(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, 49 U.S.C.A. 2701, as amended, except that "commerce" means trade, traffic, and transportation solely within this jurisdiction.
(2) "Private motor carrier" has the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4923.02, except that it includes only private motor carriers operating on a not-for hire basis, and excludes all private motor carriers operating on a for-hire basis.
(b) The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio may adopt and enforce rules concerning the safety of operation of commercial vehicles by private motor carriers that commence or continue their operations within or through the corporate limits of the City, except that the rules shall not affect any rights or duties granted to or imposed upon the operator of such a motor vehicle by Ohio R.C. Chapter 4511. To achieve the purposes of this section, the Commission may, through its inspectors or other authorized employees, inspect any motor vehicles of such carriers and may enter upon the premises and vehicles of the carriers to examine any of the carriers' records or documents that relate to the safety of operation of private motor carriers. No private motor carrier shall fail to comply with any order, decision, or rule adopted under this section. (1993 Code 70.45)
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.