(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 a similar law of another jurisdiction.
(b) When the operator of a school bus believes that a motorist has violated Section 446.06(a), the operator shall report the license plate number and a 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 such alleged violation, 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 a violation of Section 446.06(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. 123-84. Passed 11-21-84.)
(d) Whoever violates any provision of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within one year after the first offense, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.