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Bill > AB77

WI AB77

Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty.

summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, any motor vehicle for which the Department of Transportation has issued registration plates must display those plates, along with any decals issued for the plates. This bill prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, installation, and use of a registration plate concealment device, which is a manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle to 1) switch between two or more registration plates; 2) move, obstruct, or conceal a registration plate; or 3) alter the appearance of a registration plate so that the registration number cannot be seen and read. The bill also prohibits the equipment of any motor vehicle with a registration plate concealment device. A person who violates these prohibitions may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both. Any vehicle equipped in violation of these prohibitions may be impounded, and reasonable costs for towing and impounding the vehicle may be assessed against the owner. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.

AI Summary

This bill addresses the issue of registration plate concealment devices by establishing new legal prohibitions and penalties. Specifically, the bill defines a registration plate concealment device as any manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed to switch between multiple license plates, obstruct or hide a license plate, or alter a plate's appearance so its registration number cannot be easily read. The legislation makes it illegal for individuals to possess, sell, purchase, install, or use such devices, and prohibits equipping any motor vehicle with these devices. If a vehicle is found to be in violation, it may be impounded, and the owner will be required to pay reasonable towing and impoundment costs. Additionally, the bill establishes criminal penalties for violations, allowing for a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. The goal of this legislation appears to be preventing potential illegal activities such as vehicle theft, fraud, or evading law enforcement by obscuring a vehicle's true identification.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (23)

Last Action

Public hearing held (on 06/25/2025)

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