(a) The owner of a motor vehicle that crosses or attempts to cross any bridge posted with a maximum weight limit notice, as required by § 13a-121, when such vehicle has a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit shall be liable to the authority bound to maintain such bridge for any damage to the structure resulting from the passage or attempted passage of such vehicle.

(b) The authority having control of any bridge shall be responsible for any damage sustained by reason of the passage of any vehicle having a gross weight not in excess of the maximum weight prescribed in the notice provided for in § 13a-121, provided such vehicle shall not be operated at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit for such bridge while crossing such bridge.