July 2010

Summer progress update on implementing the new WI HMV Law

Since the law was passed and signed in March, we have continued to work with the state DOT on the status of the WI HMV law and when it will go into effect.

The work continues with the new HMV plate and registration materials.
We received a preliminary copy of a PROPOSED DRAFT web page that the DMV wants to post on the subject of HMV’s in the ‘What’s New” area of the DOT web site. It was missing information for MV owners. We helped edit and added to it and returned it to the DMV.

We have reviewed the draft of the new DMV registration form for Wisconsin HMV’s and made recommendations that are being included to make the form easy to complete. The new HMV license plate sample has been created and we have been showing it to collectors at meetings and events. The single star design won the vote over the WWII invasion star design by a close margin. The plate sample we reviewed is only one color. This is not the final finished design. The raised letters and star in the photo will be white on the actual plates. The green plate color does not match the sample we requested and DMV agrees. They have gone back to the supplier for a darker OD to match the PMS color codes we requested.

We have met with Rep Ted Zigmunt, Rep Tom Nelson and with Senator Dave Hanson recently and discussed the HMV bill and what we want to change in the future. They are ready to work with us in the future to improve the language in the Zigmunt HMV bill.

It is likely the DMV will begin taking applications for HMV registration before Oct 1, 2010. It depends on the DOT completing the computer code, application forms and plate availability. They are getting close to completing the process and will begin taking new applications as soon as the internal process is ready. Watch for release in the “What’s New” box the Wisconsin DOT Web Site.