areas listed below, shall cause or allow noise, produced in any manner or form, to come from the motor vehicle at a sound level that is plainly audible at a distance greater than one hundred feet from the vehicle, unless such noise is being created in connection with the holding of a public assembly, parade or procession for which a permit or license has been issued by the City. This prohibition shall apply within the following areas: 174 (a) South Street District, which for purposes of this Section is defined as the area bounded by Lombard street on the north, Front street on the east, Bainbridge street on the south, and Eleventh street on the west. (b) The Delaware River Entertainment District, which for purposes of this Section is defined as the area bounded by Berks street on the north, the Delaware River on the east, Oregon avenue on the south, and Second street on the west. (4) Unless the violation is caused by a Nuisance Vehicle and is subject to penalties pursuant to Section 12-1136, any person who violates subsection 12-1127(3), after having received notice of a prior violation, shall be guilty of a separate offense of Repeat Violation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 12-1128, the penalty for committing the offense of Repeat Violation shall be a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300), or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. A person shall be guilty of a Repeat Violation regardless of whether the second or subsequent violation occurs before or after a judicial finding of a first or previous violation. Each violation, after the first, shall constitute a separate Repeat Violation offense. 175 Notes 173 | Added, 1993 Ordinances, p. 1196; amended, Bill No. 960747 (approved April 30, 1997). This section has been amended by Bill No. 250273 (became law September 11, 2025). Section 2 of Bill No. 250273 provides: "This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after the effective date of regulations implementing sound level measurement standards." At the time of publication, the regulations implementing sound level measurement standards had not been enacted, and the amendments to this section are not incorporated here. 174 | Added, Bill No. 960747 (approved April 30, 1997); amended, Bill No. 230415-A (approved September 13, 2023). 175 | Added, Bill No. 960747 (approved April 30, 1997); amended, Bill No. 230415-A (approved September 13, 2023).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1128 Commercial Vehicles to Display Name, Address and Telephone Number of Owner.

§ 12-1128. Commercial Vehicles to Display Name, Address and Telephone Number of Owner. (1) The term Commercial Vehicle shall mean any vehicle used, constructed or equipped for the transportation of goods, wares, merchandise, tools or equipment in trade, commerce, repair or service work. (2) Every commercial vehicle operating on the streets of the City shall at all times display permanently on both sides of the commercial vehicle in letters and numerals not less than three inches in height the name and address of the owner, and the type of business for which the vehicle is used. The name, address and telephone number of the owner and the type of business for which the Commercial Vehicle is used shall be printed on the vehicle or contained on signs affixed to the vehicle. 177 (a) These provisions shall not apply to the following vehicles: (.1) Public Utility vehicles which have a clearly identifiable prominently displayed company logo. (.2) Commercial vehicles which have markings that comply with the Federal Motor Carrier regulations, 49 C.F.R. § 390.21. Notes 176 | Added, 1994 Ordinances, p. 748. Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 12-1126 in error; renumbered by Code editor. Section 3 of the Ordinance provides that it takes effect in 90 days. 177 | Amended, Bill No. 1194 (approved December 28, 1995), 1995 Ordinances, p. 1413.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1129 Penalty.

§ 12-1129. Penalty. (1) Any person violating the provisions of Sections 12-1101, 12-1114, 12-1115, 12-1116, 12-1119, 12-1121, and 12-1122 shall, upon summary conviction before a magistrate, pay a fine of fifty dollars ($50) together with costs of prosecution; except that persons violating Section 12-1118 shall pay a fine of three dollars ($3.00) together with costs of prosecution; except further, that persons violating any other provision of this Chapter (other than Sections 12-1113(3), 12-1120, 12-1123, 12-1124, 12-1126, 12-1127 and 12-1128) shall pay a fine of ten dollars ($10) together with costs of prosecution. (2) Any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 12-1113(3), 12-1120, 12-1123, 12-1124, 12-1126, 12-1127(1), 12-1127(2), 12-1127(3) and 12-1128 shall be liable for payment of fines, costs and additional fees prescribed and assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12-2800 of this Title. Notes 178 | Amended, 1966 Ordinances, p. 1165; amended, 1976 Ordinances, p. 879; amended, 1982 Ordinances, p. 1656; amended, 1989 Ordinances, p. 72; renumbered, 1991 Ordinances, p. 33; amended and renumbered, 1993 Ordinances, p. 790; amended and renumbered, 1993 Ordinances, p. 1196; amended and renumbered, 1994 Ordinances, p. 748; amended, Bill No. 518 (approved March 29, 1995), 1995 Ordinances, p. 156; amended, Bill No. 758 (approved July 24, 1995), 1995 Ordinances, p. 1081; amended, Bill No. 960747 (approved April 30, 1997). Bill No. 960747 numbered this as Section 12-1128; renumbered by Code editor.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1130 Vehicle Seizures.

