(1) A person is a resident of this state for purposes of titling and registering vehicles if the person engages in any gainful employment in this state or takes any action to indicate the acquiring of residence in this state during the period of sojourn in this state by doing any of the following:
(a) Remaining in this state for a consecutive period of six months or more regardless of the domicile of the person.
(b) Placing children in a public school without payment of nonresident tuition fees.
(c) Making a declaration to be a resident of this state for the purpose of obtaining, at resident rates, a state license or tuition fees at an educational institution maintained by public funds.
(d) Maintaining a main office, branch office or warehouse facilities in this state and operating motor vehicles in this state.
(e) Operating motor vehicles in intrastate transportation for compensation or profit for other than seasonal agricultural work.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, private passenger motor vehicle owners who are bona fide residents of states adjoining this state shall be permitted to operate their vehicles in this state for so long as such motor vehicles remain currently registered and titled in an adjoining state.
(3) A camper on a motor vehicle described in this section shall be subject to registration or titling under the vehicle code at the same time that such motor vehicle becomes subject to registration and titling under this section.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a person who is gainfully employed in this state shall not be considered a resident of the state if the person has taken no other steps to become a resident. This subsection applies, but is not limited, to a student at an educational institution who is paying nonresident tuition rates. [1983 c.338 §198; 1993 c.751 §87]