(a) Vehicle identification and encumbrances.--A certificate of title shall contain such description and other evidence of identification of the vehicle for which it is issued as the department may deem necessary and the odometer reading, together with a statement of any liens or encumbrances, including the names of the holder or holders of the liens or encumbrances and any indication of special use or condition set forth under subsection (b).

(b) Indication of special use or condition.--No person shall assign a certificate of title to any vehicle unless the certificate clearly contains notice of the use or condition if the vehicle is or has been:

(1) used as a police car;

(2) used as a taxicab for the transport of passengers, for hire, having a seating capacity of nine or fewer passengers;

(3) an abandoned vehicle;

(4) a flood vehicle;

(5) a modified vehicle;

(6) a reconstructed vehicle;

(7) a specially constructed vehicle;

(8) a recovered theft vehicle or a theft vehicle if required to be retitled under section 1164 (relating to theft vehicles);

(9) a vehicle originally manufactured for intended distribution outside the United States;

(10) bearing a VIN plate differing from its original; or

(11) a motor vehicle returned to a vehicle dealer or manufacturer pursuant to the act of March 28, 1984 (P.L.150, No.28), known as the Automobile Lemon Law.

Indication of the use or condition shall be deemed part of the description of the vehicle. Any person violating this subsection commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $200.

(c) Certificate as evidence and notice.--A certificate of title issued by the department is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on the certificate. The certificate shall be adequate notice to the Commonwealth, creditors, subsequent lienholders and purchasers that a lien against the vehicle exists. The printed name of the secretary shall constitute a signature on the certificate.

(June 14, 1983, P.L.16, No.8, eff. 60 days; Dec. 18, 1992, P.L.1411, No.174, eff. 60 days; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1278, No.152, eff. 60 days; June 28, 2018, P.L.498, No.74, eff. 180 days)

2018 Amendment. Act 74 amended subsec. (b).

2002 Amendment. Act 152 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).

1992 Amendment. Act 174 amended subsec. (c).