SENATE AMENDED
        PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 2519                      PRINTER'S NO. 3179

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 1921 Session of 1984


        INTRODUCED BY LETTERMAN, GRIECO, SCHEETZ, GODSHALL, RYAN,
           SALOOM, OLASZ, MANDERINO, SEVENTY, MARKOSEK, BURD, LLOYD AND
           DeWEESE, FEBRUARY 8, 1984

        SENATOR FISHER, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, IN SENATE,
           AS AMENDED, JUNE 13, 1984

                                     AN ACT

     1  Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
     2     Statutes, providing for the registration and regulation of
     3     certain off-road ALL-TERRAIN vehicles including but not        <--
     4     limited to all-terrain vehicles and trail bikes; and imposing
     5     powers and duties on the Department of Environmental
     6     Resources.

     7     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     8  hereby enacts as follows:
     9     Section 1.  The heading of Chapter 77 of Title 75 of the
    10  Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:
    11                             CHAPTER 77
    12           SNOWMOBILES AND OFF-ROAD ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES            <--
    13     Section 2.  Sections 7701, 7702, 7706, 7711, 7712, 7713,
    14  7714, 7715, 7716, 7721, 7722, 7723, 7724, 7725, 7726, 7727,
    15  7728, 7729, 7741, 7742, 7743, 7751 and 7752 of Title 75 are
    16  amended to read:
    17  § 7701.  Short title of chapter.
    18     This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the


     1  "Snowmobile and Off-Road ALL-TERRAIN Vehicle Law."                <--
     2  § 7702.  Definitions.
     3     The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
     4  shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
     5  meanings given to them in this section:
     6     "All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV."  A lightweight motor-driven    <--
     7  recreational vehicle using multitrack, multiwheel or low
     8  pressure tires and capable of cross-country travel without the
     9  benefit of road or trail on, in or over land, water, snow, ice,
    10  marsh or other natural terrain. The term does not include a
    11  snowmobile or trail bike. A MOTORIZED OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE, 45     <--
    12  INCHES OR LESS IN WIDTH, HAVING A DRY WEIGHT OF 500 POUNDS OR
    13  LESS, TRAVELING ON THREE OR MORE LOW PRESSURE TIRES AND HAVING A
    14  SEAT DESIGNED TO BE STRADDLED BY THE OPERATOR. THE VEHICLES
    15  SHALL BE CLASS I ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES. THIS TERM DOES NOT
    16  INCLUDE A SNOWMOBILE, A TRAIL BIKE, MOTORBOATS, GOLF CARTS,
    17  AIRCRAFT, DUNE BUGGIES, AUTOMOBILES, CONSTRUCTION MACHINES,
    18  TRUCKS, HOME UTILITY MACHINES; MILITARY, FIRE, EMERGENCY AND LAW
    19  ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES; AND VEHICLES USED BY THE DEPARTMENT OR AN
    20  OFF-ROAD VEHICLE NOT GENERALLY USED FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION.
    21     "Cowling."  The forward portion of the snowmobile, usually of
    22  fiberglass or similar material, surrounding the motor and clutch
    23  assembly.
    24     "Dealer."  A person engaged in the business of selling
    25  snowmobiles or off-road ALL-TERRAIN vehicles at wholesale or      <--
    26  retail.
    27     "Department."  The Department of Environmental Resources of
    28  the Commonwealth.
    29     "Head lamp."  A major lighting device used to provide general
    30  illumination ahead of a vehicle.
    19840H1921B3179                  - 2 -

