(a) Drives or moves on a highway any vehicle equipped with any tire having on its periphery any block, stud, cleat, bead, chain or other protuberance of metal or other inflexible material that projects beyond the tread or traction surface of the tire.
(b) Owns a vehicle and causes or permits the vehicle to be driven or moved on a highway when the vehicle is equipped with any tire having on its periphery any block, stud, cleat, bead, chain or other protuberance of metal or other inflexible material that projects beyond the tread or traction surface of the tire. Operation of any vehicle in violation of this section is prima facie evidence that the owner of the vehicle caused or permitted the vehicle to be so operated and the owner shall be liable for any penalties imposed under subsection (4) of this section as a result of the operation.
(2) The application of this section is subject to the exemptions from this section established under ORS 815.165.
(3) Violation of the offense described in this section is subject to civil liability under ORS 818.410.
(4) The offense described in this section, unlawful use of metal objects on tires, is a Class C traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §478; 1985 c.393 §19]