D.__Except as provided in paragraph E, it is not a defense to liability under this subsection that a registered owner was not operating the motor vehicle at the time of the failure to pay.

E.__Defenses to liability under this subsection are as follows.

(1)__If a person other than the registered owner of the motor vehicle is adjudicated criminally or civilly responsible for the failure to pay an authority toll, the registered owner is not liable under this subsection.

(2)__If the registered owner is the lessor of motor vehicles and at the time of the failure to pay an authority toll the motor vehicle was in the possession of a lessee and the lessor provides the authority with a copy of the lease agreement containing the information required by Title 29-A, section 254, the lessee and not the lessor is liable under this subsection.

(3)__If the motor vehicle is operated using a dealer or transporter registration plate and at the time of the failure to pay the motor vehicle was under the custody or control of a person other than the dealer or transporter, and if the dealer or transporter provides the authority with the name and address of the person who had custody or control over the motor vehicle at the time of the failure to pay, that person and not the dealer or transporter is liable under this subsection.

(4)__If a report that the motor vehicle was stolen is given to a law enforcement officer or agency before the failure to pay occurs or within a reasonable time after the registered owner becomes aware of the theft, the registered owner is not liable under this subsection.