§ 20-71.1. Registration evidence of ownership; ownership evidence of defendant's responsibility for conduct of operation. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 20‑71.1.  Registrationevidence of ownership; ownership evidence of defendant's responsibility forconduct of operation.

(a)        In all actions torecover damages for injury to the person or to property or for the death of aperson, arising out of an accident or collision involving a motor vehicle,proof of ownership of such motor vehicle at the time of such accident orcollision shall be prima facie evidence that said motor vehicle was beingoperated and used with the authority, consent, and knowledge of the owner inthe very transaction out of which said injury or cause of action arose.

(b)        Proof of theregistration of a motor vehicle in the name of any person, firm, orcorporation, shall for the purpose of any such action, be prima facie evidenceof ownership and that such motor vehicle was then being operated by and under the control of a person for whose conduct the ownerwas legally responsible, for the owner's benefit, and within the course andscope of his employment. (1951, c. 494; 1961, c. 975.)