596. In proceedings for an offence against this Code, the court may accept, in lieu of the testimony of the peace officer who ascertained the offence, the weigher who ascertained an offence against section 463 or 464 or of the person who issued the notice provided for in the first paragraph of section 531, a written report signed by the peace officer or person, in the form approved by the Government. If the original of the written report is in the possession of the Attorney General, a true copy certified by a person designated by the Attorney General or by a person acting under the authority of the designated person may be substituted for it.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the defendant may require the prosecuting party to assign the peace officer, the weigher or the person who issued the notice, as a witness at the hearing. If the court finds the offender guilty, it may condemn him to additional costs in such amount as it may fix if, in its opinion, the mere filing of the report would have sufficed.
1986, c. 91, s. 596; 1987, c. 94, s. 86.