(1) In a traffic
infraction case involving an infraction detected through the use
of a photo enforcement system under RCW 46.63.160, or detected
through the use of an automated traffic safety camera under RCW 46.63.170, proof that the particular vehicle described in the
notice of traffic infraction was in violation of any such
provision of RCW 46.63.160 or 46.63.170, together with proof that
the person named in the notice of traffic infraction was at the
time of the violation the registered owner of the vehicle,
constitutes in evidence a prima facie presumption that the
registered owner of the vehicle was the person in control of the
vehicle at the point where, and for the time during which, the
violation occurred.
(2) This presumption may be overcome only if the registered
owner states, under oath, in a written statement to the court or
in testimony before the court that the vehicle involved was, at
the time, stolen or in the care, custody, or control of some
person other than the registered owner.
[2005 c 167 § 3; 2004 c 231 § 3.]