Missouri House Bill HB2804

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/24
• Refer: 2/29/24

Caption

Directs the department of revenue to issue only one license plate to most motor vehicles

Impact

HB2804 will impact how vehicle registration fees are assessed, particularly those for land improvement contractors and heavier commercial vehicles. The annual registration fee for land improvement contractors’ vehicles is set at three hundred fifty dollars, and there is a prohibition against transporting goods for hire by these vehicles. These changes reflect an effort to regulate vehicular use more effectively while also aiming to generate appropriate state revenue from vehicle registrations.

Summary

House Bill 2804 focuses on the registration of motor vehicles, specifically addressing the issuance of license plates. It proposes the repeal of existing statutes (sections 301.064, 301.120, and 301.130) and replaces them with new legislation aimed at simplifying the process and requirements for commercial motor vehicles. A key provision of the bill is that most motor vehicles will be issued only one license plate, which is intended to streamline vehicle registration within the state of Missouri. This change represents a significant alteration in how vehicle registration is traditionally handled, moving from a dual plate system to a single plate system for a majority of vehicles.

Contention

Debate around HB2804 may center on the implications of reducing registration plates from two to one. Advocates for the bill may argue that this simplification will lower administrative burdens and costs related to vehicle registration for both the state and vehicle owners. Conversely, critics might raise concerns about visibility and identification issues of vehicles with a single plate, particularly in the event of traffic enforcement or accidents. There could also be discussions about how this change aligns with or diverges from practices in other states, with some legislators advocating for local control over vehicle regulations as a means to address specific local needs.