§ 53.11. Off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles and mobility devices.
(a) General rule. Except as provided in subsection (c), the use of off-road motorized vehicles is prohibited on Commission-owned or -controlled property. As used in this subsection, ‘‘off-road motorized vehicle’’ means a motorized vehicle specifically designed for this use. The term includes trail bikes, Tote Gotes, all-terrain vehicles, air cushioned vehicles, track vehicles and hydrofoils. The term does not include a vehicle licensed or registered for on-road use, such as a 4 by 4 sport utility vehicle, and the like.
(b) Snowmobiles. It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on Commission-owned or -controlled property except in areas designated for use by the Executive Director and so posted. The Commission will maintain a list of areas when use is permitted. In those areas where use of snowmobiles is permitted, the following conditions apply:
(1) Snowmobiles may be loaded or unloaded in Commission parking areas unless otherwise posted.
(2) Snowmobiles may be operated in parking areas only for the purpose of direct access and egress to other areas where operation is permitted. Parking areas may not be used for general snowmobile operation.
(3) The operation of snowmobiles on Commission-owned and -controlled property is at the sole risk of the operator. The Commission assumes no responsibility for the operations and makes no representations as to the suitability of trails or areas for their use.
(4) The operation of snowmobiles on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and streams is prohibited.
(c) Persons with disabilities.
(1) Motorized wheelchairs. A person whose disability requires him to use a motorized wheelchair or similar device powered by an electric motor may use the device on Commission property. The Commission does not represent that Commission properties except those specifically marked and designated for access by persons with disabilities are suitable for this use.
(2) Other power-driven mobility devices. The Executive Director or a designee may permit persons who have a disability for which they need to use other power-driven mobility devices to use them on Commission property for the purpose of gaining access to fishing or boating opportunities under all of the following conditions:
(i) The person applies in writing for permission on the form provided by the Commission and sends the application to the Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Post Office Box 67000, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106-7000.
(ii) The person who has received permission under subparagraph (i) complies with the written conditions of the permit.
(iii) For purposes of this paragraph, ‘‘other power-driven mobility devices’’ means any mobility device, other than a wheelchair, powered by battery, fuel or other engine that is used by persons with a mobility disability for the purpose of locomotion. The term includes golf carts and electronic personal assistance mobility devices such as a Segway or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, regardless of whether it is designed primarily for use by persons with a mobility disability.
Authority The provisions of this § 53.11 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § § 741 and 2711.
Source The provisions of this § 53.11 amended December 22, 1995, effective December 23, 1995, 25 Pa. B. 5970; amended March 7, 1997, effective March 8, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 1153; amended September 29, 2000, effective September 30, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 5013; amended August 31, 2018, effective September 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 5467. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (380130) and (269117) to (269118).
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