The Wisconsin DOT continues to hold the position that “non standard vehicles” are for non road use and are prohibited from being registered (licensed) by current law in Wisconsin.
The State DOT includes privately owned former military vehicles in the same category as motorized scooters, pocket bikes, Gators & Mules, lawn tractors, ‘medium-speed vehicles’, mini-bikes, Barbie cars, go-karts, golf carts, race cars, Japanese mini-trucks. And yes, motorized bar stools in the same category.
We have worked with the legislature and the DOT to create a proposed solution that will allow military vehicle owners in Wisconsin to register them for highway use. We have lobbied, listened, argued and looked at this from every angle we can think of. We have reached an agreement that the DOT will allow an exception for former military vehicles by creating a new law that will create a new category of Historic Military Vehicles with a new license plate to identify them. The law is intended to allow historic military vehicles to be owned and operated WITH RESTRICTIONS similar to current WI antique plates. Unrestricted use of former military vehicles will not be an option in the future.
The proposed bill has been drafted and reviewed and is ready to be introduced to the legislature’s transportation committee and will be circulated among legislators for co-sponsorship. After sponsorship there will be a public hearing for public comment. And then a vote in the legislature.
Before we ask you to start calling your legislators to support the bill, we are asking each military vehicle owners club to review the content one last time.
The legislative summary is attached. The entire bill is 6 pages of legal description so let me highlight the major points.
1)Bill will create a new category of “Historic Military Vehicles” in Wisconsin.
2)This is for ANY age HMV. Not just post 1968 as discussed previously. WWII, Korean and earlier Vietnam era vehicles are included.
3)A new distinctive license plate design will be issued.
4)HMV will be the ONLY option to license and operate a former Military vehicle on road in WI. If it was military this is your only option.
5)HMV law will restrict operation to public displays, parades and special events plus driving to and from events, normal testing, maintenance and storage.
6)Any former military vehicle – regardless of size or weight is allowed, except that:
a.Foreign military vehicles imported to US must be 25 years old. Connects with Federal requirements
b.US built military vehicle – any age (keeps it simple – doesn’t matter what year the SF97 or your incorrect title says it is)
i.Must show evidence with application it is US built –TM photo or reference book illustration and photo of your truck.
ii.We will have opportunity to help design the DMV application forms so they are easy to understand and complete
c.No tracked vehicles allowed on the road. That includes WWII halftracks
d.Military motorcycles included.
e.Trailer included
7)Must be maintained in an original military configuration, color and markings.
8)Municipal governments may register former MV’s for local government use. (DOT considers this limited use as well)
9)Vehicles currently registered under collector or other registration will require owner to apply for new plate. No charge for new plate. DMV will not send notice. Estimated one year for HMV owners to change over without getting a ticket.
10) The fee for new registrations will be the same at the current WI antique license plate. $5 per vehicle and it does not expire. However, the cost to create, approve, create computer program and implement a new license plate design is one time $11,800Other groups who have proposed special plates have paid for this cost in the past. There is no funding available for a new HMV plate. We are proposing that NEW registrations will be charged $5 + $25 = $30 per vehicle. The $25 per new application would go to retire the $11,800. After that is paid off, the fee per vehicle returns to $5. Individuals, foundations or clubs may also donate to reduce the amount.
The DOT knows that many former military vehicles have been registered in the past with all sorts of inconsistent and incorrect descriptions. The State of Wisconsin wants to clean up the registration problems we have all encountered in the past and make the process simple in the future.
This draft bill could be introduced in the current legislative session. If fast tracked, including hearing, vote and approval it could be signed into law by the governor in January 2010. It will take about 5 months for the DMV to implement the changes and accept applications. New plates would be available next summer.
Please cut and paste this information into s new e mail and review it with your club members. Send me your comments by Friday Oct 23rd. The proposed bill has a committee sponsor, Rep Ted Zigmunt and momentum to pass, so we want to keep it moving unless we are way off base.
I believe this is a good solution for the HMV collector. It creates a specific definition and protection for the HMV hobby. Others can advocate for unrestricted use, but this bill provides collectors about the same use as most of use operate under today with collector plates and at a lower cost. And it solves the “what is it” issue with the State of Wisconsin.
