(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who violates section 420.01 is responsible for a civil infraction. However, if the vehicle is a commercial vehicle, which is required to be registered according to the schedule of elected gross vehicle weights under M.C.L.A. 257.801(1)(k), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
(b) A person who operates or parks a vehicle licensed under the international registration plan and does not have a valid registration due to nonpayment of the apportioned fee is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by a fine of not more than $300.00, or both. In addition, a police officer may impound the vehicle until a valid registration is obtained. If the vehicle is impounded, the towing and storage costs of the vehicle, and the care or preservation of the load in the vehicle shall be the owner's responsibility. Vehicles impounded shall be subject to a lien in the amount of the apportioned fee and any fine and costs incurred under this section, subject to a valid lien of prior record. If the apportioned fee, fine, and costs are not paid within 90 days after impoundment, then following a hearing before the judge or magistrate who imposed the fine and costs, the judge or magistrate shall certify the unpaid judgment to the prosecuting attorney of the City of Wayne. The prosecuting attorney shall enforce the lien by foreclosure sale in accordance with the procedure authorized by law.
(Ord. 2003-15. Passed 12-2-03.)