30 Pa.C.S. § 5 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 5 / Section 5
Use of existing forms, stationery, etc.
Status: in_force

After the effective date of this act, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission shall recycle or continue to use any forms, stationery, business cards or other office supplies or materials which contain references to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission until the time these existing supplies and materials are depleted. Existing signs on which the Pennsylvania Fish Commission designation appears shall not be changed until the existing signs become worn and require replacement. Explanatory Note. Act 39 amended or added sections 102, 301, 308, 5104, 5122, 5301, 5302, 5303, 5305, 5306 and 5310 of Title 30. 1992, MARCH 19, P.L.18, NO.7 Preamble The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania finds that the fishing license fees for nonresidents of this Commonwealth should be increased for the purpose of providing the Fish Fund with additional revenues to be used to enhance and improve fishing on or in the waters of this Commonwealth,

including the commission's catchable trout and salmon propagation and stocking programs. Explanatory Note. Act 7 amended the heading of Chapter 3 and sections 2701, 2702 and 7102 of Title 30. 1994, OCTOBER 5, P.L.534, NO.79 Preamble The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania finds:

(1) The power of the Commonwealth to protect and manage fish in Commonwealth waters is inherent in the sovereignty of the Commonwealth.

(2) Persons who are granted commercial fishing licenses to fish with gill nets have no property interest in these licenses or fundamental right to continue fishing with such gear.

(3) The Commonwealth in the exercise of its sovereign power to protect and manage fishes in the waters of the Commonwealth has the power and duty to discontinue issuance of licenses for use of gill nets for commercial fishing in boundary lakes.

(4) Elimination of commercial fishing with gill nets on boundary lakes will provide for the better protection and management of the fisheries of boundary lakes.

(5) Although holders of commercial fishing licenses to use gill nets in boundary lakes have no property interest in these licenses and no expectation that these licenses will continue to be issued, the Commonwealth may provide compensation to licensees to ease the transition from fishing with gill nets.

(6) It is appropriate for those engaged in sport fishing in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay to pay the cost of providing recompense to holders of commercial fishing licenses to use gill nets in boundary lakes by means of a limited duration special permit. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declares that the purpose of this act is to provide for the orderly discontinuance of use of gill nets for commercial fishing on Lake Erie and other boundary lakes of this Commonwealth and provide compensation for holders of gill net licenses issued under 30 Pa.C.S. § 2903. Explanatory Note. Act 79 amended or added sections 2903 and 2907.2 of Title 30. 2000, DECEMBER 20, P.L.828, NO.115
30 Pa.C.S. § 5312 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5312
Transfer, destruction or abandonment of boat.
Status: in_force

The owner of a boat registered in this Commonwealth pursuant to this subchapter or by the Federal Government shall furnish the commission notice of the transfer of all or any part of his interest, other than the creation of a security interest, in a boat or of the destruction or abandonment of the boat within 15 days from the transfer, destruction or abandonment. The

transfer, destruction or abandonment shall terminate the certificate of registration for the boat except in the case of a transfer of a part interest which does not affect the right of the owner to operate the boat. (July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73) 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5312 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2705 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2705
Improper license use and false application.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No person shall alter, borrow, lend or transfer any license authorized by this title, or give any false or misleading information to an issuing agent or to the commission, its officers or agents in an application for a license.

(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section commits a summary offense of the second degree.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2709 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2709
Exemptions from license requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) Licensed propagators.--No person now required by law to procure a license to propagate fish for sale shall be required, in addition, to secure a fishing license under this chapter in order to enable that person to exercise the rights conferred by the license.

(b) Persons who are blind or have certain physical or mental impairments.--The provisions of this chapter do not apply to those persons who are totally blind or have such severe physical

or mental impairments that they are unable to cast or retrieve a line or bait hooks and remove fish if only one legal device is used and the person who is blind or has physical or mental impairments as described in this section is within ten feet of the device being used. The provisions of this chapter also do not apply to the attendant of the person who is blind or has physical or mental impairments described in this section while assisting in using the device.

(c) Landowners.--The provisions of this chapter do not apply to or prevent the owner of any land in this Commonwealth, who actually resides thereon throughout the year or the members of his family so residing thereon, from fishing on his lands in waters wholly within said land without a license. The exemption provided by this subsection does not apply to any person temporarily residing upon the land or any tenant thereon who is not a member of the family of the owner, nor does the exemption apply to any servant or employee of the owner.

(d) Free fishing days.--The executive director, with the approval of the commission, may designate no more than two days (which may or may not be consecutive) in each year as free fishing days. The commission may designate the waters or categories of waters to which this exemption applies.

(e) Participants in educational and therapeutic recreation programs.--A participant in an educational or therapeutic recreation program shall not be required to possess a fishing license while participating in the program provided that the program meets the standards established by the executive director and is under the direct supervision of an instructor who possesses a valid fishing license and the program sponsor has applied for and received the written permission of the executive director.

(f) Military personnel.--

(1) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to persons who satisfy all of the following:

(i) Are residents of this Commonwealth.

(ii) Are on active and full-time duty in the United States Armed Forces.

(iii) Are assigned to a facility outside this Commonwealth.

(iv) Are on temporary leave in this Commonwealth.

(v) Have on their person while fishing evidence of Commonwealth residency, proof of their assignment to a facility outside this Commonwealth and a copy of their orders assigning them to temporary leave.

(2) Such persons shall comply with the regulations of the commission. (June 21, 1984, P.L.429, No.88, eff. imd.; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.828, No.115, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; Mar. 28, 2024, P.L.1, No.1, eff. 60 days) 2024 Amendment. Act 1 amended subsec. (e). 2000 Amendment. Act 115 added subsec. (f). 1995 Amendment. Act 47 amended subsec. (b) and added subsec.

(e). 1984 Amendment. Act 88 added subsec. (d).
30 Pa.C.S. § 2105 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 21 / Section 2105
Farm fish ponds.
Status: in_force

(a) Exemption from regulation.--The restrictions on fishing imposed by this part do not apply to a resident owner or lessee of a farm, his family and other persons who are regularly employed upon the farm, all of the class which must permanently reside upon the farm, while fishing in an artificial pond constructed thereon holding water the source of which is wholly within the limits of the farm.

(b) Transporting fish from premises.--Any person may lawfully possess and transport any fish lawfully taken from a farm pond from the premises during the closed season for such fish when accompanied by a signed written statement from the owner or lessee of the farm showing:

(1) The date, place and by whom the fish were taken.

(2) The number and species of fish.

(3) The name and address of the person transporting the fish.

(4) The date they are being transported.

(c) Other prohibitions unaffected.--Nothing in this section shall authorize any person to transport, introduce or import any fish, bait fish or fish bait, the transportation, introduction or importation of which is prohibited by law, rule or regulation.

(d) Penalty.--Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990)
30 Pa.C.S. § 5327 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5327
Fees.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided under subsection (b), the following fees shall be due:

(1) The fee for issuance of a certificate of title shall be $15.

(2) The fee for a duplicate certificate of title shall be $5.

(3) The fee for recording or changing the amount of security interest on a certificate of title shall be $5.

(4) The fee for copies of or information relating to a title or security interest shall be $5.

(5) The fee for issuing or providing copies of any other official document issued under the authority of this chapter shall be $5.

(6) The fee for continuing the effectiveness of perfection of a security interest shall be $5.

(b) Changes to fees.--The fees listed under this section may be changed by the commission in accordance with section 322.1 (relating to power to set fees). (June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; July 10, 2020, P.L.604, No.56, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 5327 is referred to in section 322.1 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 725 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 725
Price paid for acquisitions and improvements.
Status: in_force

The commission shall pay what it considers to be a fair and reasonable price for acquisitions and improvements consistent with the purposes for which they are intended and expending, during any year, only such amount as, in its opinion, can be allotted for those purposes.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2905 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 29 / Section 2905
Permits for scientific and educational fish collecting activities.
Status: in_force

The executive director, with the approval of the commission, may grant permits to catch fish in any of the waters within or bordering on this Commonwealth at any season of the year and with any kind of nets or other devices without regard to size or possession limits to a person who possesses a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and is engaged in scientific or educational research or other collecting activities approved by the commission. The commission may establish a fee for the issuance of the permits. Permits issued under this section may be revoked, recalled or suspended at any time at the discretion of the commission. Persons permitted to take such species under this section shall make a report in writing to the executive director within 30 days after the expiration of the permit or conclusion of the survey or collecting activity. The commission may promulgate regulations governing the issuance of permits under this section and the activities of persons holding such permits. In issuing a permit, the commission may impose general and special permit conditions to govern the activities of persons holding such a permit. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2907 (relating to expiration of licenses and permits), permits issued under this section shall expire on the date specified in the permit conditions or on December 31 of the year in which the permit is issued, whichever comes first. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2908 (relating to

penalties), any person who engages in fish collecting activities for which a permit is required under this section without first acquiring the necessary permit commits a summary offense of the first degree, and any person who violates any regulation promulgated under this section or any permit condition imposed under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1454, No.185, eff. 60 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 3106 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 31 / Section 3106
Classification of lakes.
Status: in_force

(a) Class A.--The commission may issue Class A regulated fishing lake licenses upon payment of the fee specified in section 3102 (relating to fees) to lakes in the following categories:

(1) Lakes wholly opened to the general public for fishing and operated solely as commercial ventures.

(2) Lakes situated wholly within the grounds of a privately owned campground provided that the campground is open to the general public and operated as a commercial venture regardless of whether the campground operator sells admissions to fish at the lake to members of the public who are not camping at the campground.

(3) Lakes with a total water area of less than 20 acres situated wholly within the grounds of a private fishing and boating, rod and gun or sportsmen's club or organization when fishing in the lake is limited to members of the club or organization and the sponsoring club or organization operates a cooperative nursery recognized by the commission, provided that fish raised by the cooperative nursery shall be stocked in waters of this Commonwealth open for free public fishing and not in the regulated fishing lake licensed hereunder. Persons patronizing a Class A regulated fishing lake may catch, kill and possess fish without regard to any size, season or possession limit and need not possess a Pennsylvania fishing license. All other provisions of this title are applicable.

(b) Class B.--Lakes that meet all other requirements of this section but are not open to the general public or operated as a commercial venture may be issued a Class B regulated fishing lake license. Persons patronizing a Class B lake may catch, kill and possess fish taken therefrom without regard to size, season or possession limitation. A fishing license is required to fish in a Class B lake.

(Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Jan. 29, 1998, P.L.31, No.7, eff. imd.) 1998 Amendment. Act 7 amended subsec. (a).
30 Pa.C.S. § 921 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 921
Time for commencing prosecutions.
Status: in_force

Prosecutions for violating any provision of this title shall be commenced within the period provided by Chapter 55 of Title 42 (relating to limitation of time).
30 Pa.C.S. § 902 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 902
Enforcement of other laws.
Status: in_force

All waterways conservation officers and deputy waterways conservation officers are authorized to enforce all the laws of this Commonwealth, and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, relating to game, parks and forestry, under the direction of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, respectively. (Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) Transfer of Powers. Section 303(b) of Act 18 of 1995, which created the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and renamed the Department of Environmental Resources as the Department of Environmental Protection, provided that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall exercise the powers and duties conferred upon the Department of Environmental Resources by section 902.
30 Pa.C.S. § 746 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 746
Leases.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the executive director, with the approval of the commission, may lease any land or interests in land over which the commission exercises title or control for a term not to exceed 25 years when the commission determines that the lease will promote public fishing or boating or access to the waters of this Commonwealth or will otherwise further the interests of the commission.
30 Pa.C.S. § 727 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 727
Designation of property.
Status: in_force

The commission may designate lands which it secures title to, or total or partial control of, as it sees fit.
30 Pa.C.S. § 325 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 325
Use of credit and debit cards.
Status: in_force

(a) Sales of licenses and other items.--The executive director with the approval of the commission may establish policies and procedures for the use of credit cards and debit cards for the purchase of licenses, permits, publications, promotional items and other items offered for sale by the commission.

(b) Fines and settlements.--The executive director with the approval of the commission may establish policies and procedures for use of debit cards for persons to pay fines, settlements or other amounts collected under this title. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1454, No.185, eff. 60 days) 1996 Amendment. Act 185 added section 325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5321 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5321
Certificate of title required.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in section 5322 (relating to when certificate of title not required), every owner of a boat required to be registered in this Commonwealth shall apply to the commission for a certificate of title to the boat.