§ 12-1130. Vehicle Seizures. (1) Any police officer who discovers a vehicle upon any street of the City which is not registered as required under 75 Pa. C.S. § 1301, or which does not display a registration plate as required by 75 Pa. C.S. § 1332, or whose driver is not licensed as required by 75 Pa. C.S. § 1501 or which is not covered by financial responsibility as required by 75 Pa. C.S. § 1786, may seize or otherwise immobilize the vehicle to render it inoperable. (2) Except as otherwise set forth in this Section, the procedures set forth in Chapter 12-2400 shall apply to the seizure or immobilization of a vehicle pursuant to this Section. (3) When an impounded vehicle is returned to its owner, or any person on behalf of the owner, such person shall sign a receipt for the vehicle after furnishing satisfactory evidence of the person's identity, ownership of the vehicle (or agency on behalf of the owner), valid driver's license, registration and valid financial responsibility. Notes 179 | Added, Bill No. 970 (approved May 1, 1995), 1995 Ordinances, p. 531. Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 12-1126; renumbered by Code editor. Section 3 of the Ordinance provides that this Section takes effect 90 days after the effective date of any legislation amending the Vehicle Code to permit the City to seize vehicles. See Act of July 2, 1996, P.L. 535, No. 93, § 5, 75 Pa. C.S. § 6309.2, as amended.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1131 Electric Vehicle Parking.

