Issuance of temporary motor vehicle operation plates and permits to dealers and providing a penalty. (FE)

Currently, DOT must issue a sufficient number of temporary operation plates and permits to each motor vehicle dealer licensed in this state for issuance to state residents who purchase or lease certain types of motor vehicles, including automobiles and light trucks.

This bill eliminates the requirement that DOT provide physical temporary operation plates and permits to motor vehicle dealers and requires DOT to issue these temporary operation plates and permits to motor vehicle dealers solely in an electronic format.

Current law provides that, if DOT determines that a motor vehicle dealer has misused temporary operation plates or permits or has violated requirements related to the issuance of these plates or permits, DOT may require the dealer to return any unused temporary operation plates or permits. The bill eliminates this consequence and, instead, allows DOT to issue an order prohibiting an erring dealer from issuing temporary operation plates or permits. The bill also provides that a dealer who has misused temporary operation plates or permits or who has violated requirements related to the issuance of these plates or permits may be required to forfeit not less than $500 nor more than $5,000.