Pennsylvania Powersports Dealers (PPD), a division of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA), chalked up several successes for its powersports dealership members at the state General Assembly in recent months.
Key among the updates was a change in the state inspection law for motorcycles. Motorcycle dealers are now allowed to perform inspections 12 months a year, a change from the previous law that eliminated inspections in the winter months. The inspection itself also is now valid for 12 months.
Here’s a report from the PPA:
“On November 18, Governor Shapiro signed into law Act 149 of 2024, formerly House Bill HB 2177, which permits motorcycles to be annually safety inspected during any time of year. The new law takes effect on Friday, January 17, 2025.
“The legislation was introduced on behalf of PPD and was unanimously passed by both chambers of the PA General Assembly.
“The successful accomplishment of this first initiative is a testament to the strength of the PAA/PPD partnership and illustrates the value of membership in PPD.
“The new law permits motorcycle inspections to occur throughout the calendar year based on the previous inspection expiry date.
“This change replaces the previous provisions under Section 4702, which mandated inspection schedules based on the expiration dates of motorcycle registrations within specific months each year.”
In addition, the General Assembly enacted a law that ensures powersports dealers are protected from the Lemon Law on sales of on-road and off-road motorcycles. Off-Road vehicles and dual sport motorcycles are exempt from lemon law eligibility.
The PPD Board had reviewed the proposed Lemon Law at each of its meetings. On November 18, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed SB 155 into law, which takes effect on May 18, 2025.
“The law requires the manufacturer of a new motorcycle, sold or leased and registered in Pennsylvania, to be repaired or corrected, at no cost to the purchaser if a nonconformity exists which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle. For motorcycles to be considered lemons, the nonconformity must occur within one year after delivery, or during the term of the manufacturer’s express warranty — whichever comes first.
The Lemon law allows the manufacturer three repair attempts for the same nonconformity. If the repairs are unsuccessful and the nonconformity substantially impairs the value, use or safety of the vehicle, the customer may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. Also, if the motorcycle is at the dealership for any repairs for a cumulative total of thirty days during the first year after delivery, the customer may demand a refund or replacement; however, the revised Lemon Law contains a carve-out specific for motorcycles concerning this thirty-day period.”
Kudos to NPDA Founding Board Member George Gatto (Three Rivers Harley-Davidson and Gatto Cycle Shop) for his efforts in Pennsylvania, where he is also Chairman of the PPD Board of Directors.
Other dealers who are on the eight-person PPA Board Members who are NPDA Members include: Josh Mazzei (Five Star Powersports) and David Tull (Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson).
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