69-12-408. Identification of ownership of certain large motor vehicles. (1) A person may not operate a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles having a gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds upon a public highway in this state for the transportation of passengers, household goods, or garbage for hire on a commercial basis unless the name or trade name, city, and state or the name or trade name and the public service commission or department of transportation number is displayed on both sides of each vehicle operated under its own power, either alone or in combination. If a number is displayed, it must be the number of the person or corporation under whose jurisdiction the vehicle or vehicles are being operated.

(2) The display must be in letters in sharp contrast to the background and in a size, shape, and color readily legible in daylight from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is not in motion. The display must be maintained so that it remains legible. The display may be accomplished either by painting the information on the vehicle or through the use of a decal or a removable device prepared so that it meets the identification and legibility requirements of this section.

(3) This section does not apply to:

(a) farm vehicles; or

(b) motor vehicles being:

(i) transported to dealers from point of manufacture;

(ii) transported from one dealer to another;

(iii) demonstrated to a prospective buyer; or

(iv) delivered to a buyer from a dealer or a manufacturer.