     1     "Highway."  The entire width between the boundary lines of
     2  every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to
     3  the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
     4     "Off-road vehicle" or "ORV."  A vehicle which is designed and  <--
     5  intended for off-road use on or over land, water, snow, ice,
     6  marsh or other natural terrain with or without the benefit of
     7  road or trail and which is not registered for operation on the
     8  highway pursuant to Part II (relating to title, registration and
     9  licensing). Examples of the ORV's covered under this chapter
    10  include, but are not limited to, all-terrain vehicles and trail
    11  bikes. The term does not include vehicles owned and operated by
    12  the department, snowmobiles, motorboats, golf carts, aircraft,
    13  farm, industrial or forest harvest vehicles, dune buggies,
    14  automobiles, trucks, construction machines, home utility
    15  vehicles, military, fire, emergency or law enforcement vehicles,
    16  or other off-road vehicles not generally used for outdoor
    17  recreation.
    18     "LOW PRESSURE TIRE."  A PNEUMATIC TIRE, SIX INCHES OR MORE IN  <--
    19  WIDTH DESIGNED FOR USE ON WHEELS WITH A REAR DIAMETER OF 12
    20  INCHES OR LESS AND UTILIZING AN OPERATING PRESSURE OF TEN POUNDS
    21  PER SQUARE INCH OR LESS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE VEHICLE
    22  MANUFACTURER.
    23     "Snowmobile."  An engine-driven vehicle of a type which
    24  utilizes sled type runners, or skis, or an endless belt tread or
    25  any combination of these or other similar means of contact with
    26  the surface upon which it is operated. The term does not include
    27  any farm tractor, highway or other construction equipment, or
    28  any military or law enforcement vehicle.
    29     "Street."  A highway, other than an alley, within the
    30  corporate limits of a political subdivision.
    19840H1921B3179                  - 3 -

     1     "Tail lamp."  A device to designate the rear of a vehicle by
     2  a warning light.
     3     "Trail bike."  A lightweight motor-driven recreational         <--
     4  vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels and
     5  used for cross-country travel on land with or without the
     6  benefit of a road or trail. The term includes, but is not
     7  limited to, dual-purpose motorcycles, trail bikes, mini bikes
     8  and other similar wheeled recreational vehicles.
     9  § 7706.  Restricted receipts fund.
    10     (a)  Deposit and use of moneys.--The department shall deposit
    11  all moneys received from the registration of snowmobiles and
    12  ORVs ATVS, the sale of snowmobile and ORV ATV registration        <--
    13  information, snowmobile and ORV ATV publications and other        <--
    14  services provided by the department, all fines and penalties
    15  resulting from violations of this chapter, and all fees
    16  collected under this chapter in a restricted receipts fund, from
    17  which the department shall draw moneys for use in carrying out
    18  the registration, safety education and enforcement requirements
    19  of this chapter as well as the establishment, construction and
    20  maintenance of trails and any equipment and supplies necessary
    21  to carry out the purposes of this chapter. All moneys in said
    22  fund not heretofore paid into the General Fund shall remain in
    23  said restricted receipts fund to be used as specified in this
    24  chapter.
    25     (b)  Audit of moneys.--The restricted receipts fund shall be
    26  audited every two years.
    27  § 7711.  Registration of dealers.
    28     Any person who is in the business of selling snowmobiles or
    29  ORVs ATVS shall register as a dealer. The department, upon        <--
    30  receipt of application and the required fee, shall assign a
    19840H1921B3179                  - 4 -

     1  distinguishing dealer registration number to the registrant and
     2  issue appropriate registration certificate to him. Dealer
     3  registrations are not transferable.
     4  § 7712.  Registration of snowmobiles and ORVs ATVS.               <--
     5     (a)  General rule.--Upon application therefor upon a form
     6  prescribed and furnished by the department which shall contain a
     7  full description of the snowmobile or ORV ATV, the actual and     <--
     8  bona fide name and address of the owner, proof of ownership and
     9  any other information the department may reasonably require, and
    10  which shall be accompanied by the required fee, the department
    11  shall issue a certificate of registration of a snowmobile or an
    12  ORV ATV and a decal showing the expiration date to the owner.     <--
    13     (b)  Temporary registration.--Temporary registration for a
    14  period not to exceed 45 days may be issued by a registered
    15  dealer pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the
    16  department.
    17     (c)  Fees.--Fees for registration of snowmobiles and ORVs      <--
    18  ATVS to be collected by the department under this chapter are as  <--
    19  follows:
    20         (1)  Each individual resident registration for two years,
    21     $10 for a snowmobile and $20 for an ORV ATV.                   <--
    22         (2)  Each individual nonresident registration for two
    23     years, $10 for a snowmobile and $20 for an ORV ATV.            <--
    24         (3)  Each dealer registration for one year, $25.
    25         (4)  Replacement of a lost, mutilated or destroyed
    26     certificate or decal, $1.
    27     (d)  Exemptions from fees.--No fee is required for the
    28  registration of snowmobiles or ORVs ATVS owned by:                <--
    29         (1)  The Commonwealth.
    30         (2)  Political subdivisions.
    19840H1921B3179                  - 5 -

