Violations of any of these rules and regulations shall constitute an offense punishable by a fine of not more than $100; provided, however, that violators of these rules relating to traffic or pedestrian use of a bridge or highway within the jurisdiction of the authority, shall be apprehended and prosecuted in the same manner as provided for the apprehension and prosecution of violators of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, who commit violations thereof upon the public highways. For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of those rules of the authority which are defined as offenses shall nevertheless be deemed misdemeanors for the sole purpose of making applicable all procedural provisions of law relating to misdemeanors.