Bill > A4235

Introduced Session

This bill creates a new motor vehicle registration for street rods and custom motor vehicles. The bill defines a street rod as a motor vehicle that was manufactured prior to 1948, or after 1948 but was manufactured in a manner to resemble a vehicle manufactured prior to 1949; and has been altered from the manufacturer's original design, or the body of the motor vehicle has been constructed from non-original parts. Custom motor vehicles are defined under the bill as a motor vehicle that: 1) is at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948, or was manufactured to resemble a vehicle 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; and 2) has been altered from the manufacturer original design, or the body of the motor vehicle has been constructed from non-original parts. Under the provisions of the bill, an applicant for a custom motor vehicle is required to certify in writing that the vehicle will not be used for general transportation, but may be used for activities, including but not limited to, occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, and tours. The bill also provides that the chief administrator of the motor vehicle commission is to certify, authorize, and issue a certificate of ownership to the owner of a custom motor vehicle or street rod, provided that the owner submits proof that the vehicle qualifies as a street rod or custom motor vehicle. Under the bill, the year of manufacture and model year stated on the certificate of ownership is to be the year of manufacture and model year that the street rod or custom motor vehicle resembles. The bill requires that the phrase "Replica-Custom Motor Vehicle" or "Replica-Street Rod" be conspicuously printed at the top of the certificate of ownership. The bill further requires the chief administrator to issue special license plates for street rods and custom motor vehicles. The chief administrator, in consultation with representatives from the National Street Rod Association, is to choose the design, including an emblem and a color scheme of the license plates. The bill provides that the application for a license plate shall be accompanied by a fee of $50, payable to the motor vehicle commission. The owner of a street rod or custom motor vehicle is required to pay $10 annually for the use of the special license plate. In addition, the provisions of the bill provide that a street rod or custom motor vehicle is exempt from regular inspections under the law. These vehicles also would be exempt from having specific equipment added or affixed to the vehicle that was not required under State law following the year of manufacture listed on the vehicle's certificate of ownership. Finally, the bill provides that a street rod or custom vehicle may be equipped with a "blue dot tail light" as a rear reflector, turn signal or stop lamp. The bill defines "blue dot tail light" as a red lamp installed in the rear of a motor vehicle containing a blue or purple insert that is not more than one inch in diameter.

Committee Categories

Dawn Fantasia (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 05/02/2024)

Official Document