(a) As used in this section, "license plate" includes, but is not limited to, any temporary license placard issued under Ohio R.C. 4503.182 or similar law of another jurisdiction.
(b) When the operator of a school bus believes that a motorist has violated Section 331.38(a), the operator shall report the license plate number and general description of the vehicle to the law enforcement agency exercising jurisdiction over the area where the alleged violation occurred.
(c) Upon receipt of the report of the alleged violation of Section 331.38(a), the law enforcement agency shall conduct an investigation to attempt to determine the identity of the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. If the identity of the operator at the time of the alleged violation is established, the reporting of the license plate number of the vehicle shall establish probable cause for the law enforcement agency to issue a citation for the violation of Section 331.38(a). However, if the identity of the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation cannot be established, the law enforcement agency shall issue a warning to the owner of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, except in the case of a leased or rented vehicle when the warning shall be issued to the lessee at the time of the alleged violation.
(Ord. 84-49. Passed 11-5-84.)
(d) 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.