(b) Registration without certification prohibited.--The commission shall not register or renew registration of a boat required to be titled under subsection (a) unless a certificate has been issued by the commission or an application for a certificate has been delivered by the new owner to the commission.

(c) Penalty.--Failure to obtain a certificate of title as required by law is a summary offense of the second degree.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3108 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 31 / Section 3108
Violations by owner or operator.
Status: in_force

Any owner or operator of a regulated fishing lake who operates the lake without a regulated fishing lake license or who knowingly makes a false statement in his application for a license commits a summary offense of the first degree. Any owner or operator of a regulated fishing lake who violates any other provision of this chapter, regulations promulgated hereunder or terms and conditions of his permit commits a summary offense of the second degree. (Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000)
30 Pa.C.S. § 3506 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 35 / Section 3506
Drawing off or interference with dams or devices.
Status: in_force

(a) Drawing off or obstructing dams.--No person shall draw off dam waters inhabited by fish without first applying for written permission from the commission, nor shall any person obstruct the flow of water through any such dam without allowing a minimum flow of water determined by the commission to be sufficient at all times to flow in the natural stream on which the dam is located to enable the fish to live. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection commits a summary offense of the first degree.

(b) Interference with dams or devices.--Dams, deflectors, retards or similar devices placed across or in any waters inhabited by fish, with permission of the owner or owners of the land adjacent thereto or through which those waters flow, shall not be destroyed, removed, breached or disturbed, except by written permission first obtained from the commission. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection commits a summary offense of the first degree.
30 Pa.C.S. § 703 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 703
Damage to property.
Status: in_force

(a) Unlawful act.--It is unlawful to intentionally or recklessly destroy or cause damage to property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the commission or any improvements thereon. Any person who intentionally causes pecuniary loss in excess of $5,000 commits a felony of the third degree. Any person who intentionally causes pecuniary loss in excess of $1,000 commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. Any person who intentionally or recklessly causes pecuniary loss in excess of $500 commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. Otherwise destroying or causing damage to commission property or any improvements thereon is a summary offense of the first degree.

(b) Restitution.--A person who intentionally or recklessly destroys or causes damages to commission property, or an improvement on commission property, shall, upon conviction, make restitution in addition to paying the penalty under section 923 (relating to classification of offenses and penalties). Restitution shall be based on the total cost to repair or replace the destroyed or damaged property or improvement. (Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2020, P.L.522, No.40, eff. 60 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 2306 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 23 / Section 2306
Refuge areas.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission may set aside, in its discretion, such areas as it may judge best as refuge areas in which fishing or entry shall be prohibited for such periods of time as the commission prescribes. Notices of these closings shall be posted at the refuge areas.

(b) Penalty.--Any person fishing in a refuge area posted under subsection (a) commits a summary offense of the first degree. Any person entering a refuge area commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990)
30 Pa.C.S. § 5705 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 57 / Section 5705
Forms.
Status: in_force

(a) Development.--The commission shall develop forms to be used by municipalities and law enforcement agencies to provide notice in accordance with section 5703(b) and (c) (relating to identification, notice and related actions for disposition of at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats).

(b) Posting.--The forms described under subsection (a) shall be posted on the publicly accessible Internet website of the commission.

(c) Submittal.--A municipality or law enforcement agency may submit the notice described under section 5703(b) to the commission by electronic means or as otherwise provided by the commission.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5308 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5308
Period of registration.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b):

(1) Registrations issued under this subchapter to owners and dealers shall be valid from April 1 of one year to March 31 of the succeeding year and shall be renewable. A registration for any year shall be valid and may properly be displayed prior to April 1 within that year.

(2) The commission may determine to issue registrations valid for a period not to exceed three years upon payment of a fee equal to the annual registration fee times the number of years for which the multiple-year registration is valid. A multiple-year registration shall be valid from April 1 of the year of its issuance until March 31 of the last year of its validity, but a multiple-year registration issued prior to April 1 of any year is valid and may be displayed at any time within that year.

(3) The commission may, by regulation, provide for the transfer of multiple-year registrations upon the sale or conveyance of a boat upon payment of the fee provided in section 5104(8) (relating to fees).

(b) Calendar-year registrations.--Registrations issued on or after the effective date of this subsection shall be subject to the following provisions:

(1) Registrations issued under this subchapter to owners and dealers shall be valid from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year and shall be renewable. A registration for a calendar year shall be valid and may properly be displayed at any time through December 31 of the calendar year of its issuance.

(2) The commission may determine to issue registrations valid for a period not to exceed three years upon payment of a fee equal to the calendar year registration fee times the number of calendar years for which the multiple-calendar-year registration is valid. A multiple-calendar-year registration shall be valid from January 1 of the calendar year of its issuance until December 31 of the last calendar year of its validity and may be displayed at any time through December 31 of the last calendar year of its issuance.

(3) The commission may, by regulation, provide for the transfer of multiple-calendar-year registrations upon the sale or conveyance of a boat upon payment of the fee provided in section 5104(a)(8). (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; June 27, 2022, P.L.386, No.28) 2022 Amendment. Section 3(2) of Act 28 provided that the amendment of section 5308 shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of the final regulations under section 2 of Act 28. Section 2 of Act 28 provided that, within

18 months of the effective date of section 2, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission shall promulgate and transmit to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin final regulations to implement the amendment of section 5308. Final regulations were published September 9, 2023, at 53 Pa. B. 5615. 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5308 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5104 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5104
Fees.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided under subsection (c), the following fees apply to registrations, licenses, permits and certificates issued under this part and the fees collected shall be deposited in the State Treasury in the Boat Fund:

(1) Owner registration (motorboats less than 16 feet in length), $13 per year.

(2) Owner registration (motorboats 16 feet to less than 20 feet), $19.50 per year.

(2.1) Owner registration (motorboats 20 feet or longer), $26 per year.

(2.2) Owner registration (boats not equipped with motors), $9 per year or as fixed under subsection (b).

(3) Duplicate owner registration, $3 each.

(4) Dealer registration, $15 each per year.

(5) Commercial passenger boat registration, $25 each.

(6) License for operator of passenger-carrying boat, $5 each.

(7) (Deleted by amendment).

(8) Transfer of a multi-year boat registration, $5.

(9) Permit for floating structure and private aids to navigation, $10 each.

(10) Boating safety education certificate, $10.

(11) Replacement boating safety education certificate, $5.

(b) Fee adjustment for nonpowered boats.--The fee for owner registration for boats not equipped with motors specified in subsection (a)(2.2) shall be adjusted from time to time to remain equal to the fees charged by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for boat launch permits for State park lakes.

(c) Changes to fees.--The fees listed under this section may be changed by the commission in accordance with section 322.1 (relating to power to set fees). (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1542, No.199, eff. 60 days; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1286, No.159, eff. imd.; July 10, 2020, P.L.604, No.56, eff. imd.) 2020 Amendment. Act 56 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec.

(c). 2004 Amendment. Section 7 of Act 159 provided that Act 159 shall apply to all fees for licenses and permits issued on or after January 1, 2005.

1991 Amendment. Section 6 of Act 39 provided that Act 39 shall apply to boat registrations issued for the calendar year 1992 and each year thereafter. Cross References. Section 5104 is referred to in sections 322.1, 5103, 5302, 5303, 5308 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 910 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 910
Unlawful use of computer.
Status: in_force

It is unlawful to use a computer, computer network or electronic device with the intent to falsify or forge electronic mail transmissions, electronic transactions or other electronic information in any manner in connection with the purchase of a fishing license, boat registration or other commission-issued license, permit or privilege through or into the computer network of an electronic mail service provider, Internet service

provider or computer system of the commission and its agents. Any person violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. (Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 211 added section 910.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5702 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 57 / Section 5702
Definitions.
Status: in_force

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

"Abandoned boat." A boat that is presumed to be abandoned under any of the following circumstances, but the presumption is rebuttable by a preponderance of the evidence:

(1) the boat is physically inoperable and left unattended on waters of this Commonwealth or other public property for more than 48 hours;

(2) the boat has remained illegally on waters of this Commonwealth or other public property for more than 48 hours;

(3) the boat is left unattended on or along waters of this Commonwealth or other public property and does not bear a valid registration; or

(4) the boat has remained on the private property of a salvor for more than 30 calendar days.

"At-risk boat." As follows:

(1) A boat that is at risk of becoming a derelict boat.

(2) The term may involve any of the following circumstances:

(i) The boat is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to dewater.

(ii) The boat remains on waters of this Commonwealth or other public property during an extreme weather event.

(iii) The boat has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its current location.

(iv) The boat does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation.

"Derelict boat." A boat that is on the waters of this Commonwealth or other public property and may involve any of the following circumstances:

(1) The boat is sunk or partially sunk.

(2) The boat is aground without the ability to extricate itself absent mechanical assistance.

(3) The boat remains on waters of this Commonwealth or other public property after a boating accident or fire.

(4) The boat is in a neglected or deteriorating condition such that the boat's hull, steering or propulsion systems are compromised due to missing, incomplete, damaged, broken or inoperable components.

"Law enforcement agency." An agency that employs a law enforcement officer.

"Law enforcement officer." Any of the following:

(1) A member of the Pennsylvania State Police.

(2) An individual employed as a police officer who holds a current certificate under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 Subch. D (relating to municipal police education and training).

(3) An agent of the Office of Attorney General as described under paragraph (2) of the definition of "enforcement officer" in 71 Pa.C.S. § 5102 (relating to definitions).

(4) A sheriff or a deputy sheriff.

(5) "Waterways conservation officers" or "deputy waterways conservation officers" as those terms are defined under 30 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).

(6) An "officer" as defined under 34 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).

(7) An individual employed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who is vested with powers of arrest under section 302(c) or 303(a)(7) of the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18), known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act.

(8) An "agent" as defined in 61 Pa.C.S. § 6101 (relating to definitions).

(9) An individual employed by the Department of Corrections Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence holding a police officer commission under the act of May 21, 1943 (P.L.469, No.210), entitled "An act providing for commissioning as police officers certain employes of institutions maintained in whole or in part by the Commonwealth; conferring upon them the powers of constables in certain cases; and imposing duties on wardens and keepers of jails, police stations and lock-ups."

"Municipality." A county, city, borough, incorporated town or township of this Commonwealth.

"Salvor." A "vehicle salvage dealer" as that term is defined in 75 Pa.C.S. § 1337(c)(2) (relating to use of "Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business" registration plates), and holds a current, valid certificate of authorization issued by the Department of Transportation under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7302 (relating to certification of authorization).
30 Pa.C.S. § 5701 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 57 / Section 5701
Scope of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter relates to at-risk boats, derelict boats and abandoned boats.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2711 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2711
Issuing agents.
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment and bond.--The commission may appoint such persons as it deems necessary to issue fishing licenses and permits, and the persons so appointed shall be required to post a bond or other security in a form satisfactory to the commission in an amount it determines. The commission may establish administrative fees for fishing license issuing agents. County treasurers shall be exempt from payment of any administrative fee established by the commission.

(b) Compensation and fees.--For services rendered in collecting and submitting license and permit fees, issuing agents, as long as they continue to act in that capacity, may collect and retain the issuing agent fees set forth in section 2715 (relating to license, permit and issuing agent fees), which amount shall be full compensation for services rendered by them under the provisions of this title. The compensation shall be retained by the respective issuing agents and shall cover, among other things, the cost of issuing licenses, special licenses and permits, postage, mailing, returns and bonding of said agents. All license, special license and permit fees paid to an issuing agent under this title shall be paid by those agents into the State Treasury for deposit in the Fish Fund in the manner prescribed by the commission and they shall be applied to the purposes provided for in this title. An issuing agent shall make returns to the commission in the manner prescribed by the commission. Any issuing agent failing to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to retain the fee fixed in this subsection for the agent's services but shall pay those fees to the State Treasurer for deposit in the Fish Fund. Delinquent agents are subject to a penalty of 10% per month on any outstanding balance of license money due the commission, which penalty shall be compounded on a monthly basis. If those sums are not so paid, the Commonwealth may recover them by suit in the same manner as like amounts are now recoverable by law.

(c) Rules and regulations.--The commission may promulgate such rules and regulations to control and supervise the issuance of fishing licenses and permits and the collection and remittance of fees set forth in section 2715(a) and (a.1) by issuing agents and institutional superintendents as it may deem necessary.