     1         (3)  Volunteer organizations and used exclusively for
     2     emergency purposes.
     3  § 7713.  Certificates of registration and decals.
     4     (a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this
     5  chapter, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or an ORV ATV     <--
     6  unless a certificate of registration has been issued therefor
     7  and unless there is displayed thereon the permanent or temporary
     8  registration number and a valid decal.
     9     (b)  Registration number requirements.--Numbers corresponding
    10  to the permanent registration number of the snowmobile or ORV     <--
    11  ATV, shown on the certificate of registration, shall be obtained  <--
    12  by the applicant and affixed to the snowmobile or ORV ATV. The    <--
    13  permanent registration number displayed on the snowmobile or ORV  <--
    14  ATV shall be of a color which will contrast with the surface to   <--
    15  which applied, shall be reflective and shall be at least three
    16  inches high.
    17     (c)  Display of number and decal.--The decal and the
    18  permanent registration number shall be displayed on both sides
    19  of the cowling of the snowmobile for which issued. No number
    20  other than the number assigned to a snowmobile by the department
    21  or the identification number of the registration in another
    22  state shall be attached to or displayed on the cowling. The
    23  department shall by regulation prescribe the manner in which the
    24  decal and registration number shall be displayed on various
    25  types of ORVs ATVS.                                               <--
    26     (d)  Expiration on transfer.--The certificate of registration
    27  issued for a snowmobile or an ORV ATV shall expire and the decal  <--
    28  shall become invalid when title to the snowmobile or ORV ATV is   <--
    29  transferred.
    30     (e)  Suspension or revocation.--The department may suspend or
    19840H1921B3179                  - 6 -

     1  revoke the certification of registration for a snowmobile or an
     2  ORV ATV upon conviction of the owner of any offense under this    <--
     3  chapter.
     4  § 7714.  Exemptions from registration.
     5     No certificate of registration or decal shall be required for
     6  a snowmobile or an ORV ATV:                                       <--
     7         (1)  Owned and used by the United States or another
     8     state, or a political subdivision thereof, but such
     9     snowmobile shall display the name of the owner on the cowling
    10     thereof and such ORV ATV shall display the name of the owner   <--
    11     in a manner prescribed by regulation of the department.
    12         (2)  Covered by a valid registration or license of
    13     another state, province or country.
    14         (3)  Owned and operated on lands owned by the owner or
    15     operator of the snowmobile or ORV ATV or on lands to which he  <--
    16     has a contractual right other than as a member of a club or
    17     association, provided the snowmobile or ORV ATV is not         <--
    18     operated elsewhere within this Commonwealth.
    19  § 7715.  Reciprocity.
    20     The provisions of this chapter relating to certificates of
    21  registration and decals shall not apply to nonresident owners
    22  who have complied with the registration and licensing laws of
    23  the state, province, district or country of residence, provided
    24  that the snowmobile or ORV ATV is appropriately identified in     <--
    25  accordance with the laws of the state of residence.
    26  § 7716.  Central registration file.
    27     The department shall maintain a central file of the
    28  certificate of registration number, name and address of the
    29  owner of each snowmobile and ORV ATV for which a certificate of   <--
    30  registration is issued and such information shall be made
    19840H1921B3179                  - 7 -

