C.__Has passed a written examination developed or approved by the department that includes questions on the safe operation of snowmobiles, the laws pertaining to snowmobiles, the effect of snowmobiles on the environment and ways to minimize that effect, courtesy to landowners and other recreationists and other matters as determined by the department; and

D.__Pays a license fee of $15.

Persons 16 years of age or older on the effective date of this subsection are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs B and C.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §7824, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 432, §52, is further amended to read:

1. Application and issuance. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may register and assign a registration number to all snowmobiles upon application, satisfaction of the requirements of this subsection and payment of a registration fee by the owner. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 for each registration issued by department employees.

A.__A person may not register a snowmobile under this section after June 30, 2004 unless the person satisfies the commissioner or an agent designated by the commissioner that the snowmobile is covered by a liability insurance policy in accordance with this paragraph.__The commissioner by rule shall establish standards for liability insurance coverage.__The rules must require coverage of at least $25,000 for damages to property caused by the operation of the snowmobile and at least $50,000 for injury to or death of any person caused by operation of the snowmobile and specify how a person must demonstrate satisfaction of this paragraph.__Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

B. After June 30, 2004, the owner or owners of any snowmobile required to be registered under this section shall maintain at all times the required amount of insurance during the term of the snowmobile's registration.

A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.