(d) Proof of identification, residency and age.--Each issuing agent shall secure positive proof of identification, residency and age for each license issued.

(e) Records.--Every issuing agent shall maintain records in the manner prescribed by the commission. The records shall be available at reasonable hours for inspection by any waterways conservation officer or other officer designated by the commission or any representative of the Department of the Auditor General.

(e.1) Equipment.--Equipment for the issuance of fishing licenses and permits in the possession of issuing agents shall

be available at reasonable hours for inspection by any waterways conservation officer or other officer designated by the commission.

(f) Penalty.--

(1) Any issuing agent or institutional superintendent violating subsection (b) commits a summary offense of the first degree.

(2) Any issuing agent or institutional superintendent committing a second or subsequent violation of subsection

(b) in a 12-month period commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(3) Any issuing agent or institutional superintendent violating any other provision of this section or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder commits a summary offense of the second degree.

(4) The commission may, in its discretion, recall the issuing agency of any agent who violates any provision of this section or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. (July 20, 1983, P.L.53, No.27, eff. Jan. 1, 1984; Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Feb. 4, 2008, P.L.3, No.2, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 2711 is referred to in section 2715 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 928 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 928
Revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration.
Status: in_force

(a) Revocation or denial.--Any fishing license, special license or permit or privilege, including boating privileges, granted under the authority of this title may be revoked by the commission, in its discretion, when the holder of the license, permit or privilege is convicted of or pleads guilty to an offense under this title. Further, the commission, in its discretion, may refuse to grant to that person any new fishing license, special license or permit or privilege for a period not exceeding five years.

(b) Suspension.--The commission shall for a period of one year suspend the privilege of operating a watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth of any individual who is convicted of a violation of section 5502 (relating to operating watercraft under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or 5502.1 (relating to homicide by watercraft while operating under influence) or is adjudicated delinquent based on section 5502 or 5502.1. If an individual is imprisoned for violating section 5502 or 5502.1, the period of suspension imposed under this subsection may not commence until the date of the individual's release from prison.

(c) Rules and regulations.--The commission may promulgate regulations specifying the procedures to be followed in revoking or suspending fishing licenses, special licenses and permits and privileges under this section.

(d) Penalty.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he performs an act for which a fishing license, special license, permit or boat registration is required or exercises a privilege, including the privilege to operate a watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth, while the license, permit or privilege is suspended or revoked. A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he commits a second or subsequent violation of a suspension or revocation during its term.

(e) Safe boating course required.--In addition to or in lieu of a revocation, denial or suspension of any license or privilege under this section, the commission may, in its discretion, require the individual to successfully complete a commission-approved safe boating course in the case of boating violations or a fishing ethics/conservation course in the case of fishing violations. The commission may revoke, deny or suspend any licenses or fishing and boating privileges of a person who, having been ordered to complete a course under this subsection, fails to do so. An order to complete a course under this subsection shall be appealable in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and the regulations promulgated thereunder. (May 30, 1984, P.L.339, No.68, eff. 60 days; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Oct. 24, 2012, P.L.1323, No.167, eff. imd.)

Amendment . Act 167 amended subsecs. (a), (b) and

(d). Section 5(2) of Act 167 provided that the amendment of subsecs. (a), (b) and (d) shall apply to violations occurring on or after the effective date of Act 167. 1999 Amendment. Act 41 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec.

(e). Cross References. Section 928 is referred to in section 5506 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3109 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 31 / Section 3109
Violations by other persons.
Status: in_force

No person shall fish, or trespass with intent to fish, in the waters or upon the bed or banks of any licensed regulated fishing lake without having paid the fee fixed by the owner or operator, or without having obtained permission from the owner or operator. No person shall willfully or maliciously destroy or damage any lake, property or appliances used in connection with the operation of a licensed regulated fishing lake. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a summary offense of the first degree.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5342 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5342
Other remedies.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this subchapter are in addition to any and all other remedies available to a marine business. This subchapter shall not foreclose any other remedies available to a marine business at law or in equity.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2707.1 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2707.1
Deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members and reserve component of armed forces members.
Status: in_force

(a) Eligibility.--The commission or a county treasurer shall issue one annual resident fishing license at a cost of $1 to any person eligible under section 2701 (relating to resident fishing licenses) for the license who provides documentation that within the previous 24 months the person was deployed as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces as defined in 51 Pa.C.S. § 7301 (relating to definitions) for a period of 60 consecutive days or more or was released early from such service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty. Only one annual resident fishing license under this section may be issued for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license for the previous 24-month period.

(b) Regulations.--The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this section. (July 5, 2005, P.L.58, No.21, eff. imd.; Apr. 12, 2012, P.L.231, No.28, eff. imd.; June 30, 2025, P.L.73, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 21 amended the section heading and subsec. (a). 2005 Amendment. Act 21 added section 2707.1.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5502.2 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 55 / Section 5502.2
Homicide by watercraft.
Status: in_force

Any person who unintentionally causes the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any provision of this title or regulation promulgated under this title applying to the operation or equipment of boats or watercraft, except section 5502 (relating to operating watercraft under influence of alcohol or controlled substance), commits homicide by watercraft, a misdemeanor of the first degree, when the violation is the cause of death. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) 1989 Amendment. Act 102 added section 5502.2. Cross References. Section 5502.2 is referred to in section 5506 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 328 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 328
Cooperative agreements.
Status: in_force

The commission may enter into cooperative agreements with any agency of the United States, any agency of any other state, any agency of the Commonwealth or Pennsylvania local government, or any educational or research institution or any other person or entity to carry out or further the programs of the commission. (Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000) 1999 Amendment. Act 41 added section 328.
30 Pa.C.S. § 321 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 321
Administration and enforcement.
Status: in_force

The commission shall administer and enforce this title and other laws of this Commonwealth relating to:

(1) The encouragement, promotion and development of the fishery interests.

(2) The protection, propagation and distribution of fish.

(3) The management of boating and the operation of boats.

(4) The encouragement, promotion and development of recreational boating. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990)
30 Pa.C.S. § 2703 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2703
Possession and display of licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No person 16 years of age or older shall fish in any of the waters of this Commonwealth, in any boundary waters or on land without first procuring the proper license required by this chapter. The license shall be kept about the person while fishing and shown upon the request of any waterways conservation officer or other officer designated by the commission. In addition to showing the license to the officer, the holder thereof shall, upon demand, establish his further identity to the satisfaction of the officer by producing some other positive means of identification. The commission may promulgate rules and regulations for the displaying of the license certificate, license button or other device, as it deems necessary.

(b) Penalties.--

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates this section commits a summary offense of the third degree.

(2) Any person who violates any regulation concerning the displaying of the license certificate, button or other device promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the fourth degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1286, No.159, eff. imd.; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days)

Amendment . Act 211 amended subsec. (a). 2004 Amendment. Section 7 of Act 159 provided that Act 159 shall apply to all fees for licenses and permits issued on or after January 1, 2005. Cross References. Section 2703 is referred to in section 923 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5703 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 57 / Section 5703
Identification, notice and related actions for disposition of at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--A municipality or law enforcement agency may identify a boat to be an at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat within the jurisdiction of the municipality or law enforcement agency, in collaboration with the commission.

(b) Notice to commission.--Within seven calendar days of the identification of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat, the municipality or law enforcement agency shall notify the commission of the following:

(1) The name and contact information of the municipality or law enforcement agency that made the discovery.

(2) The location of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(3) The condition of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(4) Identifying information regarding the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat, including registration, license, capacity plate and name of the owner, if known.

(c) Notice to owner.--

(1) Following notification under subsection (b), the municipality or law enforcement agency shall, in collaboration with the commission, make reasonable efforts to notify the owner:

(i) by certified mail, return receipt requested;

(ii) in person;

(iii) by direct, individual, verifiable electronic means, including email or other forms of online direct messaging; or

(iv) publicly accessible digital media, including social media, if at least one direct option under subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) is also pursued.

(2) Notice under this subsection shall contain the following:

(i) Identification of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat that must be removed from its current location, repaired, salvaged, securely stored or junked.

(ii) The location and condition of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(iii) The name and contact information of the municipality or law enforcement agency that is providing the notice.

(iv) Contact information for the commission.

(v) A statement that if, within 14 calendar days after receipt of the notice under this subsection, the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat is not removed from its current location, repaired, salvaged, securely stored or junked, or alternate arrangements are not made with the municipality, law enforcement agency or commission:

(A) The at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat shall be removed and, as appropriate, stored or junked at the expense of the owner of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(B) The owner of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat shall be subject to restitution costs and any other penalty prescribed by law.

(d) Public notice.--If the identity of the owner of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, the municipality or law enforcement agency shall, in collaboration with the commission, take steps to publish the notice described in subsection (c) in a newspaper of general circulation and by verifiable electronic means, such as publicly accessible digital media, within the municipality or jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency that provided the notice under subsection (c), except that the statement under subsection (c)(2)(v) shall refer to a time frame that is 14 calendar days after publication of the notice under this subsection. The notice required under this subsection shall have the same effect as notice sent by certified mail.

(e) Actions by owner.--

(1) Within 14 calendar days of receipt of the notice under subsection (c) or of publication of the notice under subsection (d), the owner of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat shall:

(i) remove, repair, salvage, securely store or junk the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat, as appropriate; or

(ii) make alternate arrangements with the municipality, law enforcement agency or commission, which may include the relinquishment of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat to the custody of the municipality, law enforcement agency or commission.

(2) In the case of an at-risk boat, the owner of the at-risk boat that is removed and stored after the time period specified in the notice under subsection (c) or (d) may,

subject to existing law, including a rule or regulation established by the commission, claim the at-risk boat upon paying the accrued costs of removal and storage of the at-risk boat and any applicable fine within 30 calendar days of receipt of the notice under subsection (c) or publication of the notice under subsection (d).

(3) In the case of a derelict boat or abandoned boat, after the time period specified in the notice under subsection (c) or (d):

(i) The owner of the derelict boat or abandoned boat shall have no right to claim the derelict boat or abandoned boat after 30 calendar days of receipt of the notice under subsection (c) or publication of the notice under subsection (d).

(ii) The owner of the derelict boat or abandoned boat shall be responsible for the expenses to remove or junk the derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(iii) The owner of the derelict boat or abandoned boat violates the provisions of this chapter if the owner was properly notified and intentionally disregarded the notice provided under subsection (c) and shall be subject to the penalties under section 5704 (relating to penalties).

(f) Recovery of costs.--A municipality, a law enforcement agency or the commission may commence an action to recover the costs incurred by the municipality, law enforcement agency or commission regarding:

(1) the removal or storage of an at-risk boat; or

(2) the removal or junking of a derelict boat or abandoned boat.

(g) Liability.--A person involved in the identification, notification, recovery or storage of a boat under this chapter shall not be liable for any claim of property damage related to the boat. Cross References. Section 5703 is referred to in section 5705 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5303 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5303
Voluntary and special registrations.
Status: in_force

Watercraft other than those required to register under this subchapter may be registered at the option of the owner upon payment of the fee specified by section 5104 (relating to fees). (Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.; July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73) 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5303 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5103 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5103
Boating education.
Status: in_force

(a) Mandatory program of boater education.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person born on or after January 1, 1982, shall not operate, on the waters of this Commonwealth, a motorboat without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education.

(b) Compliance.--Any person who is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) shall:

(1) possess the certificate of boating safety education when operating a vessel on waters of this Commonwealth; and

(2) show the certificate on the demand of a waterways conservation officer or other law enforcement officer.

(c) Exemptions.--The following persons are exempt from the requirements of this section:

(1) A person who is a resident of another state and who is visiting this Commonwealth for 60 days or less in a motorboat that is registered in another state if:

(i) the person was born before January 1, 1982; or

(ii) the person has been issued a license or boating safety education certificate in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i).

(2) A person who is visiting this Commonwealth for 90 days or less in a motorboat from a country other than the United States.

(3) A landowner or a member of the landowner's immediate family operating a motorboat on waters located wholly within property owned by the landowner where there is no publicly owned or publicly maintained access to those waters.

(4) A person who operates a motorboat powered by an electric motor or by an internal combustion motor of 25 horsepower or less.

(5) Any other person exempted by regulation of the commission.

(d) Operational requirements.--When a motorboat is operated for pleasure on the waters of this Commonwealth, the operator of that vessel shall:

(1) possess the certificate of boating safety education; or

(2) be exempt from the certification requirements of subsection (a).

