(a) Requirement.--A snowmobile or ATV for which registration is required under this chapter shall have liability insurance coverage for the snowmobile or ATV issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in this Commonwealth. This subsection does not apply to limited registrations.

(b) Proof of insurance.--Proof of insurance as required by this section shall be produced and displayed by the owner or operator of such snowmobile or ATV upon the request of any magistrate or any person having authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter or to any person who has suffered or claims to have suffered either personal injury or property damage as a result of the operation of such snowmobile or ATV. It shall be an affirmative defense to any prosecution for a violation of this section that such proof was so produced within 72 hours of receiving notice of such violation, injury or damage or the claim of such injury or damage.

(c) Owner's responsibility.--No owner of a snowmobile or ATV shall operate or permit the same to be operated without having in full force and effect liability insurance coverage required by this section. The operator of a snowmobile or ATV shall carry proof of insurance on his person or on the snowmobile or ATV when it is in operation.

(d) Penalty.--A person who violates subsection (a) or (c) commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $300 and costs of prosecution and, in default of payment of the fine or costs, shall be imprisoned for not more than ten days.

(July 11, 1996, P.L.660, No.115, eff. 60 days; June 25, 2001, P.L.701, No.68, eff. 120 days)