Accrual of liability - Persons liable - Exemptions

The liability for the tax imposed by this article shall arise and accrue against the person operating a motor vehicle, the operation of which is subject to said tax, at the time and place said motor vehicle shall enter upon the highways of this state.
Provided, however, a lessor who is engaged in the business of leasing for compensation motor vehicles and equipment he owns without drivers to carriers or other lessees for interstate operation may be deemed to be the Motor Fuel/Diesel Importer for Use when he supplies or pays for the motor fuel or diesel fuel consumed in such vehicles, and such lessor may be issued Motor Fuel/Diesel Fuel Importer for Use license. Any lessee may exclude motor vehicles of which he is lessee from his reports and liabilities, but only if the motor vehicles in question have been leased from a lessor holding a valid Motor Fuel/Diesel Fuel Importer for Use License.