(A) If any vehicle is found in violation of any provision of this title, and the identity of the operator of the vehicle cannot be determined, the registered owner shall be the presumed operator at the time of the violation.
(B) If the operator or registered owner is a corporation, then the senior or managing officer of the corporation shall be the presumed operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation.
(C) When the registered owner or operator is charged with having committed and violating any provision of this title, or commits an act which is prohibited under this title and which violates state law or city ordinance, proof that the vehicle was, on the date of the offense alleged, owned or operated by the person charged with the offense shall constitute prima facie evidence that the act which constitutes the violation under this title was committed by the registered owner or operator.
(D) Property owner shall be responsible for adherence to applicable provisions within this title, specifically § 71.31(B). Failure to do so may result in liability of the property owner for violations of said section.
(E) Unless specifically declared otherwise, the following shall apply for provisions of this title:
(1) OWNER shall mean the person registered with the state as the present owner of a vehicle in the most current registration records available to the city, or any transferee not designated in such records, provided that actual notice of the transfer is given. The term shall also include a person entitled to the use and possession of a vehicle; and
(2) OPERATOR shall mean the person having possession of, in charge of, or using such vehicle during the time any violation under this title is committed.
(3) PROPERTY OWNER shall mean the person holding title to the property. The term shall also include the property manager or agent for commercial and retail establishments.
(Ord. OR-2327-23, passed 11-13-23)