(a) General rule.--Upon posting of a bond in the amount of $20,000 and approval of an application in accordance with departmental regulations, the department shall issue to dealers and manufacturers who are licensed by the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons and to other dealers designated by departmental regulations, special registration plates which may be displayed on vehicles in lieu of registering each vehicle individually.

(a.1) Bond already on file.--An authorized dealer or manufacturer who has filed a bond with the Commonwealth shall not be required to file a separate bond under this section if the bond already on file with the Commonwealth is in the name of the Commonwealth and in an amount and coverage at least equal to that required under this section.

(a.2) Exemption.--The following types of dealers and manufacturers are exempt from posting of the bond specified in subsection (a):

(b) Application for plates.--Application for dealer registration plates shall be made by the dealer or manufacturer on a form provided by the department together with a copy of his license from the State Board of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salesmen.¹

(c) Exemption from individual registration.--Vehicles displaying dealer registration plates may be operated on the highway without registering each vehicle individually, provided that the plates are used in accordance with the limitations of sections 1336 (relating to use of dealer registration plates) and 1336.1 (relating to use of multipurpose dealer registration plates).

(d) Modular housing manufacturers.--For the purposes of this section, no modular housing manufacturer shall be required to be licensed by the State Board of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salesmen of the Department of State in order to receive registration plates.