     1  available to all enforcement agencies.
     2  § 7721.  Operation on streets and highways.
     3     (a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this
     4  chapter, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or an ORV ATV on  <--
     5  any street or highway which is not designated and posted as a
     6  snowmobile or an ORV ATV road by the governmental agency having   <--
     7  jurisdiction.
     8     (b)  Emergency and bridge crossings.--A snowmobile or an ORV   <--
     9  ATV may be operated on highways and streets:                      <--
    10         (1)  During periods of emergency when so declared by a
    11     policy agency having jurisdiction.
    12         (2)  When necessary to cross a bridge or culvert.
    13     (c)  Crossing street or highway.--A snowmobile or an ORV ATV   <--
    14  may make a direct crossing of a street or two-lane highway upon
    15  compliance with the following requirements:
    16         (1)  The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90
    17     degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where
    18     no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
    19         (2)  The snowmobile or ORV ATV is brought to a complete    <--
    20     stop before crossing the shoulder or main-traveled way of the
    21     highway.
    22         (3)  The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming
    23     traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
    24         (4)  In crossing a divided highway, the crossing is made
    25     only at an intersection of such highway with another public
    26     street or highway.
    27  § 7722.  Designation of snowmobile and ORV ATV roads.             <--
    28     (a)  General rule.--The Department of Transportation on
    29  State-designated highways and local authorities on any highway,
    30  road or street within its jurisdiction may designate any
    19840H1921B3179                  - 8 -

     1  highway, road or street within its jurisdiction as a snowmobile
     2  road, an ORV ATV road, or both, and may, in its discretion,       <--
     3  determine whether such road shall be closed to vehicular traffic
     4  or whether snowmobiles and ORVs ATVS may share this designated    <--
     5  road with vehicular traffic.
     6     (b)  Posting notices.--Adequate notices of such designation
     7  and determination shall be sufficiently and prominently
     8  displayed.
     9     (c)  Liability.--There shall be no liability imposed on the
    10  Department of Transportation or any other State agency or any
    11  political subdivision of this Commonwealth as a result of
    12  designating any highway, road or street as a snowmobile road or
    13  an ORV ATV road as provided in subsection (a).                    <--
    14  § 7723.  Special snowmobile and ORV ATV events.                   <--
    15     (a)  General rule.--Snowmobiles and ORVs ATVS may be operated  <--
    16  on highways and streets for special snowmobile and ORV ATV        <--
    17  events of limited duration which are conducted according to a
    18  prearranged schedule under permit from the governmental agency
    19  having jurisdiction.
    20     (b)  Authority of local authorities.--A local authority may
    21  block off highways and streets within its jurisdiction for the
    22  purpose of allowing snowmobile and ORV ATV races, rallies or      <--
    23  derbies. No State trunk highway or connecting street, or part
    24  thereof, shall be blocked off by any local authority for any
    25  snowmobile or ORV ATV race, rally or derby.                       <--
    26     (c)  Notification and duty of police.--A local authority
    27  shall notify the local police department and the county
    28  sheriff's office at least one week in advance of the time and
    29  place of any snowmobile or ORV ATV race, rally or derby which     <--
    30  may result in any highway or street, or part thereof, being
    19840H1921B3179                  - 9 -

     1  blocked off. Upon such notice, the local police department shall
     2  take such measures as it deems appropriate to protect persons
     3  and property and to regulate traffic in the designated area and
     4  its vicinity on the day of such race, rally or derby.
     5  § 7724.  Operation on private or State property.
     6     (a)  Private property.--No person shall operate a snowmobile
     7  or an ORV ATV on private property without the consent of the      <--
     8  owner of or lessor thereof. Any person operating a snowmobile or
     9  an ORV ATV upon lands of another shall stop and identify himself  <--
    10  upon the request of the landowner or his duly authorized
    11  representatives and, if requested to do so by the landowner,
    12  shall promptly remove the snowmobile or ORV ATV from the          <--
    13  premises.
    14     (b)  State property.--No person shall operate a snowmobile or
    15  an ORV ATV on State-owned property except on clearly marked and   <--
    16  previously designated snowmobile or ORV ATV routes. The           <--
    17  department may designate any road within a State Park or State
    18  Forest over which the department has jurisdiction as a
    19  snowmobile road or an ORV ATV road, or both, and may, in its      <--
    20  discretion, determine whether the road shall be closed to
    21  vehicular traffic or whether snowmobiles and ORVs ATVS may share  <--
    22  the designated road with vehicular traffic. Adequate notices of
    23  such designation and determination shall be sufficiently and
    24  prominently displayed.
    25  § 7725.  Operation by persons under age sixteen.
    26     (a)  Snowmobile and ORV ATV safety certification.--[Except]    <--
    27  UPON IMPLEMENTATION OF A SAFETY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM AND EXCEPT  <--
    28  as otherwise provided in this section, no person ten years of
    29  age and over who has not reached 16 years of age shall operate a
    30  snowmobile or an ORV ATV in this Commonwealth, except upon lands  <--
    19840H1921B3179                 - 10 -