§ 12-1131. Electric Vehicle Parking. (1) Definitions. Department means the department or departments designated by the Mayor to administer the provisions of subsection 12-1131(3)(b)(.3). Electric Vehicle is any motor vehicle that receives motive power from a battery or other storage device that receives electricity from an external source such as a charger, and includes a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Electric Vehicle Charger is a device which permits the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other storage device in an electric vehicle. Electric Vehicle Parking Space is any legally marked parking space that identifies the use to be designated as exclusively reserved for Electric Vehicles only from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and non-electric vehicles for no more than two (2) hours at a time between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and states that violators are subject to a fine and removal of their vehicle. 181 Non-Electric Vehicle is any motor vehicle that does not meet the definition of "Electric Vehicle". Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle is any motor vehicle that combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system. The different propulsion power systems in the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle may have common subsystems or components. (2) Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces – Generally. (a) Electric vehicle parking spaces are reserved for parking electric vehicles only. (b) Electric vehicles may be parked in any space designated for public parking, subject to the restrictions that would apply to any other vehicle that would park in that space. (c) This Section shall not apply to parking provided in private parking lots for residential or commercial uses. (3) Designation of Electric Vehicle Reserved On-Street Parking Space. (a) After an investigation determining need has been performed through the Philadelphia Parking Authority with the information set forth in subsection (3)(b) and the Parking Authority has approved of use of the location for practicality and feasibility of traffic operations, the Philadelphia Parking Authority may designate a reserved on-street parking space for electric vehicles. Such a reserved space shall not be designated at any location where parking is otherwise prohibited by law. (b) When applying for a reserved on-street parking space for the exclusive use of electric vehicles, at least the following information shall be supplied by the applicant to the Philadelphia Parking Authority and, in part, shall be used as criteria for determining the appropriate location for a reserved space for electric vehicles: (.1) a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Vehicle Registration indicating that the vehicle is owned or leased by an individual who is a resident of the address at which the reserved parking space is sought; (.2) proof that the owner of the property at which the reserved parking space is sought, if such person is not the applicant, consents to the application; (.3) documentation of approval from the Department for the installation of an electrical vehicle charger at the curb immediately adjacent to the electric vehicle parking space, pursuant to any requirements established by the Department by regulation in connection with such approval, including an administrative fee; (.4) the written consent of an adjacent neighbor if the Philadelphia Parking Authority determines that it is necessary for the reserved parking zone to extend in front of that neighbor's property; (.5) any other information which the Philadelphia Parking Authority may require. (c) The Streets Department shall cause appropriate signs and marking to be placed in and around electric vehicle parking spaces, indicating prominently thereon the parking regulations. The signs shall state that the parking space is reserved for the exclusive use of electric vehicles from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., non-electric vehicles shall be authorized to park in the electric vehicle parking space for no more than two (2) hours between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and that violators are subject to a fine and removal of their vehicle. 