An Act to exempt the sale and distribution of nonmotorized trailers from franchise requirements under Pennsylvania law; and preserving all other applicable requirements such as licensing of dealers and salespersons, registration and titling, sales and use tax collection and consumer protection under the Board of Vehicles Act.

PRINTER'S NO. 1173
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 1012
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MASTRIANO, LAUGHLIN, STEFANO AND KEEFER,
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
AN ACT
To exempt the sale and distribution of nonmotorized trailers
from franchise requirements under Pennsylvania law; and
preserving all other applicable requirements such as
licensing of dealers and salespersons, registration and
titling, sales and use tax collection and consumer protection
under the Board of Vehicles Act.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Sale and
Distribution of Nonmotorized Trailers Exemption Act.
Section 2. Purpose.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) That nonmotorized trailers do not operate under the
traditional franchising model applicable to motor vehicle
sales.
(2) Dealers typically sell multiple trailer brands
without exclusive territory or branding contracts.
(3) Maintaining franchise restrictions on these trailers
imposes unnecessary burdens on small businesses without
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providing meaningful consumer benefit.
(4) This act exempts nonmotorized trailers from the act
of December 22, 1983 (P.L.306, No.84), known as the Board of
Vehicles Act, while preserving all other licensing and
consumer protections.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board." The State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers
and Salespersons.
"Mobility vehicle." As defined in section 102 of the act of
December 22, 1983 (P.L.306, No.84), known as the Board of
Vehicles Act.
"Motor vehicle." As defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to
definitions). The term does not include a nonmotorized trailer.
"Nonmotorized trailer." A trailer or semitrailer designed to
be drawn by a motor vehicle and not powered by an engine or
motor, and which does not include integrated living quarters for
human occupancy. The term includes a utility trailer, cargo
trailer, dump trailer, gooseneck trailer and tilt-bed trailer.
Section 4. Applicability.
The act of December 22, 1983 (P.L.306, No.84), known as the
Board of Vehicles Act, shall not apply to the sale, distribution
or servicing of nonmotorized trailers.
Section 5. Impact assessment.
Three years after the effective date of this section, the
board shall assess the impact of the exemption of the sale,
distribution or servicing of nonmotorized trailers from the
Board of Vehicles Act and report its findings to the
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Transportation Committee of the Senate and the Transportation
Committee of the House of Representatives.
Section 6. Savings clause.
This act does not affect existing contractual agreements or
legal disputes.
Section 7. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 90 days.
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