In Wiscosnin, we are in the middle of a fight with the DOT that began in 2007.
Do a Steel Soldiers search of "Wisconsin DOT proposes MV ban" to see my last update on the situation.
Briefly, the Wisconsin DOT is trying to create a rule that would prevent any vehicle built after 1968 from being registered for use on highways unless it complys with the ALL the safety provisions of the National Transportation Safety Act of 1966 (Took effect Jan 1 196
. US manufactured military trucks do not comply with NHTSA. They are built to military requirement.
The DOT is trying to prevent registration of Motorized Bar Stools, modifed golf carts, Dirt bikes, Imported Japanese non road mini trucks and all sorts of other vehicles considered to be a safety issue on highway in everyday driving.
Military Vehicles get cought under this rule. Doesn't matter what documents you have. The DOT / DMV position by current state statute is this. 'Any vehicle that is not compliant with the requirements of NHTSA is regarded is an "Off Road" vehicle and WI by law does not register off road vehicles for on road use.
Complain all you want. Vent all the emotion you want. Point all you want about the military using them on road Etc Etc. Beleive me, I've heard it all!!!
The DOT admits that their own local DMV offices are very inconsistant in issuing registrations. Until the new proposal called "Trans 123" becomes law, new truck owners with a title from a different state or a SF97 / Fl Title from GL have been successful going to their local DMV office in person and getting a title and registration (That is two seperate transactions). This was confirmed as late as last week. We have also confirmed that the DMV legally cannot deny you a WI title. They may deny registration (plates).
Don't say "military" in the transaction with the DMV officer. And yes, if you send in the application it will be rejected. They should return your original documents. They keep a photo copy.
We are working with the legislature on behalf of Military Vehicle Collectors to create a special catagory for Historic Military Vehicles similar to Ohio, Kansas and Florida. This will come with some restrictions. The vehicles must be unmodified and used in Parades, Public Displays, club events and for normal maintanence and testing only. No, you will not be allowed to haul anything more that 500 lbs. The DOT is not willing to allow unrestricted highway use of these vehicles.
Contact your Wisconsin Representative and Senator and tell them you are not infavor of the DOT rule Trans 123 proposal because it is too restrictive.
We will have a bill with a number in the next few weeks. I'll post that here so you can call your legislator. The option of putting standard commercial plates on an MV in WI is likely to end very soon. Registering it under a collector catagory will likely be the only option.
We have met with the DOT attorneys many times, have heard all the arguments on both sides and the DOT has a pretty strong legal standing here.
I and others are working on behalf of several Wisconsin based Military Vehicle Clubs and the MVPA to create a workable solution.
Call your Representative!!!!!!
Thanks
Cat Man
or just drive to the U.P. and become a resident there, get a michigan DL and tag it ... then commute to work in Wisconsin
God Bless Texas.... And we're askin' Him to help y'all in WI, too