182 (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (3), the Parking Authority shall designate no additional electric vehicle parking spaces. 183 (e) All existing electric vehicle parking spaces shall be eligible for renewal as long as the permittee owns or leases an electric vehicle until January 1, 2033. Permits for electric vehicle parking spaces are nontransferable through January 1, 2033 and will only be eligible for renewal by the existing permit holder. The permittee must update the Philadelphia Parking Authority about any vehicle ownership or leasing changes by submitting a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Vehicle Registration indicating that the vehicle is owned or leased by the permittee. 184 (f) If the permittee ceases to reside at the address for which an electric vehicle parking space was established prior to January 1, 2033, the electric vehicle parking space will be discontinued and all related signs and marking shall be immediately removed. The permittee shall be responsible for promptly removing the electric vehicle charger and for restoring the area to its former condition. 185 (g) All remaining signs and marking placed in and around electric vehicle parking spaces shall be removed by the Department of Streets on or immediately after January 1, 2033, and the former permittee shall be responsible for promptly removing the electric vehicle charger and for restoring the area to its former condition. 186 (h) If a permittee fails to comply with subsection 12-1131(3)(f) or a former permittee fails to comply with subsection 12-1131(3)(g) as directed, in addition to any other remedy authorized by this Chapter, the Department of Streets is authorized to abate the violation by removing the electric vehicle charger from the area and restoring the area to its original condition. The permittee or former permittee shall be liable for the costs of such removal and restoration, including administrative costs, and the Law Department may take action to collect such costs by lien or any other method permitted by law. 187 (i) No electrical vehicle charger, as defined in subsection 11-601(8), shall be allowed on any sidewalk within the City of Philadelphia on and after January 1, 2033 unless a permit has been obtained from the Department of Licenses and Inspections with the approval of the Department of Streets in accordance with subsection 11-604(10). 188 (4) Violations – Penalties. 189 (a) Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 12-1131 shall be liable for payment of fines, costs and additional fees prescribed and assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12-2800 of this Title. (b) In addition to the payment of fines, costs and additional fees, a person who has parked in violation of this Section, is subject to having the vehicle removed by any person authorized by and subject to the requirements of the Chapter 12-2400 of The Philadelphia Code. Notes 180 | Added, Bill No. 070788 (approved November 15, 2007). 181 | Amended, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 182 | Amended, Bill No. 170093-A (became law April 20, 2017). 183 | Added, Bill No. 170093-A (became law April 20, 2017); amended, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 184 | Added, Bill No. 170336 (approved May 22, 2017); amended, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 185 | Added, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 186 | Added, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 187 | Added, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 188 | Added, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018). 189 | Renumbered and former subsection (4) deleted, Bill No. 180218 (approved April 20, 2018).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1131.1 City Publicly Available Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces.

