AB 589

Under current law, an owner of a special interest vehicle that is 20 or more years

old may, under specified circumstances, register the vehicle as a special interest

vehicle. A special interest vehicle, commonly known as a "collector vehicle," is a

motor vehicle that has not been changed from its original manufacturer's

specifications and that is being preserved for its historic interest. Vehicles registered

as special interest vehicles are issued distinctive registration plates, commonly

known as "collector plates," that identify the vehicle as a special interest vehicle

owned by a Wisconsin vehicle collector and that display the vehicle owner's

collector's identification number. A special interest vehicle may be reregistered for

no additional fee if, with an exception, the vehicle is not operated on the highways

during the month of January. Collector vehicles that are trucks may not haul

material weighing more than 500 pounds.

Also under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must refuse

registration of any vehicle that is originally designed and manufactured for

off-highway operation unless the vehicle meets certain federal motor vehicle safety

standards.

This bill allows former military vehicles to be registered as a type of special

interest vehicle. The bill defines a former military vehicle as a vehicle, including a

trailer but excluding a tracked vehicle, that is at least 25 years old, was

manufactured for use in any country's military forces, and is maintained to

accurately represent its military design and markings, regardless of the vehicle's

size or weight. A former military vehicle may be registered as a special interest

vehicle even if it is originally designed and manufactured for off-highway operation

and does not meet certain federal motor vehicle safety standards. Former military

vehicles registered as collector vehicles are not subject to the 500 pound weight

limitation for hauling material.