(e) Commission duties.--The commission shall:

(1) Promulgate regulations that establish criteria for a course of instruction in boating safety education.

(2) Administer a written or verbal test when appropriate.

(3) Coordinate a Statewide program of boating safety instruction and certification at such times and locations to make courses convenient for residents of various counties and to maximize attendance.

(4) Issue a certificate of boating safety education to a person who:

(i) passes a commission-approved course in boating safety education; and

(ii) pays the fee set forth in section 5104 (relating to fees).

(5) Provide boating safety education materials to persons who plan to take the boating safety course.

(6) Replace a lost or destroyed certificate.

(7) Establish reasonable charges for persons who take boating safety education courses conducted by the commission or commission volunteers. Such charges shall bear a reasonable relationship to the costs of providing the course and the course materials.

(f) Additional sources of instruction.--If approved by the commission, any of the following may offer the course of instruction in boating safety education:

(1) The commission.

(2) The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

(3) The United States Power Squadron.

(4) A political subdivision.

(5) A municipal corporation.

(6) An agency.

(7) A public or nonpublic school.

(8) A group.

(9) A firm.

(10) An association.

(11) Any other person.

(g) Validity of certificate.--The certificate of boating safety education, once issued, shall be valid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued.

(h) Temporary certificates.--The commission or its designee may issue a 60-day temporary certificate of boating safety education to a person who has successfully completed a boating safety education course approved by the commission.

(i) Other valid documentation.--

(1) In lieu of a certificate of boating safety education issued by the Commonwealth, a certificate of boating safety education issued to a resident of another state in accordance with criteria of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is sufficient to comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) In lieu of a certificate of boating safety education issued by the commission, a license issued by the United States Coast Guard is sufficient to comply with the requirements of this section.

(j) Penalty.--

(1) A person who is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) and who operates a motorboat on waters of this Commonwealth without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education commits a summary offense of the second degree.

(2) A person who is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) and who operates a motorboat on waters of this Commonwealth without having a valid certificate of boating safety education in the person's possession commits a summary offense of the fourth degree.

(k) Others subject to mandatory education requirements.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, it is unlawful for a person to operate a watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth without completing a boat safety education course when:

(1) A person convicted on one or more boating violations concerning the operation of, or safety equipment on, a watercraft is required as a condition of probation or sentencing to successfully complete a boating safety education course that is offered or approved by the commission.

(2) A person is convicted of any of the following boating safety violations in the operation of a watercraft:

(i) negligent operation;

(ii) reckless operation; or

(iii) operating under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance, combination of controlled substances or combination of controlled substances and alcohol in violation of this title.

(3) If a person convicted of the offenses described in paragraph (1) or (2) had, prior to the date of the conviction, previously completed a boating safety education course or obtained a boating safety certificate, such person shall, prior to operating a watercraft on the waters of this Commonwealth, be required to complete an additional boating safety education course.

(l) Boating without a certificate on board.--If a person who is subject to the provisions of subsection (a) is operating a motorboat without a certificate of boating safety education in the person's possession and claims that the person has obtained a certificate of boating safety education, the waterways conservation officer or other law enforcement officer

shall give the operator seven days to produce the original certificate. If it is inconvenient for the operator to produce the certificate in person, the officer may permit the operator to mail the original certificate to the officer for verification. If the operator fails to send the original certificate within the seven-day period, the officer may institute a summary proceeding against the operator in the manner prescribed by law. (Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1542, No.199, eff. 60 days; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2020, P.L.522, No.40, eff. 60 days) 2020 Amendment. Act 40 amended subsecs. (a) and (j) and added subsec. (l). 2012 Amendment. Act 211 amended subsec. (i).
30 Pa.C.S. § 723 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 723
Rights-of-way and other rights.
Status: in_force

The commission may lease or otherwise secure rights-of-way on and across public or private lands and waters or other rights which may be required to conduct its proper functions.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5328 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5328
Implementation.
Status: in_force

The commission shall issue certificates of title as provided for in this subchapter on and after the effective date of the regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325 (relating to rules and regulations).
30 Pa.C.S. § 5124.1 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5124.1
Liquor or malt or brewed beverages.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--In an action or proceeding under this title in which a material element of the offense or action is that a substance is liquor or a malt or brewed beverage, all the following shall apply:

(1) Chemical analysis is not required to prove that the substance is liquor or a malt or brewed beverage.

(2) Circumstantial evidence is sufficient to prove that the substance is liquor or a malt or brewed beverage.

(b) Evidence presented by a defendant.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), nothing shall prevent a defendant from presenting evidence that a substance is not liquor or a malt or brewed beverage.

(c) Applicability.--The provisions of this section shall apply to proceedings brought by officers authorized to enforce this title under this title, Titles 18 (relating to crimes and offenses), 42 (relating to judiciary and judicial procedure) and 75 (relating to vehicles) and the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code. (Oct. 31, 1997, P.L.485, No.49, eff. 60 days) 1997 Amendment. Act 49 added section 5124.1.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2704 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2704
Lost fishing licenses.
Status: in_force

In case a license certificate is lost or destroyed, a new license may be secured from the commission or any issuing agent by paying the replacement license fee and issuing agent fee set forth in section 2715 (relating to license and issuing fees). (July 20, 1983, P.L.53, No.27, eff. Jan. 1, 1984; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 7307 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7307
Limitations on issuance of license.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no license shall be issued:

(1) To a person not engaged in such operations during the season immediately preceding that for which application for the shad license is made.

(2) To extend operations of the applicant beyond those of the last year in which those operations were carried on either by increasing the fishing capacity or the size or number of units of gear employed at that time.

(3) To operate a fixed net on a location already occupied by another licensee or within 1500 feet thereof, measured at right angles to the line of stakes, unless the other licensee has failed to apply for renewal of his license on or before January 1 of the year for which the license is to be issued.

(b) Renewal of license.--A licensee who does not engage in any or some of the fishing operations licensed may renew his license for those operations in the following season, but if he fails to engage in some or all of the operations licensed for two successive seasons he shall lose his right to renew and must apply for any further license as a new applicant with respect to those operations licensed but not engaged in.
30 Pa.C.S. § 101 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 1 / Section 101
Short title of title.
Status: in_force

This title shall be known and may be cited as the "Fish and Boat Code."
30 Pa.C.S. § 2107 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 21 / Section 2107
Sale of fish taken from hatchery or nursery waters.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A person shall not sell, offer for sale or knowingly purchase fish taken from any hatchery waters or waters designated by the commission as nursery waters in violation of section 2106 (relating to fishing in hatchery or nursery waters).

(b) Penalty.--A person violating the provisions of this section commits a summary offense of the first degree if the market value of the fish sold, offered for sale or purchased is not shown or is less than $50. A person violating the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if the market value or price of fish sold, offered for sale or purchased is $50 or more. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) 1989 Amendment. Act 102 added section 2107.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3505 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 35 / Section 3505
Erection of devices by commission.
Status: in_force

If the person owning, leasing or maintaining a dam fails to erect a chute, slope, fishway, gate or other device after the lapse of three calendar months from the date of notice provided by section 3501 (relating to devices in dams to permit fish migration), or fails to maintain the chute, slope, fishway, gate or other device in accordance with section 3502 (relating to operation and maintenance of devices), the commission may enter upon the dam and erect such chute, slope, fishway, gate or other device or make any necessary repairs and the cost thereof shall be charged by the commission to the person owning or maintaining the dam and may be recovered by civil suit or process in the name of the Commonwealth.
30 Pa.C.S. § 907 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 907
Operation of vehicle or boat without lights to avoid identification or arrest.
Status: in_force

A person who operates a vehicle or boat without lights or who turns off any or all lights on a vehicle or boat for the purpose of avoiding identification or apprehension commits a summary offense of the first degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) 1989 Amendment. Act 102 added section 907.
30 Pa.C.S. § 742 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 742
Use of property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--All or part of lands and waters to which title has been acquired for the use of the commission or which have been leased may be used to create and maintain Commonwealth fish cultural stations, Commonwealth fish propagation areas or public fishing grounds for fish propagation experiments or special preserves as provided for in this title. The commission may permit its employees to reside on those lands.

(b) Camping and boat mooring and storage.--No campsite lease may be issued to any person but camping and boat mooring and storage may be permitted on commission owned or controlled land under such rules or regulations as the commission may establish.

(c) Permits, licenses and leases.--The commission may issue permits and licenses and enter into leases for camping, boat mooring and storage and any other use of its lands other than fishing and boating and may charge such fees or rentals as it deems reasonable.

(d) Gas storage.--The commission may grant rights for underground storage of natural gas at such charge as it deems reasonable.

(e) Use of commission lakes and access areas by unpowered boats.--The commission shall, by regulations adopted within one year after the effective date of this section, provide for issuance of use permits valid for one or two years for unpowered boats, which are not registered in accordance with law, to use commission property. On and after the effective date of the regulations promulgated hereunder by the commission, the owner of an unpowered boat that uses commission property shall have

the option of registering the boat or purchasing a use permit issued under the authority of this section. The commission shall establish fees for use permits issued under this section, which fees shall not exceed the fees charged by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for boat launch permits for State parks lakes. The commission shall, in cooperation with the department, provide for reciprocal or joint use/launch permits for unpowered boats to use both commission and State parks lakes and access areas. (Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.828, No.115, eff. imd.) 2000 Amendment. Act 115 added subsec. (e).
30 Pa.C.S. § 5502.1 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 55 / Section 5502.1
Homicide by watercraft while operating under influence.
Status: in_force

(a) Offense defined.--Any person who unintentionally causes the death of another person as the direct result of a violation of section 5502 (relating to operating watercraft under

influence of alcohol or controlled substance) and who is convicted of violating section 5502 commits a felony of the second degree when the violation is the cause of death and the sentencing court shall order the person to serve a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than three years. A consecutive three-year term of imprisonment shall be imposed for each victim whose death is the result of a violation of section 5502.

(b) Applicability of sentencing guidelines.--The sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing shall not supersede the mandatory penalty of this section. (May 30, 1984, P.L.339, No.68, eff. 60 days; July 7, 2011, P.L.211, No.33, eff. 60 days) 2011 Amendment. Act 33 amended subsec. (a).

Amendment . Act 68 added section 5502.1. Cross References. Section 5502.1 is referred to in sections 928, 5506 of this title; sections 5750, 67A01 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
30 Pa.C.S. § 701 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 701
Acceptance of donations of money or property.
Status: in_force

The commission may accept from any person donations which, if in the form of money or securities, shall be placed in the Fish Fund or Boat Fund and used for the purposes set forth in section 521 (relating to establishment and use of Fish Fund) or section 531 (relating to establishment and use of Boat Fund), as applicable, or, if in the form of real or personal property, shall be utilized or disposed of as provided by law.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5121 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5121
Promulgation.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission may promulgate rules and regulations specifically authorized under this part and such other rules and regulations as it deems necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this part.

(b) Conformity to Federal law.--All rules and regulations promulgated under this part shall conform to Federal laws and regulations on the same subject matter.

(c) Advice from Boating Advisory Board.--The commission shall solicit the advice and opinions of the Boating Advisory Board on any proposed rules and regulations promulgated under this part prior to their final adoption.
30 Pa.C.S. § 324 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 324
Commission records.
Status: in_force

Any records maintained by the commission or any issuing agent or other agent of the commission that contain or include the home address of any individuals or any other personal information about individuals such as height, weight, color of hair and/or color of eyes, including but not limited to fishing licenses and applications therefor, boat registrations and applications therefor and permits and applications therefor, are not public records as defined in section 1 of the act of

June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law. (Apr. 8, 1982, P.L.313, No.88, eff. imd.) 1982 Amendment. Act 88 added section 324. References in Text. Section 1 of the act of June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law, referred to in this section, was repealed by the act of Feb. 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5338 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5338
Publication for watercraft trailers.
Status: in_force

If a watercraft dealer chooses to have all rights, title and interest in a watercraft trailer transferred to a watercraft trailer dealer by operation of law, it shall follow the

publication provisions of 75 Pa.C.S. § 7326 (relating to publication).
30 Pa.C.S. § 2106 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 21 / Section 2106
Fishing in hatchery or nursery waters.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No person shall fish, or trespass with intent to fish, in any hatchery waters or waters designated by the commission as nursery waters, upon the bed or bank of any such waters or upon any hatchery lands controlled, owned or

occupied by the commission, Federal Government or cooperative nursery approved by the commission.

