Any person who shall knowingly operate or permit to be operated a motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire who shall fail to display or who refuses to exhibit upon request of a proper person the evidence of insurance or other financial coverage provided for in this article shall, upon conviction, be adjudged a disorderly person and shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $100.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 90 days, or both a fine and imprisonment not exceeding the aforesaid maximum, at the discretion of the magistrate before whom the conviction shall be had.
N.J.S. § 48:4-54