(a) Drives or moves on a highway any sled or other device that does not move exclusively on revolving wheels or rotating tracks in contact with the surface of the highway and that has a loaded weight in excess of 500 pounds.

(b) Owns a sled or other device that does not move exclusively on revolving wheels or rotating tracks in contact with the surface of the highway and that has a loaded weight in excess of 500 pounds and causes or permits the sled or device to be driven or moved on a highway. Operation of any sled or device in violation of this section is prima facie evidence that the owner of the sled or device caused or permitted the sled or device to be so operated and the owner shall be liable for any penalties imposed under subsection (4) of this section.

(2) The application of this section is subject to the following exemptions:

(a) This section does not apply on any way, thoroughfare or place owned by a district formed under ORS chapters 545, 547, 551 or a corporation formed under ORS chapter 554.

(b) This section does not apply on any road or thoroughfare or property in private ownership or any road or thoroughfare, other than a state highway or county road, used pursuant to any agreement with any agency of the United States or with a licensee of such agency or both.

(c) Operations authorized under the terms of a variance permit issued under ORS 818.200 are subject to the terms of the permit. It is a defense to any charge of violation of this section if the person so charged produces a variance permit issued under ORS 818.200 authorizing the operation issued prior to and valid at the time of the offense.

(d) This section does not apply to any vehicle, combination of vehicles, article, machine or other equipment while being used by the federal government, the State of Oregon, or any county or incorporated city in the construction, maintenance or repair of public highways and at the immediate location or site of such construction, maintenance or repair.

(e) This section does not apply to vehicles while being used on the roads of a road authority by mass transit districts for the purposes authorized under ORS 267.010 to 267.394, provided the operation is approved by the road authority for that road.

(3) Violation of the offense described in this section is subject to civil liability under ORS 818.410.

(4) The offense described in this section, unlawful use of devices without wheels, is a Class C traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §477; 1985 c.16 §249; 1985 c.393 §18]