     1  of his parent or guardian, unless and until he has received
     2  safety training as prescribed by the department and has received
     3  the appropriate snowmobile or ORV ATV safety certificate issued   <--
     4  by the department. The department may authorize sanctioned
     5  snowmobile and ORV ATV clubs to act as agents in conducting       <--
     6  classes and examinations and issuing snowmobile and ORV ATV       <--
     7  safety certificates in the name of the department.
     8     (b)  Failure to exhibit certificate.--The failure of an
     9  operator to exhibit a snowmobile or an ORV ATV safety             <--
    10  certificate upon demand to any police officer having authority
    11  to enforce the provisions of this chapter shall be presumptive
    12  evidence that such person is not the holder of such certificate.
    13     (c)  Permitting unauthorized operation.--No owner of a
    14  snowmobile or an ORV ATV shall authorize or permit the operation  <--
    15  thereof within this Commonwealth by any person under the age of
    16  16 years unless the operator is the holder of a valid snowmobile
    17  or ORV ATV safety certificate or except as authorized by          <--
    18  subsection (a).
    19     (d)  Limitations on operation.--No person:
    20         (1)  Under the age of 16 years shall drive a snowmobile
    21     or ORV ATV across any highway or connecting street thereto.    <--
    22         (2)  Under the age of ten years shall operate a
    23     snowmobile or an ORV without the knowledge and express         <--
    24     consent of the landowner unless he is accompanied by a person
    25     over 18 years of age or a person over 14 years of age who
    26     holds a snowmobile or an ORV safety certificate.               <--
    27         (3)  UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE YEARS MAY OPERATE AN ATV ON     <--
    28     STATE LAND. BETWEEN THE AGES OF FIVE AND TEN, THE MINOR MUST
    29     BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PERSON OVER THE AGE OF 18.
    30  § 7726.  Operation in safe manner.
    19840H1921B3179                 - 11 -

     1     (a)  General rule.--No person shall operate a snowmobile or
     2  an ORV ATV in any of the following ways:                          <--
     3         (1)  At a rate of speed that is unreasonable or improper
     4     under existing conditions.
     5         (2)  In any careless way so as to endanger the person or
     6     property of another.
     7         (3)  While under the influence of alcohol or any
     8     controlled substance.
     9     (b)  Permitting unsafe operation.--No owner or other person
    10  having charge or control of a snowmobile or an ORV ATV shall      <--
    11  knowingly authorize or permit the operation of the snowmobile or
    12  ORV ATV by any person who is incapable to do so by reason of      <--
    13  age, physical or mental disability, or who is under the
    14  influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
    15  § 7727.  Additional limitations on operation.
    16     Except as otherwise permitted under the act of June 3, 1937
    17  (P.L.1225, No.316), known as ["The Game Law,"] The Game Law,  no
    18  person shall:
    19         (1)  Operate or ride in any snowmobile or ORV ATV with     <--
    20     any bow and arrows or with any firearm in his possession
    21     unless it is unloaded.
    22         (2)  Drive or pursue any wildlife with a snowmobile or an
    23     ORV ATV.                                                       <--
    24  § 7728.  Accidents and accident reports.
    25     (a)  Duty to stop and provide information.--Whenever any
    26  snowmobile or ORV ATV is involved in an accident resulting in     <--
    27  loss of life, personal injury or damage to property and the
    28  operator thereof has knowledge of such accident, he shall stop
    29  and give his name and address, the name and address of the owner
    30  thereof and the registration number of the snowmobile or ORV ATV  <--
    19840H1921B3179                 - 12 -

