Notwithstanding ORS 319.020, 319.530 and 825.474, a person operating a motor vehicle with a combined weight of 26,000 pounds or more is not required to pay the weight-mile tax imposed under ORS 825.474 or fuel taxes imposed under ORS 319.020 and 319.530, if:
(1) The person is not operating as a for-hire carrier; and
(2) The person is operating the motor vehicle for the purpose of emissions research and development and the United States Environmental Protection Agency has provided a testing exemption from complying with federal emission requirements.