Drivers could show special vehicle permits on phones with privacy limits

Drivers would have to keep the special permit and other required documents in the permitted vehicle, and could show them on paper or on a phone. This applies to drivers carrying a vehicle under a special permit and other documents required by department regulations. Drivers may choose paper or electronic form. When a driver shows the permit on a phone, an officer may review only the permit. The officer must return the phone promptly after having an opportunity to verify it, or promptly upon the driver's request, unless another law authorizes keeping it. Showing the permit does not give consent to search or access other phone data or apps. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment; the text does not give a calendar date.

An officer or qualified department employee who views a driver's phone in good faith for a purpose allowed by law would be immune from civil or criminal liability arising from the driver's choice to show the permit. This applies to police officers and qualified department employees viewing the device for a purpose under the vehicle title or a federal or state law or regulation. The text lists accidental viewing of other material, deletion of information, interception of a communication, and breakage as covered examples. The provision would take effect 60 days after enactment.

The bill would abrogate 67 Pa. Code § 179.10 where it conflicts with this act. This applies to the regulation on general conditions for special permits. Only the parts inconsistent with this act are covered. This provision would take effect 60 days after enactment.