     1  to the injured person or the person sustaining the damage or to
     2  a police officer. In case no police officer nor the person
     3  sustaining the damage is present at the place where the damage
     4  occurred, then the operator shall immediately report, as soon as
     5  he is physically able, the accident to the nearest law
     6  enforcement agency.
     7     (b)  Report of accident to department.--The operator of any
     8  snowmobile or ORV ATV involved in any accident resulting in       <--
     9  injuries to or death of any person or resulting in property
    10  damage to the estimated amount of $100 or more shall, within
    11  seven days after such accident, report the matter in writing to
    12  the department. If the operator is physically incapable of
    13  making the report and there is another participant in the
    14  accident not so incapacitated, the participant shall make the
    15  report within the prescribed period of time after the accident.
    16  In the event that there is no other participant and the operator
    17  is other than the owner, then the owner shall within the
    18  prescribed period of time, after learning of the facts of such
    19  accident, report the matter to the department, together with
    20  such information as may have come to his knowledge relating to
    21  such accident. Every operator or owner of a snowmobile or an ORV  <--
    22  ATV in an accident, or surviving participant of any such          <--
    23  accident, shall make such other and additional reports as the
    24  department shall require.
    25     (c)  Report by law enforcement officer.--A law enforcement
    26  officer who investigates or receives information of an accident
    27  involving a snowmobile or an ORV ATV shall make a written report  <--
    28  of the investigation or information received, and such
    29  additional facts relating to the accident as may come to his
    30  knowledge, and mail the same within 48 hours to the department
    19840H1921B3179                 - 13 -

     1  and keep a record thereof in his office.
     2     (d)  Exception.--This section does not apply when property
     3  damage is sustained in sanctioned snowmobile or ORV ATV races,    <--
     4  derbies and rallies.
     5  § 7729.  Liability of owner for negligence.
     6     (a)  General rule.--Negligence in the use or operation of a
     7  snowmobile or an ORV ATV is attributable to the owner. Every      <--
     8  owner of a snowmobile or an ORV ATV used or operated in this      <--
     9  Commonwealth shall be liable and responsible for death or injury
    10  to person or damage to property resulting from negligence in the
    11  use or operation of such snowmobile or ORV ATV by any person      <--
    12  using or operating the snowmobile or ORV ATV with the             <--
    13  permission, express or implied, of such owner.
    14     (b)  Exception.--The negligence of the operator shall not be
    15  attributed to the owner as to any claim or cause of action
    16  accruing to the operator or his legal representative for such
    17  injuries or death.
    18  § 7741.  Head lamps and tail lamps.
    19     (a)  Time of operation.--Every snowmobile or ORV ATV operated  <--
    20  during hours of darkness shall display a lighted head lamp and
    21  tail lamp. The lights shall be in operation during the period of
    22  from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
    23  and at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable
    24  atmospheric conditions caused by fog or otherwise, other
    25  persons, vehicles and other objects are not clearly discernible
    26  for a distance of 500 feet ahead.
    27     (b)  Head lamp requirements.--The head lamp shall display
    28  white light of sufficient illuminating power to reveal any
    29  person, vehicle or substantial object at a distance of 100 feet
    30  ahead.
    19840H1921B3179                 - 14 -

