Every owner of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 3 of P.L.1990, c.103 (C.39:3-10.11) which has a gross vehicle weight rating or a combined gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more and is registered or principally garaged in this State shall display the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for the vehicle in the manner set forth in subsection a. of this section. For purposes of this subsection, GVWR means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single or combination (articulated) vehicle, or registered gross weight, whichever is greater. Any person who knowingly displays or causes to be displayed on a commercial motor vehicle a GVWR less than the actual GVWR, or an owner who knowingly permits a commercial motor vehicle owned by him to be operated in this State with a displayed GVWR less than the actual GVWR shall, for each offense, be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for a term of not more than 90 days, or both.