(b) Penalty.--Any person violating the provisions of this section by fishing or trespassing with intent to fish in any hatchery or nursery waters commits a summary offense of the first degree. Any person violating the provisions of this section by taking fish from hatchery or nursery waters commits:

(1) A summary offense of the first degree if the market value of the fish taken from the hatchery or nursery waters is not shown or is less than $50.

(2) A misdemeanor of the third degree if the market value of the fish taken from hatchery or nursery waters is $50 or more. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) Cross References. Section 2106 is referred to in section 2107 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2903 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 29 / Section 2903
Boat and net licenses for boundary lakes.
Status: in_force

(a) Application of section.--The provisions of this section shall apply only to those boundary lakes of this Commonwealth and their bays and peninsular waters as the commission may determine.

(b) Issuance and fees.--Except as provided under subsection

(b.1), the commission may issue a commercial fishing license to a person who has signed and submitted his application and paid a fee as follows:

(1) Trap nets: residents, $80; nonresidents, $160.

(2) Seines: residents, $50; nonresidents, $100.

(b.1) Change of fees.--The fees listed under subsection (b) may be changed by the commission in accordance with section 322.1 (relating to power to set fees).

(c) Carrying and display.--The licenses shall be carried by the operator of any boat, net or device so licensed and by each person employed on the boat and shall be shown on demand to any waterways conservation officer or other authorized representative of the commission.

(d) Condition of license.--No license shall be issued under this section except upon the condition that the operator of any boat so licensed shall permit a person, designated by the executive director, to accompany the boat at any time when it is engaged in fishing, for the purpose of securing for the use of the commission from the fish caught as much of their spawn as the commission may determine. A person who refuses to permit a person so designated by the executive director to accompany the boat to secure such spawn as he may deem necessary commits a summary offense of the first degree.

(e) Rules and regulations.--The commission may promulgate rules and regulations applicable to boundary lakes as may be appropriate for the protection and management of the fisheries in the lakes, the ways, methods and means of fishing and the health and safety of persons and property. The regulations may prohibit fishing for all or some species of fish in boundary lakes and may limit the number or types of licenses and permits issued for fishing in the lakes.

(f) Limitation on nonresident licenses.--No nonresident boat or net license may be issued under this section to any resident of a state or country the laws or regulations of which prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, the issuance of a like license to a resident of this Commonwealth.

(g) Certain nets prohibited.--The use of pound nets or gill nets for fishing on boundary lakes is prohibited.

(h) Gill nets.--(Deleted by amendment). (Oct. 5, 1994, P.L.534, No.79, eff. imd.; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days; July 10, 2020, P.L.604, No.56, eff. imd.) 2020 Amendment. Act 56 amended subsec. (b), added subsec.

(b.1) and deleted subsec. (h). 2012 Amendment. Act 211 amended subsecs. (b), (c) and (h).

1994 Amendment. Act 79 amended subsecs. (b) and (g) and added subsec. (h). See the preamble to Act 79 in the appendix to this title. Cross References. Section 2903 is referred to in sections 322.1, 2908 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5325 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5325
Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission shall, within one year of the date of enactment of this subchapter, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this subchapter, including regulations pertaining to, but not limited to:

(1) Application procedure for certificates of title.

(2) Contents of applications.

(3) Boats brought into this Commonwealth from outside of this Commonwealth.

(4) Boats purchased from dealers.

(5) Boats sold or transferred privately.

(6) Specially constructed or reconstructed boats.

(7) Delivery of certificate of title.

(8) Duplicate or replacement titles.

(9) Transfer of ownership of boats.

(10) Transfer to or from manufacturer or dealer.

(11) Repossession of boats.

(12) Boats which are junked, destroyed, lost, stolen or abandoned.

(13) Voluntary titling of boats by owners prior to sale or transfer.

(14) Suspension or cancellation of certificate of title.

(15) Creation and perfection of security interests in boats.

(16) Assignments of security interests.

(17) Satisfaction of security interests.

(18) Recordkeeping, documentation and information verification regarding boats.

(b) Penalties.--Any person who violates a rule or regulation promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000) 1999 Amendment. Act 41 amended subsec. (b). Effective Date. Section 4(1) of Act 73 of 1996 provided that section 5325 shall take effect in 60 days. Cross References. Section 5325 is referred to in section 5328 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5322 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5322
When certificate of title not required.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), no certificate of title shall be required for:

(1) A boat which is not required to be registered under
30 Pa.C.S. § 7106 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 71 / Section 7106
Amendment to compact.
Status: in_force

(a) Execution and form of amendment.--The Governor is authorized and directed to enter into an amendment of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact with any one or more of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and such other states as may become party to that compact, for the purpose of permitting the states that ratify this amendment to establish joint regulation of specific fisheries common to those states through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and their representatives on that body, such amendment to be in substantially the following form: Amendment No. 1 of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact The states consenting to this amendment agree that any two or more of them may designate the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as a joint regulatory agency with such powers as they may jointly confer from time to time for the regulation of the fishing operations of the citizens and vessels of such designating states with respect to specific fisheries in which such states have a common interest. The representatives of such states on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission shall constitute a separate section of the commission

for the exercise of the additional powers so granted: Provided, That the states so acting shall appropriate additional funds for this purpose. The creation of such section as a joint regulatory agency shall not deprive the states participating therein of any of their privileges or powers or responsibilities in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission under the general compact.

(b) Effectiveness of amendment.--This amendment shall take effect as to this Commonwealth with respect to such other of the aforesaid states as take similar action.

(c) Withdrawal from amendment.--Notice of intention to withdraw from this amendment shall be executed and transmitted by the Governor and shall be in accordance with Article XII of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact and shall be effective as to this Commonwealth with those states which similarly ratify this amendment.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2707.2 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2707.2
Reserve component of armed forces members (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2025 Repeal. Section 2707.2 was repealed June 30, 2025, P.L.73, No.21, effective in 60 days.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2101 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 21 / Section 2101
Administration of part.
Status: in_force

The commission shall administer and enforce this part and other laws of this Commonwealth relating to:

(1) The encouragement, promotion and development of the fishery interests.

(2) The protection, propagation and distribution of fish.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5311 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5311
Tampering with identification numbers or capacity plates.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No unauthorized person shall erase, deface, change, paint on, alter, remove, destroy or in any way tamper with any registration number or card, capacity plate, hull identification number or any other identification number on a boat or motor.

(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section commits a summary offense of the first degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000)
30 Pa.C.S. § 2714 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2714
License issuing fees.
Status: in_force

In order to help defray the issuing costs, the commission may collect an issuing fee not to exceed the fee charged by issuing agents under section 2715 (relating to license and issuing fees) on licenses and stamps issued by the commission. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995)
30 Pa.C.S. § 2501 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 25 / Section 2501
Misuse of property and waters.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts in or along any waters or lands adjacent to or contiguous to waters within or bordering on this Commonwealth:

(1) Park or leave standing any motor vehicle or other means of conveyance in such a manner as to obstruct the owner or his lessee ingress, egress or regress to his property or cattleways without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.

(2) Drive a motor vehicle, all terrain vehicle or other type of conveyance on or over any lands or waters, including frozen waters, without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.

(3) Start, build, tend or abandon any open fire without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.

(4) Dig, cut or disturb in any manner lands, shrubs, trees or other vegetation without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.

(5) Sever fences or cause any other change or damage to public or private property without the permission of the owner or lessee of the land.

(6) Run any vehicle, except fording in the most direct manner, in any stream.

(7) Refuse to identify himself upon request to the owner or the lessee of the land or waters upon which he is present.

(8) While in the act of fishing, fish in a water area or enter a riparian area clearly marked and posted by the commission as a no fishing zone.

(b) Penalty.--

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a summary offense of the second degree.

(2) Any person who violates subsection (a)(1), (3), (7) or (8) commits a summary offense of the third degree.

(3) Any person convicted of violations under paragraph

(1) or (2) may, in addition to any penalty imposed, have his fishing license revoked for a period of one year. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 7308 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7308
Issuance of additional licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) When authorized.--When the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or its successor certifies that the catch of shad in the Delaware River and Bay and their tributaries for the preceding year totals 500,000 fish, the executive director shall consult with the pertinent administrative and other officials of the states of New York, New Jersey and Delaware, constituting the Middle Atlantic Section of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and with the technical advisers of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or its successor and, after such consultation and on the basis of all the scientific evidence available to the commission through these and other sources, if the commission finds that a limited number of additional operators or increased units of gear may be licensed for the following season without impairing the annual yield of the fishery it may authorize additional licenses.

(b) Determining number of licenses.--In determining the number of additional licenses, the commission shall give due consideration to the findings of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or its successor. The commission may enter into such administrative agreements with the pertinent administrative officials of any of the other states enumerated in subsection (a) as may be necessary to establish a joint limitation of licenses and such cooperative programs as may be deemed necessary for the re-establishment of the shad fishery of the Delaware River and Bay and their tributaries in such manner as to promote the maximum sustained annual yield therefrom.

(c) Notice of proposed additional licenses.--When additional units of gear are to be licensed, the executive director shall give public notice, by advertisement once a week for two successive weeks in at least two daily newspapers of the counties of the state bordering on the Delaware River, of the additional units of gear to be licensed and the areas where they may be operated, and shall state that applications may be received up to January 1 next succeeding the publication of the notice.

(d) Grounds for refusing license.--The executive director may decline to receive any application for an additional license when, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, he finds that the applicant is not qualified by character, experience, financial responsibility and equipment to conduct properly the fishing operation applied for, or when, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, he finds that it is necessary, in order to maintain the stability of the industry or prevent conditions leading to monopoly, to prefer the applications of new operators over the extension of the operations of previous licenses, or, in the licensing of extended operations, to prefer small over large operators.

(e) Time and method of issuance.--On January 1 of each year, the commission shall issue such additional licenses as may be authorized for that year under the provisions of this section, the recipients of such licenses and the locations of fixed nets to be chosen by lot from among the applications received

whenever there are more applicants than available licenses or more than one applicant for any location. Cross References. Section 7308 is referred to in section 7312 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5313 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5313
Records open to public.
Status: in_force

All records relating to registration or numbering made or kept pursuant to this subchapter shall be public records. (July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73) 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5313 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 927 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 927
Forfeiture of fish and devices.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A person convicted of an offense under this title shall forfeit any fish seized under section 901(a)(6) (relating to powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies) and any device confiscated under this title. Forfeitures shall be conducted in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5803 (relating to asset forfeiture), 5805 (relating to forfeiture procedure), 5806 (relating to motion for return of property), 5807 (relating to restrictions on use), 5807.1 (relating to prohibition on adoptive seizures) and 5808 (relating to exceptions).

(b) Disposition of confiscated property.--(Deleted by amendment). (June 29, 2017, P.L.247, No.13, eff. July 1, 2017) Cross References. Section 927 is referred to in section 5803 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
30 Pa.C.S. § 5310 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5310
Display of registration number.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The registration number shown on the certificate of registration shall be painted on or attached to each side of the bow of the boat in order that it may be clearly visible. No other number may be displayed on the bow. The number shall be maintained in a legible condition.

(b) Exceptions.--The following boats are exempt from the display of registration numbers:

(1) Boats possessing a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard or its successor agency.

(2) Any other boat or class of boat which the commission determines by regulation to exempt from the display of numbers upon a finding that such display is not practicable or does not aid materially in the identification of the boat and that does not conflict with Federal numbering requirements.

(c) Penalty.--A person who operates a properly registered boat that does not display a proper registration number commits a summary offense of the fourth degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.) 1991 Amendment. Section 6 of Act 39 provided that Act 39 shall apply to boat registrations issued for the calendar year 1992 and each year thereafter.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7309 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7309
License fees.
Status: in_force

The commission may issue the following shad fishing licenses which shall be valid only during the shad fishing season for which issued, as provided in this chapter, upon written application therefor, signed by the applicant, and upon payment to said commission of the following fees:

(1) Commercial shad fishing license, $10.

(2) Noncommercial shad fishing license under which applicant is not permitted to catch more than ten shad in any one day, $1.
30 Pa.C.S. § 911 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 911
Liability for conduct of another; complicity.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A person is guilty of an offense under this title if it is committed by his own conduct or by the conduct of another person for which he is legally accountable, or both.

