WEIGHT CRITERIA FOR DISABILITY PLATES

House Bill 5544 (Substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Larry Julian

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 6-8-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5544 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE 6-3-04

The Michigan Vehicle Code allows special registration plates to be issued for disabled persons or for vehicles used to transport disabled persons.  Application for such plates, which carry a wheelchair symbol, must be made to the secretary of state.  The section of the code that allows for these registrations (Section 803d) says that the special plates can be issued to vehicles “registered pursuant to Section 801 (1) (a)”.  That section applies, among other things, to pickup trucks and vans that weigh not more than 5,000 pounds.

House Bill 5544 would amend Section 801(1)(a) to change the upper weight limit to 8,000 pounds, which would have the effect of allowing disability plates to be issued to personally owned pickup trucks and vans over 5,000 pounds, up to 8,000 pounds.

FISCAL IMPACT: 

            The bill would have no revenue impact, according to information from the Department of State.

POSITIONS:

            The Department of State supports the bill.  (6-7-04)

 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch 

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.