Clarify provisions regarding historical license plates.
The proposed changes amend existing laws to promote clarity and accessibility for owners of eligible vehicles seeking historical license plates. One significant aspect of this bill is the permanence of the issued historical plates for the lifespan of the vehicle. However, these vehicles may not be used for daily transportation to work or for commercial purposes, but are permitted to be used for pleasure activities, public displays, and parades. Furthermore, there is a restriction on the annual mileage that these vehicles can be driven, capped at four thousand miles per year. Fees collected from these applications will contribute to the state motor vehicle fund.
Senate Bill 196 aims to clarify regulations pertaining to historical license plates in South Dakota. The bill provides specific conditions under which residents may apply for historical license plates, which are intended for noncommercial vehicles, including automobiles, pickup trucks, vans, and trucks weighing less than eight thousand pounds. Additionally, it applies to retired firetrucks that are at least thirty years old at the time of application. The bill streamlines the application process for these plates by allowing applicants to submit directly to the Secretary of State, instead of following a more complex procedure defined in prior sections of the state code.
While the bill seems straightforward, it may still invite discussions among lawmakers regarding the enforcement of mileage restrictions and the implications for vehicle owners who may be using historical vehicles more frequently. Concerns could arise about the potential for misuse of these historical plates if the restrictions are not clearly communicated and effectively monitored. Therefore, the bill underscores the need for reliable tracking measures to ensure compliance and prevent misuse.