(b) Conduct of another.--A person is legally accountable for the conduct of another person when:

(1) acting with the kind of culpability that is sufficient for the commission of the offense, he causes an innocent or irresponsible person to engage in such conduct;

(2) he is made accountable for the conduct of such other person by this title or by the law defining the offense; or

(3) he is an accomplice of such other person in the commission of the offense.

(c) Accomplice defined.--A person is an accomplice of another person in the commission of an offense if:

(1) with the intent of promoting or facilitating the commission of the offense, he:

(i) solicits such other person to commit it; or

(ii) aids or agrees or attempts to aid such other person in planning or committing it; or

(2) his conduct is expressly declared by law to establish his complicity.

(d) Culpability of accomplice.--When causing a particular result is an element of an offense, an accomplice in the conduct causing such result is an accomplice in the commission of that offense if he acts with the kind of culpability, if any, with respect to that result that is sufficient for the commission of the offense.

(e) Status of the actor.--In any prosecution for an offense in which criminal liability of the defendant is based upon the conduct of another person under this section, it is no defense that the offense in question, as defined, can be committed only by a particular class or classes or person, and the defendant, not belonging to such class or classes, is for that reason legally incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity.

(f) Exceptions.--Unless otherwise provided by this title or by the law defining the offense, a person is not an accomplice in an offense committed by another person if:

(1) he is a victim of that offense;

(2) the offense is so defined that his conduct is inevitably incident to its commission; or

(3) he terminates his complicity prior to the commission of the offense and:

(i) wholly deprives it of effectiveness in the commission of the offense; or

(ii) gives timely warning to the law enforcement authorities or otherwise makes proper efforts to prevent the commission of the offense.

(g) Prosecution of accomplice only.--An accomplice may be convicted on proof of the commission of the offense and of his complicity therein, though the person claimed to have committed the offense has not been prosecuted or convicted or has been convicted of a different offense or degree of offense or has an immunity to prosecution or conviction or has been acquitted.

(Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 211 added section 911.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5324 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5324
Refusing issuance of certificate of title.
Status: in_force

The commission may refuse issuance of a certificate of title when it has reasonable grounds to believe:

(1) A required fee has not been paid.

(2) Taxes payable under the laws of this Commonwealth on or in conjunction with or resulting from acquisition or use of the boat have not been paid.

(3) The applicant is not the owner of the boat.

(4) The application contains false or fraudulent statements.

(5) The applicant has failed to furnish required information or documents or any additional information the commission reasonably requires.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5301 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5301
Registration of motorboats required.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in section 5302 (relating to exemptions), it is unlawful for any person to operate or navigate, or cause to be operated or navigated, any motorboat upon, over or through the waters of this Commonwealth unless the motorboat is registered in accordance with this subchapter.

(b) Out-of-State registration.--When another state is the state of principal operation of a boat and the boat is numbered and validly registered in that state under a numbering system approved by the Secretary of the Federal Department of Transportation, the boat is deemed in compliance with this chapter while temporarily operating on waters of this Commonwealth.

(c) Moving boat into this Commonwealth.--When Pennsylvania becomes the place of principal operation of a boat, numbered and validly registered in another state, the number issued by the other state shall be recognized for a period of 60 days from the date the boat is moved to Pennsylvania during which time the owner of the boat shall apply for and obtain a Pennsylvania registration and number.

(d) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.; July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73) 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5301 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5333 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5333
Liens.
Status: in_force

A marine business shall have a lien, dependent upon possession, on a boat and any related equipment belonging to an owner for the balance due the marine business from such owner for any repair, remanufacture, restoration, alteration, storage, cleaning, consignment or brokerage of a boat and any related equipment. The marine business may retain possession of a boat and any related equipment until the charges are paid.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7101 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 71 / Section 7101
Execution and form of compact.
Status: in_force

The Governor of this Commonwealth is authorized and directed to execute a compact on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with any one or more of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and with such other states as may enter into the compact legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows: ATLANTIC STATES MARINE FISHERIES COMPACT The contracting states solemnly agree:
30 Pa.C.S. § 307 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 307
Designation of law enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

(a) Waterways patrolmen.--Waterways patrolmen of the commission are designated as waterways conservation officers. The commission may substitute the term "waterways conservation officer" for the term "waterways patrolman" on its documents and materials on a schedule it deems appropriate.

(b) Deputy waterways patrolmen.--Deputy waterways patrolmen of the commission are designated deputy waterways conservation officers. The commission may substitute the term "deputy waterways conservation officer" for the term "deputy waterways patrolman" on its documents and materials on a schedule it deems appropriate.

(c) Savings provision.--Prosecutions, enforcement actions and other official duties of waterways conservation officers

and deputy waterways conservation officers shall not be affected by the use of the designation waterways patrolmen or deputy waterways patrolmen on forms, documents, materials, badges and other items issued or prepared by the commission. (May 24, 1984, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 60 days) 1984 Amendment. Act 66 added section 307.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7105 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 71 / Section 7105
Accounts and reports of commission.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements and shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 10 in each year, setting forth, in detail, the transactions conducted by it during the 12 months preceding December 1 of that year, and shall make recommendations for any legislative action deemed by it advisable, including amendments to the statutes of this Commonwealth, which may be necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of the compact between the signatory states.

(b) Examination by Auditor General.--The Auditor General of the Commonwealth may, from time to time, examine the accounts and books of the commission, including its receipts, disbursements and other items referring to its financial standing as the Auditor General deems proper, and report the results of the examination to the Governor.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5124 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5124
Particular areas of water.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission may promulgate special rules and regulations for particular artificial or natural areas of water for further limiting, restricting or prohibiting the operation or navigation of boats thereon to promote the interests of the public or to preserve aquatic life.

(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates a rule or regulation promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree.

(Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990)
30 Pa.C.S. § 2301 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 23 / Section 2301
Propagation and distribution of fish.
Status: in_force

(a) Determination of policy.--The commission shall determine policy pertaining to the propagation and distribution or planting of the fish produced at the Commonwealth fish hatcheries or otherwise acquired.

(b) False representation to procure fish.--Any person who by false representation receives fish from the commission or plants or induces the commission to stock fish in waters where the public is not allowed to fish without charge commits a summary offense of the first degree, shall be civilly liable to the commission for the value of the fish falsely procured and shall not be eligible in the future to receive fish from the commission.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5339 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5339
Redemption.
Status: in_force

(a) Notice.--Upon request of the customer, any lienholder or the owner of a boat or any related equipment, the marine business shall provide the amount necessary under subsection

(b), at the time of the request, to redeem the boat and any related equipment.

(b) Charges and expenses.--Prior to the forfeiture of a boat and any related equipment under this subchapter, the customer, any lienholder or the owner of a boat or any related equipment may pay the amount necessary to satisfy:

(1) All charges due the marine business for the repair, remanufacture, restoration, alteration, storage, cleaning, consignment or brokerage of the boat and any related equipment.

(2) Reasonable expenses associated with the mailing of notices under section 5334 (relating to notice for boats and related equipment) and the publication of notice under section 5337 (relating to publication for boats and related equipment).

(c) Return of property.--Upon payment of all charges and expenses under subsection (b), the marine business shall return the boat and any related equipment to the customer, lienholder or owner and shall thereafter have no liability to any person with respect to the boat and any related equipment.
30 Pa.C.S. § 304 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 304
Waterways patrolmen and employees.
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment and compensation.--The executive director, with the approval of the commission, shall, in accordance with law and the classification and compensation plans of the Commonwealth as established by the Executive Board, appoint and fix the compensation of such number of waterways patrolmen and other employees as the commission deems necessary to enforce and carry out the provisions of this title and perform the functions and work of the commission.

(b) Status.--(Repealed). (Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.828, No.115, eff. imd.; Oct. 29, 2020, P.L.738, No.90, eff. 60 days)

2020 Repeal. Act 90 repealed subsec. (b). 2000 Amendment. Act 115 amended subsec. (a). Cross References. Section 304 is referred to in section 102 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2908 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 29 / Section 2908
Penalties.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person engaging in any activity for which a permit or special license is required under this chapter without acquiring the license or permit commits a summary offense of the second degree. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person who violates any other provision of this chapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder commits a summary offense of the third degree.

(b) Boundary lakes.--A person engaged in any activity for which a permit or special license under section 2903 (relating to boat and net licenses for boundary lakes) is required without obtaining such license or permit or who violates any provision of section 2903 or the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning seasons, size limits, total allowable catch, trap nets and landing of catch commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. A person who violates any other regulation promulgated under section 2903 commits a summary offense of the first degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 2908 is referred to in sections 923, 2905 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2901 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 29 / Section 2901
Eel chute licenses (Deleted by amendment).
Status: in_force

2012 Amendment. Section 2901 was deleted by amendment November 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, effective in 60 days.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3105 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 31 / Section 3105
Bills of sale for fish purchased for stocking.
Status: in_force

Any person owning or operating a regulated fishing lake shall keep on file for inspection by the commission, or any person designated by it, all bills of sale that he receives for purchases of fish made for the purpose of stocking the lake.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7313 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7313
Suspension or revocation of license.
Status: in_force

(a) Suspension.--The commission, after due notice and hearing, may suspend for a suitable period the shad license of any person who is found by them to have done any of the following:

(1) Made a false statement in the application for a license.

(2) Violated any shad regulation contained in this chapter.

(3) Failed to make required shad reports.

(b) Revocation.--For a second infraction, the commission may, after due notice and hearing, revoke the shad license of the offender.

(c) Judicial review.--Any applicant or licensee aggrieved by an adjudication of the commission may appeal in accordance with Title 2 (relating to administrative law and procedure). Whether or not a supersedeas is granted, the licensee may continue to fish for shad up to the date of the final decision of the court without being held to have violated the provisions of this chapter.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5126 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5126
Reports by emergency room personnel.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--If, as a result of a watercraft accident, the person who operated or was in actual physical control of any watercraft involved in the accident requires medical treatment in an emergency room of a hospital and if probable cause exists to believe that a violation of section 5502 (relating to operating watercraft under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) was involved, the emergency room physician or his designee shall promptly take blood samples from those persons and transmit them within 24 hours for testing to the Department of Health or a clinical laboratory licensed and approved by the Department of Health and specifically designated for such purpose. This section shall be applicable to all injured occupants who were capable of watercraft operation if the operator or person in actual physical control of the movement of the watercraft cannot be determined. Test results shall be released upon request of the person tested, his attorney, his physician, the commission, the investigating officer or other governmental officials or agencies.

(b) Immunity from civil or criminal liability.--No physician, nurse or technician or hospital employing such physician, nurse or technician and no other employer of such physician, nurse or technician shall be civilly or criminally liable for withdrawing blood or obtaining a urine sample and reporting test results to the commission pursuant to this section or for performing any other duty imposed by this title. No physician, nurse or technician or hospital employing such physician, nurse or technician may administratively refuse to perform such tests and provide the results to the commission except when such refusal is based on unusual medical circumstances that pertain at the time of admission. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) 1989 Amendment. Act 102 added section 5126.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5507 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 55 / Section 5507
Duties of operators involved in boating accidents.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident shall immediately stop the watercraft at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible. Every stop shall be made without obstructing the safe navigation of other watercraft more than is necessary.

(b) Duty to give information.--The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to property shall give his name, address and the registration number of his watercraft to an officer authorized to enforce this title, the operator or occupants of any other watercraft involved in the accident and a person who owns or is in control of any property damaged in the accident.

(c) Duty to render aid.--The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident involving injury or death shall render reasonable assistance to a person injured in the accident if the operator can reasonably do so without endangering persons or property.

(d) Duty to remain at or near scene.--The operator of a watercraft involved in a watercraft accident involving injury to or death of a person or damage to property other than the operator's watercraft or other property contained therein shall remain at or near the scene of the accident until he has fulfilled the duties described in subsection (b) if the operator can reasonably do so without obstructing navigation of other watercraft or endangering persons or property. When circumstances make it clearly impractical to remain at or near the scene of the accident on the water, the operator may fulfill the requirements of this subsection by going to shore at a location near the scene of the accident.

