The bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia to establish a regulatory framework for roadable aircraft, classifying them as motor vehicles for taxation purposes while clarifying their exclusion from the West Virginia Property Tax Adjustment Act. It introduces a new section, 11-5-16, which mandates special registration plates for roadable aircraft, sets an annual fee of $60 for these plates, and outlines display regulations. The bill also exempts operators of roadable aircraft from motorcycle examination and licensing requirements, specifies traffic regulations for their operation on highways, and prohibits takeoffs or landings on highways except in emergencies.

Additionally, the legislation introduces new vehicle classifications, including Class C and Class E, with specific registration fees and conditions. Class C vehicles will incur a $50 registration fee, while Class E roadable aircraft will have an annual fee of $60, subject to adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill further exempts roadable aircraft from standard vehicle inspection requirements if they comply with federal aircraft maintenance regulations and allows the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue inspection stickers based on compliance proof. Overall, the bill aims to modernize vehicle definitions and registration processes to accommodate the unique nature of roadable aircraft in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17A-1-1, 17A-3-15, 17A-10-1, 17A-10-3, 17B-1-1, 17B-2-7b, 17C-15-44, 11-5-16, 17A-3-14j, 17C-1-71, 17C-14-16, 17C-16-10
Committee Substitute: 17A-1-1, 17A-3-15, 17A-10-1, 17A-10-3, 17B-1-1, 17B-2-7b, 17C-15-44, 11-5-16, 17A-3-14j, 17C-1-71, 17C-14-16, 17C-16-10