Wisconsin Senate Bill SB66

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25
• Engrossed: 4/22/25
• Refer: 5/27/25

Caption

Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty.

Impact

The legislation will introduce penalties for violations, allowing for fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum of 90 days. Moreover, vehicles found to be equipped with these concealment devices may be impounded, imposing additional costs for towing and impounding on the vehicle owner. This is expected to serve as a strong deterrent against the misuse of registration plates, thereby promoting public safety and compliance with existing vehicle regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 66 aims to address the growing concerns related to the use of registration plate concealment devices on motor vehicles. The bill explicitly prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, installation, or use of such devices, defined as any mechanism designed to switch between multiple registration plates, conceal a plate, or alter the plate's appearance to obstruct visibility of the registration number. By creating a new section in the statutes covering these concealment devices, the bill aims to enhance enforcement measures against individuals attempting to evade identification by law enforcement.

Contention

While the bill seeks to strengthen vehicle regulations, there may be concerns regarding the implications for law-abiding citizens inadvertently caught by these provisions. Critics may argue that the definition of concealment devices could be overly broad, potentially criminalizing legitimate vehicle modifications or practices. Furthermore, there may be discussions surrounding the effectiveness of imposing such penalties on ultimately deterring crime, as some individuals may still seek ways to evade compliance with the law. Overall, the bill may spur debate around enforcement methods and the balance between safety and individual rights.