NON-Wisconsin Registration & Use Information Wanted - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

undysworld · 12-05-2009, 18:16

I'm looking for help.

You probably have read about the current fiasco in Wisconsin over titling and registering ex-military vehicles. If not, here's a link with some info: Wis DOT v. ex-military vehicles - AB-592

It turns out, the WisDOT doesn't have a clue as to how, or if, other US states allow ex-military vehicles to register. I'm trying to collect data to show to WisDOT. (As my other posts show, I am trying to convince WisDOT that most US states allow owners the option to register with Collector plates or with normal Truck or Farm plates.)

If you live outside of Wisconsin, I can use your help.

Here's what I'm looking for: Your Name & Address, Vehicle info, the type of license plate you have along with a description of any operating restrictions you have, and any additional info as you think is needed. (Some guys have even emailed photos of their license plate!)

I know the internet is a questionable place to give out any info. I understand that. I'm just making the request. If you feel more comfortable sharing it via US mail, email me and I'll shoot you my home address and phone number.

Thanks in advance if you can help.

Paul Underwood

tmbrwolf · 12-05-2009, 21:32

You may be able to internet search for each states laws online, I did a quick search for Kansas vehicle registration, when I got to the Department of Revenue web site searched for "military vehicle" and it came up with several hits. In Kansas if it is over 35 years old it can be registered as an antique vehicle, there are no driving / operating restrictions. to get that tag you must own at least one other vehicle registered with a regular registration, if the vehicle is less than 35 you register it with a regular tag, or a tag according to it's GVW (a 2 1/2 ton could have a 24M tag it's highway GVW) both my M37 and M38 are registered "antique" while my M880 is registered with a veteran tag as are my and my wifes daily drivers, the big advantage for the antique tag is the one time registration fee and then property taxes of $17.00 annually.

undysworld · 12-06-2009, 09:35

Tmbrwolf,

Thanks. I've done some searching of DOT sites, especially neighboring states, to compare their policies for registration of ex-mils.

But I'm finding that the elected officials don't often have the time to really read that sort of stuff through thouroughly. I point 'em to it, and highlight the details, but it doesn't always stick.

On the other hand, they seem to respond pretty well to a personal report. The question was raised during last Thursday's public hearing of how other ex-mil owners were able to register their trucks in other states and what restrictions were imposed. The DOT gal didn't know.

That's why I've asked individuals to email me with their own details about their truck's registration. With a name, address, make/model, and plate type/restrictions, it's a much more personal testimony.

Truth is, I don't know how much good it's going to do to walk in their offices with a stack of letter. But I'm going to try. I will be talking with the bill's author and the Trans Committe chair's offices tomorrow. They've indicated that they're willing to talk.

So anyway, if anyone can help, please write. Thank you.

Paul Underwood

WillWagner · 12-06-2009, 13:17

I am happy to share, but, do you think this MIGHT open up a can o worms and the rest of the states follow WI?

Crash_AF · 12-06-2009, 14:02

I don't think so, CO is getting ready to pass some MV friendly legislation that will allow us to use bumper numbers to replace license plates like TX so most states are MV friendly... someone in WI just got some bug up their butt to harass people and I hope they get SPANKED soon.

Later,
Joe

saddamsnightmare · 12-06-2009, 14:36

December 6th, 2009.

Undysworld:

Check on Olive Drab.com for information on Texas registration laws (it will be under registration in Texas). My M35A2 is registered here as a 2-1/2 to 5 ton pickup truck, and my Unimog is a 1-1/4 ton pickup truck. Texas exempts them from annual inspection due to their being ex military vehicles, but I and the other owners keep our trucks up as it is our tails riding in them. Insurance is required, and I carry about 300,000 to 500,000 on them, as they are slow speed vehicles not prone to causing problems (rollovers &C). If registered as a "Former Military Vehicle", Texas exempts them from inspections and does not require that they have license plates, though the license fee for the class or type vehicle must be paid annually,and either the hood numbers or the bumper markings are used as the registration numbers. Mine carries a typical Texas "Truck" plate due to the tare weights and grosses, but I did not know about the exemption from carrying plates at the time they were registered, so they are stuck with these plates untill I remove them from Texas jurisdiction (the plates stay with the vehicles here, even when sold). No clearance lights are needed, and most former militarty trucks do not carry license plate lights (due to that not being original equipment and the plates are reflectorized).
West Virginia was similar except they did require a plate and annual inspection, but most inspection stations tended to be general on the inspections because they did not want to tangle too deeply with systems that they had no knowledge of.

I hope that this helps some, because the boyos in Wisconsin are likely to get worked over by the DMV personnel.....

Good luck,

Cheers,

Kyle F. McGrogan

tmbrwolf · 12-06-2009, 17:23

As in my earlier post a military vehicle that is less that 35 years old would be registered under a normal registration in Kansas.

This link will get you to the basic Kansas statutes addressing antiques:

Statutes

Look under chapter 8 specifically: 8-166, 8-167

I think having copy's of the statutes from different states would go a long way towards showing what other states allow, the unfortunate fact here except for "antique military vehicle", military vehicles are not addressed under any of the other basic vehicle statues. Of course different states define an antique vehicle in different ways / ages.

Sgt. Sam · 12-06-2009, 17:44

Here in Idaho you get a T plate wich is a Non-commercial Truck License and Title. Cost about $65.00 a year.

CatMan · 12-06-2009, 20:13

Florida, Texas, Ohio and Kansas all have similar Historic Military Vehicle laws that include restrictions on use and are similar to the bill we have proposed in Wisconsin as Assembly Bill AB592.

The information has been downloaded previously. The documents have been sent to the Wisconsin Legislature's Transportation Committtee and CC's to the DOT in response to the question asked during the hearing last Thursday.

Cat Man

attackone · 12-06-2009, 20:29

Here in the wonderful ????????? state of New Jersey MV can be registered with regular plates or antique plates depends on what you want. The only restrictions I know is mileage and that is by the insurance company if you go the antique route.