(a) Whenever any vehicle is operated in violation of the provisions of Section 15-111 or subsection (d) of Section 3-401, the owner or driver of such vehicle shall be deemed guilty of such violation and either the owner or the driver of such vehicle may be prosecuted for such violation. Any person charged with a violation of any of these provisions who pleads not guilty shall be present in court for the trial on the charge. Any person, firm, or corporation convicted of any violation of Section 15-111 including, but not limited to, a maximum axle or gross limit specified on a regulatory sign posted in accordance with paragraph (e) or (f) of Section 15-111, shall be fined according to the following schedule:
Up to and including 2000 pounds overweight, the fine is $100
From 2001 through 2500 pounds overweight, the fine is $270
From 2501 through 3000 pounds overweight, the fine is $330
From 3001 through 3500 pounds overweight, the fine is $520
From 3501 through 4000 pounds overweight, the fine is $600
From 4001 through 4500 pounds overweight, the fine is $850
From 4501 through 5000 pounds overweight, the fine is $950
From 5001 or more pounds overweight, the fine shall be computed by assessing $1500 for the first 5000 pounds overweight and $150 for each additional increment of 500 pounds overweight or fraction thereof.
In addition, any person, firm, or corporation convicted of 4 or more violations of Section 15-111 within any 12 month period shall be fined an additional amount of $5,000 for the fourth and each subsequent conviction within the 12 month period. Provided, however, that with regard to a firm or corporation, a fourth or subsequent conviction shall mean a fourth or subsequent conviction attributable to any one employee-driver.