§ 12-1131.1. City Publicly Available Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces. (1) Definitions. (a) Department. The Department of Streets. (b) EV. An Electric Vehicle. (c) EV Charger Port. A charging port installed, owned, operated, and maintained by an EV Charging Vendor. (d) EV Charger User. A customer of the EV Charging Vendor who have paid to charge an EV at the EV Charger Port. (e) EV Charging Space. A parking space adjacent to an EV Charger Port reserved only for EV Charger Users. (f) EV Charging Vendor. An EV supply equipment vendor in contract with the City to provide vehicle charging services to the public within the right-of-way. (g) EV Timeslot. The period of time that the EV Charger User is actively charging their EV at the EV Charger Port. (2) Establishment of EV Charging Spaces. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 12-2700 (relating to permit parking), the Department is authorized to establish EV Charging Spaces within a parking lane on any block adjacent to an EV Charger Port operated by an EV Charging Vendor. (b) EV Charging Spaces are reserved for EV Charger Users only. (3) Use of EV Charging Spaces. (a) No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in an EV Charging Space, except for an EV of an EV Charger User during an EV Timeslot and the grace period under (3)(b). (b) An EV Charger User shall remove their EV from the EV Charging Space within 20 minutes after the EV Timeslot has ended, or within such other time as established by the Department by regulation. (4) Enforcement. (a) Violations of this Section shall be subject to civil penalty under Section 12-2809, and any further penalty or action permitted under this Code. Notes 189.1 | Added, Bill No. 260428 (approved June 12, 2026).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1132 Prohibiting Use of Mobile Telephones by Persons Operating Vehicles.

§ 12-1132. Prohibiting Use of Mobile Telephones by Persons Operating Vehicles. (1) Legislative Findings. The Council of the City of Philadelphia finds: (a) The City of Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the sixth- largest city in the United States. (b) As a result of its large and dense population, the City of Philadelphia experiences significant motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic within its boundaries. (c) Philadelphia has consistently been named as one of the most walkable cities in the United States and this bill will protect the health, safety and welfare of pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and inline skaters. (d) Mobile telephone usage has continued to increase in popularity in the United States. (e) Studies show: (.1) Mobile phone usage while driving increases the likelihood of a crash fourfold; (.2) Drivers operating motor vehicles while using a mobile phone are as impaired as drivers with an eight one-hundredths of one percent (0.08%) blood alcohol level – the level that defines drunk driving in most states; (.3) The act of dialing a mobile phone is the most dangerous part of making a mobile phone call while operating a motor vehicle; (.4) The cost of crashes caused by mobile phone usage while operating a motor vehicle is estimated at $43 billion annually. (f) Text messaging, instant messaging, web browsing and other mobile phone technologies are becoming increasingly popular and present an additional danger to motor vehicle operators. (g) Studies show: (.1) The use of text messages has increased over one thousand percent (1,000%) from June of 2005 to June of 2007. (.2) Today, Americans send and receive more text messages per month than phone calls. (h) The use of mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle, skateboard, inline skates or bicycle poses a great risk to the health, safety and welfare of the operator of those vehicles, as well as pedestrians. (i) Requiring the use of a hands-free device for mobile phones while operating a vehicle within the City of Philadelphia is necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Philadelphia. (j) Failure to use a hands-free device for a mobile phone while operating a vehicle within the City of Philadelphia shall constitute a violation of The Philadelphia Code. (2) Definitions. (a) Hands-free device shall mean an external device that connects to a mobile telephone or wireless communication device that allows the user to engage in a call without touching the user's telephone or wireless communication device. (b) Street shall have the same meaning as stated in subsection 12-102(16) of this Chapter. (c) On-board communications device shall mean a communications system or device that is hard-wired into the motor vehicle. (3) Prohibited Conduct. No person shall use a mobile telephone or wireless communication device in any way, including for voice communication, messaging or emailing: (a) while operating a motor vehicle on any Street within the City; (b) while using a skateboard, scooter, inline skates or bicycle on any Street within the City. (4) Exceptions. (a) Persons using a hands-free device for voice communication, provided that such person does not touch the mobile telephone or wireless communication device connected to such hands-free device while operating or using the vehicle, except as permitted under subsection (c). (b) Persons using a mobile telephone for voice communication to call "911" in an emergency, or to report a traffic accident or unsafe driving by another motorist. (c) Persons using a mobile telephone or wireless communication device while maintaining a motor vehicle in a stationary position in a parking lane or space out of moving traffic lanes, and not in gear. (d) Persons using on-board communications device for non-personal communication in the course of ordinary business in their employment with a City, State or Federal agency or authority. (5) Penalties. (a) The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be a fine of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150), nor more than three hundred dollars ($300). In lieu of payment of such fine, a person who receives a notice of violation of this Section may, within 10 days of receipt of such notice, pay seventy-five dollars ($75), pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 1-112 of The Philadelphia Code. Notes 190 | Added, Bill No. 080645-A (approved April 29, 2009). Expressly preempted by amendments to the Vehicle Code at 75 Pa. C.S. § 3316(e). See Act of November 9, 2011, P.L. 406, No. 98 (effective March 8, 2012).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1133 Off-Road Vehicles.

