An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for refusing issuance of certificate, for transfer to vehicle salvage dealer and for transfer to scrap metal processor and providing for salvor nonrepairable vehicle reconstruction; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for limited liability of inspection station or mechanic and for certificate of appointment for enhanced vehicle safety inspection for reconstructed vehicle, modified or specially constructed inspection stations; in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for reports to department of possession of abandoned vehicles; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Hanbidge and 5 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania vehicle bill tightens salvage dealer rules, reconstruction inspection standards, and abandoned vehicle reporting while imposing new penalties for compliance violations.

Referred to Transportation

Legislative bill overview

HB 645 comprehensively reforms Pennsylvania's vehicle titling, salvage, and inspection regulations across multiple areas of Title 75. The bill modifies definitions, salvage dealer procedures, reconstruction standards for salvaged vehicles, inspection station protocols, and abandoned vehicle reporting requirements, while establishing new penalties for violations.

Why is this important

These changes directly affect vehicle owners, salvage dealers, inspection stations, and public safety on Pennsylvania roads. The bill addresses how reconstructed/salvaged vehicles are tracked and inspected—a critical consumer protection issue since these vehicles have unknown structural integrity and accident history. It also clarifies regulatory procedures that have created confusion between salvage dealers and scrap metal processors.

Potential points of contention

Consumer protection vs. industry burden: Stricter reconstruction inspection requirements may increase vehicle costs but could prevent unsafe vehicles from reaching roads; salvage operators may argue compliance costs are excessive

"Salvor nonrepairable vehicle reconstruction" provision: The bill's specific language here is ambiguous in the summary—it's unclear whether this liberalizes or restricts reconstructed vehicle pathways, creating uncertainty for stakeholders

Enforcement and penalties: New penalties are mentioned but details aren't specified; questions remain about whether penalties are proportionate, who enforces them, and how this affects small operators versus large dealers