§ 7702 — Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

"All-terrain vehicle"or"ATV."A motorized off-highway vehicle which travels on three or more tires and which has:

(1) a maximum width of 50 inches and a maximum dry weight of 1,200 pounds; or

(2) a width which exceeds 50 inches or a dry weight which exceeds 1,200 pounds.

An ATV described in paragraph (1) may be referred to as a Class I ATV, and an ATV described in paragraph (2) may be referred to as a Class II ATV. This term does not include snowmobiles, trail bikes, motorboats, golf carts, aircraft, dune buggies, automobiles, construction machines, trucks or home utility machines; military, fire, emergency and law enforcement vehicles; implements of husbandry; multipurpose agricultural vehicles; vehicles used by the department; or any vehicle that is or is required to be registered under Chapter 13 (relating to registration of vehicles). In addition, this term does not include off-road motor vehicles used exclusively as utility vehicles for agricultural or business operations and incidentally operated or moved upon the highway.

"Cowling."(Deleted by amendment).

"Dealer."A person engaged in the business of selling snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles at wholesale or retail who is registered or required to be registered under section 7711 (relating to registration of dealers).

"Department."The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth.

"Head lamp."A major lighting device used to provide general illumination ahead of a vehicle.

"Highway."The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.

"Low-pressure tire."(Deleted by amendment).

"Snowmobile."An engine-driven vehicle which is all of the following:

(1) Is designed to travel over snow or ice.

(2) Has an endless belt track or tracks.

(3) Is steered by a ski or skis.

(4) Has an overall width of 48 inches or less.

The term does not include a farm tractor, construction equipment, military vehicle, vehicle with inflatable tires or machinery used strictly for the grooming of snowmobile trails. The term includes vintage snowmobiles.

"Street."A highway, other than an alley, within the corporate limits of a political subdivision.

"Tail lamp."A device to designate the rear of a vehicle by a warning light.

"Vintage snowmobile."A snowmobile that is at least 25 years old and is not operated in this Commonwealth except at vintage snowmobile events.

"Vintage snowmobile event."An organized ride or rally for owners and operators of vintage snowmobiles, for which a permit has been issued under section 7718(a) (relating to vintage snowmobile permits) and carried and exhibited in compliance with section 7718(b) and which meets all of the following conditions:

(1) It is open to the public and publicized as such.

(2) It takes place on a specified date or dates and within a specified start and end time.

(3) It takes place on a designated trail with a specified beginning and end point.

Legislative History

(July 11, 1985, P.L.220, No.56, eff. 60 days; June 25, 2001, P.L.701, No.68, eff. imd.; Nov. 26, 2008, P.L.1658, No.133, eff. 60 days; July 5, 2012, P.L.1000, No.113, eff. 120 days; July 2, 2014, P.L.999, No.111, eff. 60 days; July 11, 2022, P.L.1596, No.92, eff. 60 days) 2022 Amendment.Act 92 amended the def. of "all-terrain vehicle" or "ATV." 2012 Amendment.Act 113 amended the def. of "snowmobile" and added the defs. of "vintage snowmobile" and "vintage snowmobile event." Cross References.Section 7702 is referred to in section 3722 of this title.