§ 12-1133. Off-Road Vehicles. (1) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) shall have the same meaning as used in Section 7702 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 7702. (2) Dirt Bike shall mean a motorcycle, as defined in Section 102 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 102, that: (1) is not licensed or registered, and (2) does not meet the minimum equipment requirements of Subchapter H of 67 Pa. Code Chapter 175 in Pennsylvania as a motorcycle, with tires and suspension designed and built for riding on unpaved roads and over rough terrain. (3) Dune Buggy shall mean a low, wide-wheeled motor vehicle that: (1) is not licensed or registered, and (2) does not meet the minimum equipment requirements of Subchapter E of 67 Pa. Code Chapter 175 in Pennsylvania, with tires and suspension designed and built for riding on sand and over rough terrain. (4) Off-Road Vehicle shall be defined as an ATV, Dune Buggy, or Dirt Bike as defined herein. (5) No person shall operate, park, stop, stand, place or maintain any all-terrain vehicle on any public sidewalk or any public property, including without limitation any park or recreation facility, except where expressly authorized by law; provided that the owner or a person with lawful permission of the owner may temporarily place an all-terrain vehicle on the sidewalk abutting his or her house or abutting any premises where the vehicle is lawfully stored, for purposes of lawfully transporting the vehicle to a location outside the City. Nothing in this Section prohibits the lawful transport of an all-terrain vehicle on a licensed trailer or other safe carrier, or the manual transport of a vehicle onto or off of such carrier, so long as the motor or engine of the all-terrain vehicle remains off at all times. (6) No person shall operate, park, stop, stand, place or maintain any Dirt Bike, or Dune Buggy on any public sidewalk or any public property, including without limitation any park or recreation facility, except where expressly authorized by law; provided that the owner or a person with lawful permission of the owner may temporarily place a Dirt Bike or Dune Buggy on the sidewalk abutting their house or abutting any premises where the Dirt Bike or Dune Buggy is lawfully stored, for purposes of lawfully transporting the Dirt Bike or Dune Buggy to a location outside the City. Nothing in this Section prohibits the lawful transport of a Dirt Bike or Dune Buggy on a licensed trailer or other safe carrier, or the manual transport of a vehicle onto or off of such carrier, so long as the motor or engine of the Dirt Bike or Dune Buggy remains off at all times. (7) The penalty for a violation of this Section, or for violation of any regulation of the Department of Parks and Recreation relating to operating, parking, stopping, standing, placing or maintaining any Off-Road Vehicle, shall be forfeiture of the Off-Road Vehicle; provided that, if the value of the Off-Road Vehicle, in its current condition, is in excess of two thousand dollars ($2,000), or if the defendant does not own the Off-Road Vehicle and the owner did not know and could not reasonably have known that the Off-Road Vehicle would be used in violation of this Section, a civil penalty of two thousand dollars ($2,000) shall be imposed. (8) Enforcement. (a) Notices of violation shall be issued by police officers or any other person authorized to enforce ordinances, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10-1606 of this Code. Contested charges shall be resolved, penalties shall be imposed, and payments shall be collected and processed by the Director of Finance and the Office of Administrative Review (or such other office as the Director of Finance shall designate), all pursuant to the procedures set forth in Sections 10-1604 through 10-1609, except that: (.1) Any person to whom a ticket is issued may, within eight (8) days of receipt, agree to forfeit the Off-Road Vehicle in lieu of contesting the violation and in lieu of any other fines or penalties. (.2) An order by default may be vacated pursuant to subsection 10-1608(4) only within sixty (60) days after its entry. (b) Seizure. In addition to issuance of a notice of violation, whenever a police officer has probable cause to believe an Off-Road Vehicle has been used or is being used in violation of this Section, the officer may seize the Off-Road Vehicle, whereupon the Police Department shall comply, as nearly practicable, with the provisions of subsections 12-2405(2)-(5) ("Removal or Immobilization of Parked Vehicles: Notice"), except that no Off-Road Vehicle shall be returned to the owner other than pursuant to this Section 12-1133. The Police Department shall store the Off-Road Vehicle until a final adjudication of the offenses, at which time: (.1) If forfeiture is not awarded, the Police Department shall return the Off-Road Vehicle to the owner upon payment of all applicable fines, penalties and fees and compliance with all applicable laws relating to the Off-Road Vehicle. (.2) If forfeiture is awarded, the Police Department shall dispose of the Off-Road Vehicle in an appropriate manner, which may include destruction of the Off-Road Vehicle or such other manner of disposition that, in the judgment of the Department, reduces, to the greatest extent practicable, the opportunities for the Off-Road Vehicle to be used in any manner that violates the provisions of this Section or the Vehicle Code. (9) A person who claims their Off-Road Vehicle was wrongfully seized, including an owner who did not know and could not reasonably have known that the Off-Road Vehicle would be used in violation of this Section, may seek return of the Off-Road Vehicle pursuant to the procedures set forth at Section 12-2406 ("Recovery of Vehicles; Hearings"), with any hearing to be scheduled as expeditiously as practicable. Notes 191 | Added, Bill No. 120725-A (approved November 13, 2012). Section 2 of Bill No. 120725-A provides: "This Ordinance shall be effective March 1, 2013, provided that no penalties shall be imposed and only warnings shall be issued until thirty days thereafter." Caption and Section amended, Bill No. 210423 (approved June 23, 2021). Enrolled bill failed to account for former subsection (2); renumbered as subsection (5) by Code editor.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1134 Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors.