     1         (1)  If the snowmobile or ORV ATV is equipped with a       <--
     2     multiple beam head lamp, the upper beam shall meet the
     3     minimum requirements set forth in this section and the
     4     lowermost beam shall be so aimed and of sufficient intensity
     5     to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 50
     6     feet ahead.
     7         (2)  If the snowmobile or ORV ATV is equipped with a       <--
     8     single beam head lamp, the lamp shall be so aimed that when
     9     the vehicle is loaded none of the high intensity portion of
    10     the light, at a distance of 75 feet ahead, projects higher
    11     than the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes.
    12     (c)  Tail lamp requirements.--The tail lamp shall display a
    13  red light plainly visible during darkness from a distance of 500
    14  feet. The tail lamp on an ORV shall be of a type which activates  <--
    15  or illuminates more brightly when the brakes are applied.
    16  § 7742.  Brakes.
    17     (a)  Snowmobiles.--It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile
    18  which is not equipped with at least one brake of a design
    19  approved by the department operated either by hand or by foot,
    20  capable of bringing the snowmobile to a stop, under normal
    21  conditions, within 40 feet when traveling at a speed of 20 miles
    22  per hour with a 150 pound driver and on hard packed snow, or
    23  locking its traction belt or belts. The design shall permit
    24  simple and easy adjustment to compensate for wear.
    25     (b)  ORVS ATVS.--It is unlawful to operate an ORV ATV which    <--
    26  is not equipped with a braking system which may be operated by
    27  hand or foot, capable of producing deceleration of 14 feet per
    28  second on level ground at a speed of 20 miles per hour, and the
    29  design must permit simple and easy adjustment to compensate for
    30  wear.
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     1  § 7743.  Mufflers and noise control.
     2     (a)  General rule.--It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or
     3  an ORV ATV which is not equipped at all times with a muffler in   <--
     4  good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the
     5  overall snowmobile or ORV ATV noise and is in constant operation  <--
     6  to prevent excessive or unusual noise. The exhaust system shall
     7  not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. The
     8  sound intensity produced by a snowmobile shall not exceed 82dbA
     9  when measured in accordance with SAE Recommended Practice J 192
    10  Exterior Sound Level for Snowmobiles, as amended. The department
    11  may by regulation adopt more stringent noise requirements for
    12  snowmobiles. The department shall by regulation adopt noise
    13  requirements for various types of ORVs IN-USE OPERATION OF ATVS   <--
    14  USING MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAE RECOMMENDED
    15  PRACTICE, J1287 JUNE 1980, MEASUREMENT OF EXHAUST LEVEL OF
    16  STATIONARY MOTORCYCLES. THE SOUND LEVEL INTENSITY PRODUCED BY AN
    17  ATV SHALL NOT EXCEED 99 DBA, OR DECIBELS, WHEN MEASURED AT 20
    18  INCHES.
    19     (b)  Modified mufflers prohibited.--It is unlawful to modify
    20  a muffler or to operate a snowmobile or an ORV ATV with a         <--
    21  modified muffler.
    22     (c)  Exception.--This section does not apply to organized
    23  races or similar competitive events.
    24  § 7751.  Enforcement personnel and procedures.
    25     (a)  Duty of enforcement.--Every law enforcement officer in
    26  this Commonwealth and designated officers and employees of the
    27  department shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
    28     (b)  Forms and procedures.--The department may prescribe the
    29  form of summons or complaint, or both, in all cases involving a
    30  violation of any provision of this chapter or of any ordinance,
    19840H1921B3179                 - 16 -

     1  rule or regulation relating to snowmobiles or ORVs ATVS, or of    <--
     2  any class or category of such cases, and may establish
     3  procedures for proper administrative controls over the
     4  disposition thereof.
     5     (c)  Records and reports.--The chief executive officer of
     6  each local police force, sheriffs and the Commissioner of the
     7  Pennsylvania State Police shall prepare or cause to be prepared
     8  such records and reports as may be prescribed under this
     9  section.
    10     (d)  Rules and regulations.--The department may promulgate
    11  such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to
    12  accomplish the purposes and enforce the provisions of this
    13  section including requirements for reporting by trial courts
    14  having jurisdiction over snowmobile and ORV ATV violations.       <--
    15  § 7752.  Penalties for violation of chapter.
    16     (a)  General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), any
    17  person violating any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty
    18  of a summary offense and shall, upon conviction:
    19         (1)  For a first offense, be sentenced to pay a fine of
    20     not less than $10 nor more than $50 and costs of prosecution
    21     and, in default of the payment thereof, shall undergo
    22     imprisonment for not more than ten days.
    23         (2)  For a second offense, be sentenced to pay a fine of
    24     not less than $25 nor more than $100 and costs of prosecution
    25     and, in default of the payment thereof, shall undergo
    26     imprisonment for not more than 30 days.
    27     (b)  Unauthorized disposition of forms.--Any person who
    28  disposes of any [uniform snowmobile] summons or complaint issued
    29  pursuant to this chapter in any other manner than that
    30  prescribed by law, rule or regulation is guilty of a misdemeanor
    19840H1921B3179                 - 17 -

     1  of the third degree.
     2     Section 3.  Enforcement of registration of ORVs and ORV ATVS   <--
     3  AND ATV dealers shall commence six months after the effective
     4  date of this act.
     5     Section 4.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.

















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