Skip to code content (skip section selection)
Compare to:
Philadelphia Overview
The Philadelphia Code
PHILADELPHIA HOME RULE CHARTER
THE PHILADELPHIA CODE
TITLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2. CITY-COUNTY CONSOLIDATION
TITLE 3. AIR MANAGEMENT CODE
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
TITLE 4.1. ELECTRICAL CODE
TITLE 4.2. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
TITLE 5. FIRE PREVENTION CODE
TITLE 6. HEALTH CODE
TITLE 7. HOUSING CODE
TITLE 8. PLUMBING CODE
TITLE 9. REGULATION OF BUSINESSES, TRADES AND PROFESSIONS
TITLE 10. REGULATION OF INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT AND ACTIVITY
TITLE 11. STREETS
TITLE 12. TRAFFIC CODE
CHAPTER 12-100. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 12-200. ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 12-300. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS UPON USE OF VEHICLES AROUND WHEELCHAIR LIFT EQUIPPED VEHICLES
CHAPTER 12-400. RIGHT-OF-WAY REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-500. TURNING REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-600. STREET DIRECTION REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-700. BICYCLE LANES
CHAPTER 12-800. BICYCLE REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-900. PARKING REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-1000. PARKING METER REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER 12-1100. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
§ 12-1101. Load Restrictions Upon Vehicles Using Certain Streets.
§ 12-1102. Designation of Restricted Street.
§ 12-1103. Use of Certain Streets by Commercial Vehicles.
§ 12-1104. Restrictions Upon Use of Streets by Certain Vehicles.
§ 12-1105. Railroad Trains and Street Cars Not to Block Streets.
§ 12-1106. Operating a Vehicle or Street Car Through Funeral or Other Procession.
§ 12-1107. Participants in a Procession.
§ 12-1108. Funeral Processions To Be Identified.
§ 12-1109. Permits Required for Parades, Processions and Assemblages.
§ 12-1110. Vehicles Shall Not Be Driven on a Sidewalk.
§ 12-1111. Restricted Access Highways.
§ 12-1112. Passing Street Car on Left.
§ 12-1113. Street Car Stops.
§ 12-1114. Unlawful Riding on Vehicles.
§ 12-1115. Riding on Motorcycles or Motor-Driven Cycles.
§ 12-1116. Clinging to Moving Vehicles.
§ 12-1117. Physically Handicapped and Disabled or Severely Disabled Veteran Parking.
§ 12-1118. Soliciting Rides or Business.
§ 12-1119. Soliciting the Watching of Cars.
§ 12-1120. Abandoned Vehicles.
§ 12-1121. Electrical Work Not To Be Performed Without Approval.
§ 12-1122. Use of Audio Headphones While Operating Motor Vehicles.
§ 12-1123. Audible Motor Vehicle Alarms.
§ 12-1124. Use of Certain Streets by Mobile and Motor Homes.
§ 12-1125. Operation of Motor Vehicles on a Portion of South Street Prohibited During Certain Hours.
§ 12-1126. Sound Reproduction Devices.
§ 12-1127. Excessive Idling of and Noise from Motor Vehicles.
§ 12-1128. Commercial Vehicles to Display Name, Address and Telephone Number of Owner.
§ 12-1129. Penalty.
§ 12-1130. Vehicle Seizures.
§ 12-1131. Electric Vehicle Parking.
§ 12-1132. Prohibiting Use of Mobile Telephones by Persons Operating Vehicles.
§ 12-1133. Off-Road Vehicles.
§ 12-1134. Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors.
§ 12-1135. Prohibited Parking or Maintaining of Semitrailers and Truck Tractors at Residential Properties.
§ 12-1136. Nuisance Vehicles.
§ 12-1137. License Plate Flipping Device - Unlawful Conduct.