(e) Penalties.--

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) If a victim of an accident dies, any person violating subsection (d) commits a felony of the third degree. (Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 211 added section 5507.
30 Pa.C.S. § 306 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 306
Boating Advisory Board.
Status: in_force

(a) Composition.--There is hereby continued within the commission a Boating Advisory Board. The board shall consist of the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, or a designee of the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the two at-large members of the commission as described in section 301(b) (relating to organization of commission), all of whom shall be ex officio members, and five volunteer members to be appointed by the Governor for terms of five years or, in the case of a vacancy, for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(b) Qualifications.--The members appointed by the Governor shall be experienced boaters as evidenced by the operation of a boat and active membership in representative boating associations, yacht clubs or similar organizations. As far as possible, the membership of the board shall be bipartisan and shall represent the various geographical sections and boating interests of this Commonwealth.

(c) Officers.--The board shall annually select one of the volunteer members as the chairman.

(d) Compensation.--The volunteer members of the board shall receive no salary but may, subject to the approval of the commission, receive travel expenses. When performing any function on behalf of the commission or acting within the scope of their official duties, volunteer members of the board shall be authorized to operate Commonwealth vehicles and watercraft and shall be treated as employees of the Commonwealth for the purposes of automotive and general liability and the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act.

(e) Meetings and quorum.--The board shall meet at such place and at such time as may be specified upon the call of the chairman, three members of the board or the commission. Five members of the board, including three volunteer members, shall constitute a quorum.

(f) Powers and duties.--The board shall advise the commission on all matters relating to boating and make recommendations to the commission with regard to any proposed rules or regulations affecting the equipment or operation of boats. (Jan. 29, 1998, P.L.31, No.7, eff. imd.; June 30, 2025, P.L.34, No.15, eff. 60 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 15 amended subsecs. (a) and (c). 1998 Amendment. Act 7 amended subsec. (d). References in Text. Section 317(1) of the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18) declared that the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources shall serve in lieu of the Secretary of Environmental Resources as a member of the Boating Advisory Board.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3101 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 31 / Section 3101
Licenses.
Status: in_force

Upon application accompanied by a license fee as prescribed in this chapter, the commission shall issue an annual regulated fishing lake license to an applicant whose application meets the eligibility criteria specified in commission regulations. The license shall be effective until December 31 of the year in which it is issued. Each application for a license or a renewal thereof shall be signed by the owner or operator of the regulated fishing lake and shall state the approximate total area of fishing water on the premises to be licensed and whether the area consists of one body of water or more than one, together with any other information relative thereto as the commission may prescribe. The commission may promulgate regulations for the licensing and operation of regulated fishing lakes. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 10, 2020, P.L.604, No.56, eff. imd.)
30 Pa.C.S. § 5335 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5335
Notice for watercraft trailers.
Status: in_force

If a watercraft trailer dealer chooses to have all rights, title and interest in a watercraft trailer transferred to a watercraft trailer dealer by operation of law, it shall follow the notice provisions of 75 Pa.C.S. § 7324 (relating to notification by watercraft trailer dealer).
30 Pa.C.S. § 503 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 5 / Section 503
Auditing and reporting requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) Performance audit.--A performance audit of the commission for the concluding fiscal year shall be conducted by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and shall be submitted to the Game and Fisheries Committee and the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the Game and Fisheries Committee and the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives no later than July 1, 2007. After July 1, 2007, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shall conduct a performance audit of the commission every three years no later than July 1.

(b) Annual report to General Assembly.--No later than January 31 of each year the commission through its executive director shall submit an annual written report to the Game and Fisheries Committee and the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the Game and Fisheries Committee and the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives which shall include the complete budget for the current fiscal year and for the next fiscal year. The commission shall meet with the specified committees of the General Assembly to receive oral testimony in relation to the annual written reports when so requested. (Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1286, No.159, eff. imd.) 2004 Amendment. Act 159 added section 503.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5340 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5340
Forfeiture.
Status: in_force

A boat and any related equipment that is not redeemed within 30 days of the second publication under section 5337 (relating to publication for boats and related equipment) is deemed forfeited to the marine business, and any prior right, title or interest in the boat and any related equipment is terminated. The marine business shall make application for a certificate of title for the boat with the commission within 30 days of the date of forfeiture.
30 Pa.C.S. § 308 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 308
Designation of commission.
Status: in_force

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission is designated the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Prosecutions, licenses, contracts, deeds, enforcement actions and other official actions by the commission shall not be affected by the use of the designation of the commission as the Pennsylvania Fish Commission. The commission may continue to use the name Pennsylvania Fish Commission on badges, citations, field acknowledgments, contracts, licenses, registrations, stationery or any other official documents or emblems until existing supplies are exhausted. The commission may substitute the title "Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission" for the title "Pennsylvania Fish Commission" on its documents and materials on such schedule as it deems appropriate. (Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.) 1991 Amendment. Act 39 added section 308. See section 5 of Act 39 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to use of existing forms, stationery, etc.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2702 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2702
Nonresident and tourist licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Nonresident annual licenses.--For the purposes of this chapter, any person who does not purchase a resident fishing license under section 2701 (relating to resident fishing

licenses) is eligible for a "Nonresident Annual Fishing License" when the person:

(1) Has applied to an issuing agent or to the commission.

(2) Has paid the issuing agent or the commission a license fee and issuing agent fee set forth in section 2715 (relating to license, permit and issuing agent fees).

(b) Seven-day tourist licenses.--Any person required to have a fishing license under this chapter may fish in any of the waters of this Commonwealth or in any boundary waters for a period not to exceed seven consecutive days with a "Seven-Day Tourist Fishing License" upon payment of a license fee and issuing agent fee set forth in section 2715.

(c) Three-day tourist licenses.--Any person required to have a fishing license under this chapter may fish in any of the waters of this Commonwealth or in any boundary waters for a period not to exceed three consecutive days with a "Three-Day Tourist Fishing License" upon payment of a license fee and issuing agent fee set forth in section 2715.

(d) One-day tourist licenses.--Any person required to have a fishing license under this chapter may fish in any of the waters of this Commonwealth or in any boundary waters for a period not to exceed 24 hours, specified by the person at time of purchase, with a "One-Day Tourist Fishing License" upon payment of license fee and issuing agent fee as set forth in section 2715. One-Day Tourist Fishing Licenses shall not be issued for fishing during the period from March 15 to April 30 of any year. Holders of One-Day Tourist Fishing Licenses shall not be required to obtain special permits, including trout permits, special permits to fish in Lake Erie and tributaries or combination trout permits and Lake Erie permits. (June 25, 1982, P.L.631, No.180, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; July 20, 1983, P.L.53, No.27, eff. Jan. 1, 1984; Mar. 19, 1992, P.L.18, No.7, eff. imd.; July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Nov. 29, 2004, P.L.1286, No.159, eff. imd.; July 14, 2005, P.L.306, No.54, eff. imd.; Feb. 4, 2008, P.L.3, No.2, eff. imd.; July 10, 2020, P.L.604, No.56, eff. imd.) 2020 Amendment. Act 56 amended subsec. (d). 2004 Amendment. Act 159 amended subsec. (a). Section 7 of Act 159 provided that Act 159 shall apply to all fees for licenses and permits issued on or after January 1, 2005.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2713 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2713
Appropriations for licenses issued without a fee (Deleted by amendment).
Status: in_force

1995 Amendment. Section 2713 was deleted by amendment July 6, 1995, P.L.310, No.47, effective immediately.
30 Pa.C.S. § 8 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 8 / Section 8
Allocation of money.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal year 2025-2026:

(1) $213,200 of the money allocated to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1408(c) for local law enforcement grants shall be transferred to the Public Protection Law Enforcement Restricted Account for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this act by the Office of Attorney General.

(2) $719,550 of the money allocated to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1408(c) for local law enforcement grants shall be transferred to the State Parks User Fees Restricted Receipts Account for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this act by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Explanatory Note. Act 53 amended or repealed sections 5702 and 5729 of Title 18, section 901 of Title 30, section 901 of Title 34, sections 67A01 and 67A07 of Title 42 and section 6171 of Title 61.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7302 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7302
Delaware River and Bay defined.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of regulating the shad fishery of the Delaware River and Bay and their tributaries:

(1) The Delaware River includes all that part of the river and its tributaries above a line drawn from the monument on the Delaware shore at or near Listons Point and the corresponding monument at or near the mouth of New Hope Creek on the New Jersey shore, as established by the Commissioners of the States of New Jersey and Delaware under the Compact of 1905 and subsequent enabling legislation of the two states.

(2) The Delaware Bay includes all the waters of the Delaware Bay south of such line and the tributaries emptying therein down to a line connecting the Harbor of Refuge Light at Cape Henlopen, Delaware, with the lighthouse at Cape May, New Jersey.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5302 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5302
Exemptions.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The following classes of boats are exempt from the registration requirements of this subchapter:

(1) Foreign boats temporarily using the waters of this Commonwealth.

(2) Boats, other than boats used for recreational purposes, which are clearly identified as being:

(i) owned by the United States; and

(ii) used solely for public service functions such as search and rescue.

(3) Lifeboats on ships.

(4) Boats, other than boats used for recreational purposes, possessing a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard, or any Federal successor thereto, or by any foreign government.

(5) Boats not equipped with motors.

(b) Exemptions by regulation.--The commission may, by regulation, exempt any additional boat or class of boats from the registration provisions of this subchapter under such conditions as it may prescribe.

(c) Exemption from fees.--The following boats are required to register but are exempt from the owner titling and registration fees of section 5104 (relating to fees):

(1) Motorboats owned or operated by the Commonwealth.

(2) Motorboats owned by public service organizations approved by the commission and used exclusively for training, education, water safety and other public service functions.

(3) Motorboats owned by political subdivisions and quasi-public organizations, such as police departments, volunteer fire departments and river rescue units, and used exclusively in the performance of their work in enforcement, furthering safety and search and rescue on the water. (Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.; July 2, 1996, P.L.467, No.73) 1996 Amendment. Section 4(3) of Act 73 provided that the amendment of section 5302 shall take effect six months after the effective date of regulations promulgated under the authority of section 5325. Cross References. Section 5302 is referred to in section 5301 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5122 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 51 / Section 5122
Registrations, licenses, permits, plates and statistics.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission may promulgate rules and regulations relating to:

(1) Permanent and temporary registration of boats.

(2) Special provisions applicable to livery operators, outfitters, dealers, manufacturers and the owners or operators of passenger-carrying boats.

(3) Display of numbers.

(4) Renewal of certificates of registration.

(5) Transfer of ownership of or interest in boats or the abandonment or destruction of registered boats.

(6) Licensing of operators of passenger-carrying boats.

(7) Display of capacity plates by boats, the information to be displayed thereon and the issuance of capacity plates.

(8) Issuance of permits for special marine events.

(9) Compilation and release of statistics on accidents and registered boats.

(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates a rule or regulation promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree except as follows:

(1) A person who operates a passenger-carrying boat without a license commits a summary offense of the first degree.

(2) A person who violates a regulation relating to display of numbers on boats or display of capacity plates by boats commits a summary offense of the fourth degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000)

1999 Amendment. Act 41 amended subsec. (b). 1991 Amendment. Act 39 amended subsec. (a)(1). Section 6 of Act 39 provided that Act 39 shall apply to boat registrations issued for the calendar year 1992 and each year thereafter.
30 Pa.C.S. § 908 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 9 / Section 908
False identification or false or fraudulent statements on reports, etc.
Status: in_force

A person who gives false identification to an officer authorized to enforce this title or who makes any false or fraudulent statement on any report, affidavit or application required by this title, or to any representative of the commission, commits a summary offense of the first degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; July 7, 2006, P.L.365, No.79, eff. 120 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 5505 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 55 / Section 5505
Unauthorized operation of boats.
Status: in_force

(a) Consent required.--It is unlawful for a person to operate the boat of another without the consent of the owner.

(b) Defense.--It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the operator reasonably believed that the owner would have consented to the operation had the owner known of it.

(c) Penalty.--Any person violating this section commits a summary offense of the first degree. (Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 211 added section 5505.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5341 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5341
Rights acquired by good faith purchaser.
Status: in_force

A purchaser in good faith of a boat or any related equipment sold by a marine business after forfeiture under this subchapter takes the boat or any related equipment free of all liens and encumbrances despite noncompliance by the marine business with the requirements of this subchapter.
30 Pa.C.S. § 722 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 722
Improvements to property.
Status: in_force

The commission may purchase, construct, repair and maintain buildings and other improvements on lands acquired for its use and under its control as may be deemed necessary for their proper utilization, maintenance, protection, development, administration, propagation of fish experimental activities or any other purpose incident to the functions of the commission. The contract for and the construction of the buildings shall be in accordance with the provisions of existing law governing the erection of buildings for Commonwealth agencies.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5305 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5305
Application for registration.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Any person owning a boat and desiring to register it in this Commonwealth shall make a written application to the commission or to a designated issuing agent.

