The problem is that it doesn't matter whether the law says the vehicle owner is responsible or the driver is. All that matters is whether the owner is capable if giving a defense that can convince just *one* juror that there is a reasonable *chance* that his story could be true.
Can the state fine the owner for failing to report an accident? Sure. But that does not equate to a criminal conviction for hit and run. *That* is something that you would likely need clear evidence or witness[es] to ID the driver. The owner could claim he lets his friends use his van when they need it, they know where the keys are, and he doesn't know who may have used it on that day. The owner could even try to claim he never even noticed the rear bumper cover was missing. It's a stretch, but odds are good at least one juror might buy that possibility.
In many states (likely most), you are not entitled to a jury trial for a municipal court level offense. A judge is the trier of fact - even for DUI cases. Do you think a hit and run driver who kills a person, gets off if he parks the car and walks away? Many States and municipalities also have ordinances that contain presumption clauses which state that the owner of the vehicle is presumed to be the driver. It is the duty of the owner to rebut the presumption. You need to stop watching law and order.
Here is one example from New Jersey (though its a permissive inference rather than the more harsh reputable presumption)
(e) There shall be a permissive inference that the driver of any motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or damage in the amount of $250.00 or more to any vehicle or property has knowledge that he was involved in such accident.
For purposes of this section, it shall not be a defense that the operator of the motor vehicle was unaware of the existence or extent of personal injury or property damage caused by the accident as long as the operator was aware that he was involved in an accident.
There shall be a permissive inference that the registered owner of the vehicle which was involved in an accident subject to the provisions of this section was the person involved in the accident; provided, however, if that vehicle is owned by a rental car company or is a leased vehicle, there shall be a permissive inference that the renter or authorized driver pursuant to a rental car contract or the lessee, and not the owner of the vehicle, was involved in the accident, and the requirements and penalties imposed pursuant to this section shall be applicable to that renter or authorized driver or lessee and not the owner of the vehicle.
N.J.S.A. 39:4-129