North Carolina BLET Motor Vehicle Law Practice Test

The concept of prima facie evidence refers to the establishment of a legally sufficient case that, unless rebutted, supports a particular fact. In the context of vehicle operation, prima facie evidence can be demonstrated through actions directly related to the operation of the vehicle.

Option B, which indicates that proving the vehicle was modified to increase speed, is relevant because modifications that enhance speed can suggest that the vehicle was indeed being operated in a manner that would require a valid driver and adherence to traffic laws. Such modifications could lead to an inference that the vehicle was used in a way that could cause potential violations, thereby establishing prima facie evidence of operation.

On the other hand, having a valid license or proof of insurance does not directly indicate that the driver was operating the vehicle at a particular time, nor does it show evidence of the manner in which the vehicle was used. Witness testimonies might provide relevant context, but they need to be substantial enough to directly link an individual to the vehicle's operation, which is not guaranteed. Therefore, the action of demonstrating a vehicle's modification to increase speed stands out as a direct correlate to the operation of that vehicle under traffic laws.