§ 12-1134. Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors. Subject to such penalties as are provided in The Vehicle Code, no person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to vehicular traffic in such a manner as to violate 75 Pa. C.S. § 3705 (entitled "opening and closing vehicle doors"), as may be amended from time to time. Notes 192 | Added, Bill No. 120532 (approved January 8, 2013). Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 12-1133; renumbered by Code editor.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1135 Prohibited Parking or Maintaining of Semitrailers and Truck Tractors at Residential Properties.

§ 12-1135. Prohibited Parking or Maintaining of Semitrailers and Truck Tractors at Residential Properties. (1) Definitions. The terms Semitrailer and Truck Tractor have the meanings as defined in the Vehicle Code at 75 Pa. C.S. § 102. (2) No person shall park or maintain a semitrailer or truck tractor on a driveway or other part of a property utilized or zoned for residential purposes that is visible from a location outside of such property. (3) Penalties. The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense for each day the violation continues. 193.1 Notes 193 | Added, Bill No. 230208 (approved July 12, 2023). 193.1 | Amended, Bill No. 250271 (approved May 7, 2025).

Philadelphia Code § 12-1136 Nuisance Vehicles.

§ 12-1136. Nuisance Vehicles. (1) Definitions. (a) Drifting. For purposes of this Section, "Drifting" is the intentional act of steering a vehicle in a circle where the rear wheel or wheels loose traction and create a controlled skid sideways. This also referred to as doughnuts or spin-outs. (b) Nuisance Vehicle. For purposes of this Section, a Nuisance Vehicle is: (.1) any vehicle operating a radio or any other sound device that amplifies the sound from within the motor vehicle that is plainly audible at a distance greater than one hundred feet from the vehicle, unless such vehicle is being used in connection with the holding of a public assembly for which a permit or license has been issued by the City; (.2) any vehicle engaging in Drifting; or (.3) any vehicle used to block any intersection, street, highway or access point to any recreation center or private property, without the consent of the owner, to facilitate or otherwise enable the act of Drifting to occur by another. (2) Prohibited Conduct. (a) No owner or operator shall allow, authorize or otherwise permit a Nuisance Vehicle to be parked, maintained or operated in any area of the City. (b) No person shall participate or contribute to the act of Drifting as a spectator or otherwise. (3) Penalties. (a) The penalty for violation of subsection (2)(a) shall be: (.1) A fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000) per offense. (.2) The owners and operators of a Nuisance Vehicle shall be jointly liable for all costs incurred by the City for emergency response, cleanup, repair, and damage to City property where a violation has occurred. Legal interest shall accrue for any amount not paid within thirty (30) days from the date a bill for costs incurred is provided to the violator. (.3) Any fine or cost imposed by the court shall be entered as a judgment against the violator. (.4) Any fine or other sanction imposed by the Court shall be paid or satisfied within ten (10) days of its imposition. If the fine or sanction together with any court cost is not paid or satisfied within such period, the violator shall be subject to proceedings for contempt of court and/or collection of the fines as provided for by law. (b) The penalty for violation of subsection (2)(b) shall be a fine of three hundred dollars ($300). (4) Enforcement. (a) Notices of violation shall be issued by police officers or any other person authorized to enforce ordinances, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10-1606 of this Code. Contested charges shall be resolved, penalties shall be imposed, and payments shall be collected and processed by the Director of Finance and the Office of Administrative Review (or such other office as the Director of Finance shall designate), all pursuant to the procedures set forth in Sections 10-1604 through 10-1609. (5) Seizure. (a) City Council hereby declares that Nuisance Vehicles are an imminent health and safety hazard, therefore, in addition to issuance of a notice of violation, any police officer who discovers a Nuisance Vehicle on any street, park, or recreation center may seize the vehicle. (b) The procedures set forth in Chapter 12-2400 shall apply to the seizure of a vehicle pursuant to this Section. (c) When an impounded vehicle is returned to its owners, or any person on behalf of the owner, such person shall sign a receipt for the vehicle after furnishing satisfactory evidence of a person's identity, ownership of the vehicle (or agency on behalf of the owner), valid driver's license, registration, and valid financial responsibility. Notes 194 | Added, Bill No. 230415-A (approved September 13, 2023). Enrolled bill numbered this as Section 12-1135; renumbered by Code editor. This section has been amended by Bill No. 250273 (became law September 11, 2025). Section 2 of Bill No. 250273 provides: "This Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after the effective date of regulations implementing sound level measurement standards." At the time of publication, the regulations implementing sound level measurement standards had not been enacted, and the amendments to this section are not incorporated here.

Philadelphia Code § 12-1137 License Plate Flipping Device - Unlawful Conduct.

§ 12-1137. License Plate Flipping Device - Unlawful Conduct. (1) Definitions. (a) License Plate Flipping Device. In this Section “license plate flipping device” means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle and: (.1) switch between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator’s vehicle; or (.2) hide a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the license plate number is not visible. (b) Person. Any individual, partnership, limited partnership, association, corporation, estate or trust. (c) Motor Vehicle. In this Section a “motor vehicle” is any vehicle which is self-propelled except an electronic personal assistive mobility device or a vehicle which is propelled solely by human power. (2) Prohibited Conduct. (a) No person shall possess, operate any vehicle with, purchase, install, possess for the purpose of installing, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device in the City of Philadelphia. (3) Penalties. (a) The penalty for a violation of this Section shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000). Notes 194.1 | Added, Bill No. 240089-A (approved April 3, 2024).

Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-285445Fetched: 10/27/2026