266:8-b Operator Vehicle Maintenance. –
I. No person shall drive, or permit to be driven upon any way a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer:
(a) Which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger the driver, occupants, or any other person or property; or
(b) Any motor vehicle which is not equipped with lamps, brakes, steering, tires, exterior panels, glass, or other equipment as required by law.
II. The operation of a motor vehicle in violation of any condition, defect, or requirement set forth in this section shall constitute prima facie evidence that the vehicle is unsafe for operation upon a public way:
(a) Any defect that permits exhaust gases to enter the passenger or cargo compartment.
(b) Any exterior panel, including doors, hood, fenders, trunk, or bumpers, that are missing; provided, however, that doors may be missing if originally and expressly designed by the manufacturer to be removable.
(c) A frame or unibody that is cracked, broken, or rusted to the extent that structural integrity is compromised.
(d) A windshield containing intersecting cracks or 3 or more star breaks or bullseyes larger than 3 inches within the critical viewing area of the driver on the front windshield.
(1) For purposes of this subparagraph, "critical viewing area" means the portion of the windshield extending 3 inches inward from the left windshield post; 3 inches down from the top edge; 3 inches up from the bottom edge; and, 3 inches to the right of the vertical centerline.
(e) Tires, excluding spare tires.
(f) A fuel system showing evidence of large, obvious leakage.
III. Law enforcement may issue a defective equipment tag for a vehicle it has judged unsafe or not equipped as required under this section. Such tag shall provide a minimum period of 7 calendar days in which the owner of such vehicle is required to repair the defect specified in such tag.
IV. The driver or owner who operates, or permits the operation of, a motor vehicle in violation of this section shall be guilty of a violation. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $60.
V. Notwithstanding paragraph IV, the director may immediately suspend the registration and plates of a motor vehicle if there is evidence from law enforcement that the vehicle is an immediate hazard to public safety.