The bill amends several sections of Chapter 31-3 entitled "Registration of Vehicles" to increase the weight limit for vehicles eligible for special registration plates. Specifically, the weight limit for vehicles that can be registered with Ex-Prisoner of War (P.O.W.) plates, Purple Heart plates, Distinguished Service Cross plates, Bronze Star Medal plates, National Guard plates, and Disabled Veterans' plates is increased from various lower thresholds to twelve thousand pounds (12,000 lbs.) or less. The bill also stipulates that upon the death of the holder of these special plates, the plates can be transferred to the surviving spouse for their lifetime until they remarry. Additionally, for Purple Heart plates, if there is no surviving spouse, a family member may retain one plate as a keepsake, provided it is not displayed on any vehicle.

The bill also includes a provision that in the event of a state of emergency, active members of the army or air national guard driving a vehicle with the special National Guard registration plate are authorized to travel on state highways regardless of any driving bans imposed by state or municipal authorities. The act would take effect upon passage, and it aims to accommodate larger vehicles under the special registration plate categories, recognizing the service and sacrifices of veterans and service members. The explanation by the Legislative Council clarifies that the act's purpose is to increase the weight limit for vehicles that can be registered with these special plates to 12,000 lbs. and that it applies to vehicles registerable as an automobile or commercial vehicle.

Statutes affected:
5265: 31-6-8