AB 594

Under current law, as created by

2009 Wisconsin Act 135

, there is a special

category of vehicle registration for former military vehicles, which may be registered

for a reduced fee but are subject to operating restrictions. Under this registration

category, a "former military vehicle" is a vehicle that 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 "historic military vehicle" if it is at least 25 years old

and has been imported into the United States from another country or if it has not

been imported and is of any age. The Department of Transportation (DOT) must

issue for the vehicle special plates showing it is registered as a historic military

vehicle. A vehicle may be registered as a historic military vehicle even if the vehicle

was originally designed and manufactured for off-highway operation and does not

meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. A vehicle registered as a historic

military vehicle may only be used for special occasions such as display and parade

purposes, including traveling to and from such events, and for necessary testing,

maintenance, and storage purposes.

The bill expands the circumstances under which a vehicle registered as a

historic military vehicle may be operated. The bill allows these vehicles to be

operated for occasional personal use, but not for regular daily transportation, and

specifies that use for special occasions includes club activities, exhibitions, and tours.

The bill also specifies that an owner of a former military vehicle may store

unregistered, operable or inoperable, former military vehicles and parts vehicles for

former military vehicles on the owner's property if the vehicles and parts vehicles

and the outdoor storage area do not constitute a health hazard and are screened from

ordinary public view.