"iron Horse" Motorcycle License Plates
The introduction of the 'Iron Horse' registration plate will affect how vintage motorcycles are recognized in the state of New Mexico. It establishes a category that specifically identifies these vehicles as collector's items, allowing for unique registration that distinguishes them from regular motorcycles used for transportation. This move aligns with a broader effort to support vehicle preservation and the cultural significance of older motorcycles within the state. By providing a framework for registration, the bill facilitates better management and tracking of such vehicles.
House Bill 23 seeks to introduce a specialized registration plate termed the 'Iron Horse' for motorcycles that are at least thirty-five years old and owned strictly as collector's items. The bill stipulates that these motorcycles must be used only for exhibition and educational purposes. Owners can apply for a certificate of title and permanent registration upon payment of a nominal fee and the submission of a witnessed bill of sale or an affidavit affirming that the motorcycle was assembled from parts that qualify under the bill’s definitions. This promotes the preservation of classic motorcycles and acknowledges their status as collector's items.
Potential points of contention may arise regarding the definitions used within the bill, particularly what constitutes a motorcycle as a collector's item versus a standard operational vehicle. Moreover, the associated fees may be criticized as burdensome for some owners, although they are relatively modest. There may also be concerns regarding enforcement and compliance, particularly how violations of the designated use of these motorcycles will be managed. The bill imposes penalties for any violations related to the statute, qualifying such infractions as misdemeanor offenses.