(a) Drives or moves on a highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that are in violation of the safety requirements for towing vehicles established under ORS 818.150.
(b) Owns a vehicle or combination of vehicles and causes or permits the vehicle or combination of vehicles to be driven or moved on a highway when the vehicle or combination of vehicles is in violation of the safety requirements for towing vehicles established under ORS 818.150. Operation of any vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of this section is prima facie evidence that the owner of the vehicle or combination caused or permitted the vehicle or 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 818.170.
(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, violation of towing safety requirements, is a Class B traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §521; 1985 c.393 §30]