(a) Drives or moves on a highway any combination of vehicles that consists of more than two vehicles.
(b) Owns any vehicle and causes or permits the vehicle to be driven or moved on a highway when the vehicle is in a combination of vehicles that consists of more than two vehicles. Operation of any combination of vehicles in violation of this section is prima facie evidence that the owner of the vehicles in the combination caused or permitted the combination 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 818.120.
(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, exceeding maximum number of vehicles in combination, is a Class D traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §517; 1985 c.393 §28; 1995 c.383 §93]