CHAPTER 12-1200. TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
CHAPTER 12-1300. ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 12-1400. PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE FOR VIOLATIONS
CHAPTER 12-1500. EFFECT OF TITLE
CHAPTER 12-1600. SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS UPON USE OF VEHICLES IN AREAS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE FAIRMOUNT PARK COMMISSION
CHAPTER 12-1700. ACHIEVING DRIVING EQUALITY
CHAPTERS 12-1800 TO 12-2300. RESERVED
CHAPTER 12-2400. TOWING AND IMMOBILIZING OF PARKED OR ABANDONED VEHICLES
CHAPTER 12-2500. SNOW EMERGENCIES
CHAPTER 12-2600. CHESTNUT STREET TRANSITWAY
CHAPTER 12-2700. PERMIT PARKING DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 12-2800. ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION OF PARKING VIOLATIONS
CHAPTER 12-2900. CONTRACTOR PARKING
CHAPTER 12-3000. USE OF AN AUTOMATED RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM TO PREVENT RED LIGHT VIOLATIONS
CHAPTER 12-3100. SELLING, LEASING, OR RESERVING OF PARKING SPACES ON PUBLIC STREETS PROHIBITED
CHAPTER 12-3200. FEE FOR LOCAL USE
CHAPTER 12-3300. SELF-PROPELLED MOBILITY DEVICES
CHAPTER 12-3400. USE OF AN AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE SAFETY
CHAPTER 12-3500. PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES
CHAPTER 12-3600. CAMERA-BASED ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM FOR PARKING, STOPPING, AND STANDING VIOLATIONS THAT INTERFERE WITH MASS TRANSIT
TITLE 13. WATER AND SEWER
TITLE 14. ZONING AND PLANNING
TITLE 15. PARKS AND RECREATION
TITLE 16. PUBLIC PROPERTY
TITLE 17. CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT
TITLE 18. COMMERCE AND AVIATION
TITLE 19. FINANCE, TAXES AND COLLECTIONS
TITLE 20. OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
TITLE 21. MISCELLANEOUS
TITLE 22. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT CODE
Loading...
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 12-1117. Physically Handicapped and Disabled or Severely Disabled Veteran Parking. 150
   (1)   Definitions.
      (a)   Physically Handicapped Person. Any person who is eligible to receive a handicapped plate or handicapped parking placard as defined in Section 1338 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338, or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (b)   Severely-Disabled Veteran. Any veteran who is eligible to receive a severely-disabled veteran plate or severely-disabled veteran placard as defined in Section 1342 of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342, or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (c)   Handicapped Plate. As defined in Section 1338(a) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338(a), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (d)   Handicapped Parking Placard. As defined in Section 1338(b) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1338(b), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (e)   Severely-Disabled Veteran Plate. As defined in Section 1342(a) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342(a), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (f)   Severely-Disabled Veteran Placard. As defined in Section 1342(b) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342(b), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (g)   Disabled Veteran Plate. As defined in Section 1342(c) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1342(c), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (h)   Disabled Veteran. Any veteran who is eligible to receive a disabled veteran plate.
      (i)   Disabled Parking Permit. A Handicapped Plate, Handicapped Parking Placard, Severely-Disabled Veteran Plate or Severely-Disabled Veteran Placard. 151
      (j)   Disabled Person. A Physically Handicapped Person or Severely-Disabled Veteran. 152
      (k)   Handicapped Parking Space. A parking space reserved for physically handicapped persons and severely-disabled veterans, including any parking space in a public garage or public parking lot that is identified as an accessible parking space. 153
   (2)   Exemption for physically handicapped persons and disabled or severely-disabled veterans from parking time limits and parking meter fees. 154
      (a)   When a motor vehicle bearing a handicapped plate, a handicapped parking placard, a severely- disabled veteran's plate, or a severely-disabled veteran placard is being operated by or for the transportation of a physically handicapped person or a severely-disabled veteran, the driver shall be entitled to park for a period of sixty (60) minutes in excess of the maximum time limit and without payment of any parking meter fees during that sixty (60) minute period on streets where parking is limited but not prohibited by ordinance or by the Vehicle Code. Such motor vehicles shall comply with all parking prohibitions.
      (b)   When a motor vehicle that is identifiable as a wheelchair lift-equipped van is being operated by or for the transportation of a physically disabled person or a severely disable veteran, the driver shall be entitled to park without limitation as to time and without payment of any parking meter fees on streets where parking is limited but not prohibited by ordinance of by the Vehicle Code. Such motor vehicles shall comply with all parking prohibitions.
   (3)   Reserved on-street parking for physically handicapped persons and severely-disabled veterans; reserved on-street accessible parking spaces. 155
      (a)   After an investigation determining need has been performed through the Department of Health with the information set forth in (3)(b) and approved by the Department of Streets for practicality and feasibility of traffic operations, the Department of Streets may designate reserved on-street parking for the physically handicapped and severely-disabled veterans.
      (b)   When applying for an on-street parking space for the exclusive use by handicapped persons or severely-disabled veterans, at least the following information shall be supplied by the applicant to the City and, in part, shall be used as criteria for determining the appropriate location for a handicapped parking space:
         (.1)   the nature and use of adjacent buildings;
         (.2)   the availability and proximity of off-street parking;
         (.3)   any other information which the Department of Streets and/or the Department of Health may require.
