Wisconsin Senate Bill SB124

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 5/10/23
• Engrossed: 6/7/23
• Refer: 10/11/23
• Enrolled: 10/19/23
• Chaptered: 12/7/23
• Passed: 12/7/23

Caption

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

Impact

Under the current framework, temporary operation plates issued by DOT allow vehicles to be operated on highways while awaiting registration. The bill presents significant shifts by removing specific consequences for dealers who misuse these plates; instead, the DOT will be empowered to prohibit misbehaving dealers from further issuance of temporary permits. Should a dealer violate the regulations surrounding these permits, they could face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000. This change could be impactful as it provides a clear financial consequence for violations but removes the direct requirement for returning unused plates, which could have previously deterred misuse.

Summary

Senate Bill 124 aims to modernize the issuance process for temporary motor vehicle operation plates and permits for dealers in Wisconsin. The bill eliminates the requirement for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide physical temporary operation plates and permits, transitioning to an entirely electronic format. This change seeks to streamline the process, making it more efficient and reducing the administrative burden associated with physical documentation. The move is framed as an effort to embrace digital solutions in governmental operations, alongside making it easier for dealers and buyers to navigate vehicle registrations and temporary permits.

Contention

While proponents of SB124 argue that this bill simplifies the administrative process for motor vehicle dealers and aligns with contemporary practices in digital management, opponents might express concerns over potential misuse of the electronic system. The lack of physical documentation could lead to difficulties in compliance checks and enforcement since traditional monitoring mechanisms may not fully apply. Detractors might worry that the transition to solely electronic issuance could inadvertently open avenues for fraud or misrepresentation, which could harm consumers and legitimate businesses alike.