(b) Form and content.--The application shall be made on a form prescribed, prepared and furnished by the commission and, together with such other information as the commission may require, shall state the name and address of the applicant and, if the applicant is a partnership, the names and addresses of all the partners, and, if the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of the officers.

(c) Penalty.--Any person providing false information in connection with a boat registration commits a summary offense of the second degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Dec. 12, 1991, P.L.368, No.39, eff. imd.)

1991 Amendment. Section 6 of Act 39 provided that Act 39 shall apply to boat registrations issued for the calendar year 1992 and each year thereafter.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5309 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5309
Change of address of registrant.
Status: in_force

Any holder of a certificate of registration shall notify the commission within 15 days if his address no longer conforms to the address appearing on the certificate and shall, as a part of the notification, furnish the commission with his new address. The commission may provide in its rules and regulations for the surrender of the certificate bearing the former address and its replacement with a certificate bearing the new address of the holder.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2108 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 21 / Section 2108
Retrieval and disposition of fish.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for a person who kills fish while engaged in activities permitted by this title to refuse or neglect to make a reasonable effort to lawfully dispose of such fish.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990) 1989 Amendment. Act 102 added section 2108.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2706 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2706
Complimentary licenses.
Status: in_force

The commission may issue annually not more than 100 fishing licenses without fee and in such form as the commission may determine. Licenses may be granted to any of the following persons:

(1) The President and Vice President of the United States.

(2) The governor of any state.

(3) Authorized representatives of the conservation department of other states.

(4) Federal officials engaged in conservation work.

(5) Authorized officials of national conservation organizations.

(6) Conservation officials of any foreign country or major subdivision thereof.
30 Pa.C.S. § 3507 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 35 / Section 3507
Protection of fish near dams.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission shall promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to protect and manage fish within one mile or such lesser distance as it deems appropriate of any chute, slope, fishway, gate, dam, reflector, retards or similar devices.

(b) Penalty.--Any person violating any of the rules or regulations promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000)
30 Pa.C.S. § 322 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 3 / Section 322
Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The commission may promulgate rules and regulations concerning:

(1) Fishing to aid in the better protection, preservation and management of fish.

(2) Boating and the management and operation of boats.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2707 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2707
Disabled veterans and former prisoners of war.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule for disabled veterans.--

(1) (Deleted by amendment).

(2) Any disabled veteran who has a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and who meets the qualifications of section 2701 (relating to resident fishing licenses) shall be issued a resident fishing license at the cost of $1 upon application to the commission or a county treasurer. An application submitted by a disabled veteran shall, in addition to any information required under section 2701, include a copy of the disability rating determination letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(a.1) General rule for former prisoners of war.--

(1) A former prisoner of war who meets the qualifications of section 2701 shall be issued a resident fishing license at the cost of $1 upon application to the commission or a county treasurer. An application submitted by a former prisoner of war shall, in addition to any information required under section 2701, contain a statement that the applicant is a former prisoner of war.

(2) As used in this subsection, the term "former prisoner of war" means an individual who was imprisoned by enemy forces while in the service of the armed forces of the United States as certified by the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States.

(b) Lifetime licenses.--

(1) The commission or county treasurer shall issue a free disabled veteran lifetime fishing license to a disabled veteran who:

(i) has a service-connected disability rating of 100%;

(ii) submits a copy of the disability rating determination letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to the commission or county treasurer stating that the disability rating of 100% is a determination by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; and

(iii) meets the qualifications of section 2701.

(2) A disabled veteran who meets the qualifications under subsection (a) or a former prisoner of war who meets the qualifications of section 2701(b) shall be issued a senior resident lifetime fishing license at the cost of $1 upon application to the commission or a county treasurer.

(c) Home rule and optional plan counties.--In a county where there is no county treasurer by virtue of a home rule charter or optional plan of government, the county official who performs the functions of a county treasurer and who has been designated an issuing agent by the commission shall issue free and reduced fee resident fishing licenses to disabled veterans and reduced fee resident fishing licenses to former prisoners of war under this section.

(Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1454, No.185, eff. 60 days; Feb. 14, 2006, P.L.31, No.11, eff. 30 days; June 26, 2014, P.L.805, No.81, eff. 60 days; June 30, 2025, P.L.73, No.21, eff. 60 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 21 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). Cross References. Section 2707 is referred to in section 2907.2 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2710 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 27 / Section 2710
Form and expiration of licenses.
Status: in_force

All licenses shall be issued on forms prepared and supplied by the commission and paid for from the Fish Fund. The license shall show the name, age and residence of the licensee and the date of issue. It shall also contain the signature of the licensee and shall authorize the licensee to fish in any waters

of this Commonwealth or in any boundary waters subject to the restrictions and requirements of this title and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The license may contain such other information as the commission may require. Except as otherwise provided in this title, a license shall expire on December 31 of the year for which it is issued. There may be issued with each license a license button or other device bearing the license number. (June 22, 2012, P.L.640, No.66, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2020, P.L.522, No.40, eff. 60 days)
30 Pa.C.S. § 5323 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5323
Content and effect of certificate of title.
Status: in_force

(a) Identification and encumbrances.--A certificate of title shall contain such description and other evidence of identification of the boat for which it was issued as the commission may deem necessary, together with a statement of any liens or encumbrances, including the names and addresses of the holder or holders of the liens and encumbrances.

(b) Certificate as evidence and notice.--A certificate of title issued by the commission is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on the certificate. Except as otherwise provided in 13 Pa.C.S. §§ 9311(d) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties), 9315(c) and (d) (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds) and 9316(d) and (e) (relating to effect of change in governing law), the certificate shall be adequate notice to the Commonwealth, creditors, subsequent lienholders and purchasers that a lien against the boat exists. (June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013) 2013 Amendment. Act 30 amended subsec. (b).
30 Pa.C.S. § 5307 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5307
Dealer registration.
Status: in_force

(a) Application and issuance.--The commission will issue to dealers, manufacturers and jobbers special registrations that bear the additional mark "X" upon proper application and payment of the applicable fee. Application for dealer registrations shall be made upon a form provided by the commission, shall set forth the full name and business address of the applicant and such other information as the commission may require and shall be signed by the dealer, manufacturer or jobber. The dealer registration number shall be displayed conspicuously on each side of the bow of the boat being used by the dealer. The commission may issue additional registrations to dealers, manufacturers or jobbers upon proper application and the payment of the applicable fee.

(b) Use.--Dealer registrations may be used on any boat owned or in possession of a dealer, manufacturer or jobber and operated by the dealer, manufacturer or jobber or their employees only when the boat is used for any of the following purposes:

(1) In the business of the registrant as a dealer, manufacturer or jobber.

(2) For the personal pleasure or use of the dealer, manufacturer, jobber, members of his immediate family and regular employees thereof and members of their immediate families.

(3) For testing or demonstrating boats in the possession of the dealer, manufacturer or jobber.

(4) For lending boats to customers whose boats are being repaired.

(5) For lending to prospective buyers for a period not exceeding two days for purposes of demonstrating the boats.
30 Pa.C.S. § 5331 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 53 / Section 5331
Scope of subchapter.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--This subchapter covers boat and marine forfeitures.

(b) Legislative intent.--It is the intent of the General Assembly that this subchapter act in concert with 75 Pa.C.S. Ch. 73 Subch. B (relating to watercraft trailer forfeiture).

(c) Applicability.--

(1) The provisions of this subchapter shall only apply to a boat and related equipment with a resale value based upon established industry standards equal to or less than the maximum amount set forth in this subsection.

(2) The maximum amount for the year 2006 shall be $5,000. Thereafter, the maximum amount shall be fixed annually by the commission based upon the maximum amount in the prior year as adjusted to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the United States for all items as published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the previous 12-month period. The maximum amount as adjusted shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5.

(3) The commission shall give notice of the new maximum amount by publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin in the third publication in March of each year.
30 Pa.C.S. § 745 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 745
Rights-of-way, easements and licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--On and across lands to which title has been acquired for its use the commission may, at such charge or fee as the commission may establish, grant:

(1) Rights-of-way or licenses therefor for roads, for pipe, electric and other utility lines and for telephone and telegraph lines.

(2) Water rights or rights to maintain airway signals or forest fire observation towers when these grants will not adversely affect fish protection and propagation.

(b) Charges.--The commission may charge for these grants such remuneration and damages as it deems the conditions and circumstances warrant.

(c) Approval.--The commission shall approve by majority vote the granting, sale, lease or exchange of any easement, permanent right-of-way or irrevocable license for use of commission property. The executive director may approve the granting, sale, lease or exchange of a revocable license for use of commission property.
30 Pa.C.S. § 7306 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 73 / Section 7306
License required for catching shad with nets.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission shall, by a special shad license, permit the use in the waters of the Delaware River and Bay and their tributaries within this Commonwealth of the nets specified in section 7304 (relating to permitted nets and devices) for the taking of shad. No person shall use any net to take shad in these waters without first procuring a shad license from the commission.

(b) Duration and renewal.--All shad licenses shall be issued annually for the duration of a fishing season beginning on March 1 and expiring on June 10 and shall be renewable annually for the same period except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(c) License to list gear and location.--All shad licenses shall list specifically the number and type of units of gear or the length of gear authorized and the area in which they are licensed to operate if the operations authorized are limited as to area.
30 Pa.C.S. § 741 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 7 / Section 741
Control of property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The entire control of all lands or waters owned, leased or otherwise controlled shall be under the sole direction of the commission and the commission may promulgate such rules and regulations for its use and protection as it deems necessary or in the best interests of the Commonwealth. The acquisition, use and management of such lands or waters owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the commission shall not be subject to regulation by counties or municipalities.

(b) Penalty.--Any person violating rules and regulations promulgated under subsection (a) commits a summary offense of the third degree, but a person violating a regulation governing parking of vehicles on commission property commits a summary offense of the fourth degree. (Dec. 22, 1989, P.L.735, No.102, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Nov. 3, 1999, P.L.447, No.41, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Nov. 1, 2012, P.L.1716, No.211, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 211 amended subsec. (a).
30 Pa.C.S. § 3502 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 35 / Section 3502
Operation and maintenance of devices.
Status: in_force

Every chute, slope, fishway, gate or other device referred to in section 3501 (relating to devices in dams to permit fish migration) shall be operated in a manner prescribed by the commission and shall remain open and be maintained in good order and repair by the person owning or maintaining the dam in which the device is located. Cross References. Section 3502 is referred to in sections 3504, 3505 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2907 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 29 / Section 2907
Expiration of licenses and permits.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this title, all licenses and permits authorized by this chapter shall expire on December 31 of the year for which they are issued. (June 22, 2012, P.L.640, No.66, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 2907 is referred to in section 2905 of this title.
30 Pa.C.S. § 2507 — PA Code / Title 30 / Chapter 25 / Section 2507
Sale of certain fish, reptiles and amphibians prohibited.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No person shall purchase, sell, barter, trade or offer for sale any species of fish taken from waters wholly within this Commonwealth or illegally taken from waters outside this Commonwealth and received in interstate commerce except those species of fish which the commission determines may be sold or offered for sale. No person shall purchase, sell, barter, trade or offer for sale any species of reptiles or amphibians taken from lands or waters wholly within this Commonwealth or illegally taken from lands or waters outside this Commonwealth and received in interstate commerce except those species of reptiles and amphibians which the commission determines may be sold or offered for sale.

(b) Reports of sales of fish.--A person engaged in catching fish for market or whose business may involve the sale of fish shall, on demand of the executive director, furnish at the close of each calendar year a duplicate report of his sales of fish and the gross amount of money realized. The contents of the report shall be used by the commission entirely for statistical purposes and are not public records. Individual reports shall not be made public without the written consent of the owner.

(c) Exceptions.--This section does not prohibit the sale, purchase, offer for sale, trade or barter of any fish propagated by or from a propagator or dealer of live aquatic animals registered under 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 42 (relating to aquacultural development), provided that such fish are a species approved for propagation in Pennsylvania and are lawfully propagated or acquired by means other than fishing from the waters of this

Commonwealth in accordance with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. This section does not prohibit the sale, purchase, offer for sale, trade or barter of any fish by or from the holder of a commercial fishing license issued under