Wisconsin Passes Historic Military Vehicle Law!!

[creinemann]

Wisconsin Legislature Passed a law formerly allowing the operation and registration of former Military Vehicles!! Prior to this the WI DOT was canceling and revoking registrations for historic military vehicles, now we can have statutory protection for our vehicles... The assembly and senate passed the bill on a unanimous voice vote.

The bill is now to go to the Gov for his signature.

Thanks to Jeff Rowsam, and eveyone in Wisconsin who burned the midnight oil, sent faxes, emails, letters, offered testimony and really help get this through!

Carl

[rixm37]

What a great relief for everyone in Wisconsin.
Further it is a great moment for all military vehicle owners in all the states as now a precedent has been.

[Josh]

excellent.

I sent a letter to my rep and told him that I've dumped thousands into the local economy rebuilding mine, and that if I wasn't allowed to register it, I would move back to MI, and my fiancee and I would take our 80K a year income with us... not sure if it helped, but, apparently it didn't hurt!

[cuz]

It is a step forward. It will still need some serious amendments over the next few years. As it stands MV's will have to get the new MV plate and there are a lot of restrictions on use that virtually eliminate pleasure driving and commercial use.

[Master Yota]

Its a good start however.

Up here in Northern BC we don't have much in the way of MV restrictions, other than the Insurance companies and the DOT don't like tracks on the road surface. Steel tracks anyway - rubber ones are ok! Plus it has to be capable of maintaining a "somewhat" safe speed on the road.

We have a similar plate though for antique vehicles (anything over 25 years old, and original in appearance). The insurance is cheap, but the limits imposed make operating the vehicle very difficult unless the stars are in total alignment under your zodiac sign...

[Lifer]

...the limits imposed make operating the vehicle very difficult unless the stars are in total alignment under your zodiac sign...

Not to worry, Yota! I distinctly remember hearing a few years ago that "This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius!" Could it be that we are now witnessing the "Dawning of the Age of Pisces?" Nah! There's just something fishy about that idea.

[WarrenD]

...the limits imposed make operating the vehicle very difficult unless the stars are in total alignment under your zodiac sign...

Not to worry, Yota! I distinctly remember hearing a few years ago that "This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius!" Could it be that we are now witnessing the "Dawning of the Age of Pisces?" Nah! There's just something fishy about that idea.

Now that's just foul!

[Nickathome]

Good to hear that finally some level heads have prevailed.

I wouldn't be too overly concerned about "restrictions" on driving in your state under the new MV plate. I'm sure your state it will be similar to ours here in Pa, whereas the law will more than likely be loosely enforced at best.

My truck is registered as an antique, which comes with certain driving restrictions, such as to and from parades and shows, no commercial hauling, and one day per week recreational driving. Bottom line is I drive any time I want without fear of anything happening. Its so laxed that I don't even give it a thought, just hop in and go. If I ever get pulled over, the LEO better know the antique laws or I'll see them in court because the antique laws are so vague, you can pretty much read anything you want into it. Besides, all I need to do is say I am just coming back from the gas station and I'm sure they'd let me slide.

[Cal_Gary]

Congrats, Wisconsin! I've been following that issue thru the MVPA journals and know what a serious issue it is. I'd be very alarmed if CA tried this, but no worries, the state of the state is cash-poor so they'll just keep taxing us and our HMVs. Anything goes as long as you're "paid up"!
Gary

[skinnedknuckles]

At least now our mv's will be better defined with the WiDot so they can get some statistical information on them. It is a good start in the right direction. I was at most of the public hearings with the dot and senate commitees (missed the last one) and it was interesting to say the least. The MVPA's Jeff Rowsam and Pinzgauer owner Paul Underwood did pretty good for our cause. At least we can drive and register them. It probably won't change things much about how most of us use them as long as we aren't doing something extremely wrong. But it has not become a law yet until the Governor signs it
Paul in Janesville, Wis
1953 m37
1962 m37B1
1969 m101a2
1971 m35a2 4x4 w/w
1971 m35a2 6x6
and yes I have Jeeps
MVPA and MVPG member

[snowdad]

Maybe I missed it, but why were they revoking them? On what grounds were they doing this?
Phillip

[cuz]

There is a law on the books here that says vehicles designed primarily for off road use will not be titled and licensed. The issue became intense when a DMV troop interpreted the law to apply to Pinzgauers and refuse to title or license the vehicle. The WIS DOT backed up that interpretation and the Pinzgauer guys made a stink about it. The WIS DOT reacted as expected and put a Hiatus on all pending applications for title and license for MVs and initiated a review of those already titled. This of course threatened all MVs hence two separate groups lobbied the Wisconsin Legislature to pass laws specifically allowing the title and licensing of MVs. One just for the Pinzgauers and one designed for all MV's. The all MVs bill passed with many limitations attached.