      (c)   When a motor vehicle bearing a handicapped plate, a handicapped parking placard, a severely- disabled veteran plate or a severely-disabled veteran placard is being operated by or for the transportation of a physically handicapped person or severely-disabled veteran, the driver shall be permitted to park without limitation as to time in any reserved on-street parking space for physically handicapped persons and severely-disabled veterans.
      (d)   Reserved on-street parking spaces shall be located as close as practicable to educational institutions, government buildings, hospitals, medical centers, cultural institutions and recreational facilities. Reserved on-street parking in residential areas shall be provided for under Section 3354(d) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 3354(d), or any subsequent amendment thereto.
      (e)   Reserved on-street parking spaces shall not be provided at any other location where parking is prohibited by ordinance or by the Vehicle Code.
      (f)   On each side of each hundred block on which there is metered parking, one reserved accessible 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 symbol of accessibility. Parking at each accessible space shall be regulated by a parking meter which has no moving parts, handles or thumb slides. No vehicle may park at any such space except a motor vehicle bearing a handicapped plate, a handicapped parking placard, a severely-disabled veteran's plate, or a severely- disabled veteran placard and which is being operated by or for the transportation of a physically handicapped person or a severely-disabled veteran. Drivers of such vehicles shall be entitled to park in an accessible space for a period of sixty (60) minutes in excess of the maximum time limit and without payment of any parking meter fees during that sixty (60) minute period. Such motor vehicles shall comply with all parking prohibitions, including, but not limited to, snow emergency, street cleaning or resident parking. 156
   (4)   Eligibility requirements for special parking privileges.
      (a)   Handicapped and severely-disabled veterans' plates and parking placards shall be prominently displayed on the motor vehicle.
      (b)   No person shall park a vehicle in a Handicapped Parking Space unless that vehicle lawfully bears a Disabled Parking Permit and is being driven by or being used to transport a Disabled Person. 157
         (.1)   A person who parks a vehicle in a Handicapped Parking Space shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 12-2809 if the vehicle does not bear a Disabled Parking Permit. 158
         (.2)   A person who parks a vehicle in a Handicapped Parking Space shall be subject to the enhanced penalties set forth in Section 12-2809 for fraudulently parking in a Handicapped Parking Space if the vehicle bears a Disabled Parking Permit but is not being driven by or used to transport a Disabled Person. 159
      (c)   No person shall drive or park a vehicle that displays a replica or counterfeit copy of a Disabled Parking Permit, or any document, plate or placard that bears a sufficient likeness to a Disabled Parking Permit as to be capable of or with the intent of deceiving a member of the public or an enforcement officer. 160
   (5)   Administrative provisions.
      (a)   Any handicapped person or severely-disabled veteran as defined in subsections 12-1117(1)(a) and (b) may request that an investigation be conducted to determine the need for a parking space for a handicapped person or severely-disabled veteran. An application shall be submitted to the Department of Health and to the Department of Streets.
      (b)   After an investigation has been completed by the Department of Health and approved by the Department of Streets with regard to practicality and feasibility of traffic operations, the Department of Streets shall install a sign or signs indicating that an on-street parking space is reserved for the exclusive use of handicapped persons or severely-disabled veterans, that no parking is allowed there by others, and that any unauthorized person parking in a reserved space is subject to the penalty provided for in this Section.
      (c)   The Department of Streets may promulgate such rules and regulations which are necessary or desirable to effectuate the purpose of this Section.
      (d)   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.
   (6)   Penalty. Any person violating subsection 12-1117(3), (4) or (5) 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. 161

 

Notes

150
   Former Section repealed and new Section added, 1982 Ordinances, p. 1906; amended, 1988 Ordinances, p. 899.
Section 12-1117 - Conditional Amendment
This section has been amended by 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."
151
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
152
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
153
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
154
   Amended, Bill No. 000358 (approved January 23, 2001).
155
   Amended, Bill No. 000358 (approved January 23, 2001).
156
   Added, Bill No. 000358 (approved January 23, 2001); amended, Bill No. 190463 (approved June 26, 2019).
157
   Amended, Bill No. 000359 (approved January 23, 2001). Section 3 of Bill No. 000359 reads as follows: "Effective dates. Section 1 of this Ordinance shall take effect with respect to the issuance or renewal of public garage and public parking lot licenses for periods beginning on and after January 1, 2001. Section 2 of this Ordinance shall take effect immediately." Amended, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
158
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
159
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
160
   Added, Bill No. 080149 (approved November 19, 2008).
161
   Amended, 1989 Ordinances, p. 72.
§ 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.
§ 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.
Loading...