OBSCURED REGISTRATION PLATES H.B. 5100 (H-2):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5100 (Substitute H-2 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Holly Hughes
House Committee: Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that attaching to the rear of a vehicle a tow ball, bicycle rack, removable hitch, or any other device designed to carry an object on the rear of a vehicle, including the device being carried, would not violate a requirement that a registration plate not be obscured.
Section 225 of the Code requires a registration plate to be securely fastened at all times in a horizontal position to the vehicle for which the plate is issued so as to prevent it from swinging. The plate must be attached at a height of at least 12 inches from the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate, in a place and position that is clearly visible.
The plate also must be maintained free from foreign materials that obscure or partially obscure the registration information and in a clearly legible condition.
Under the bill, the attachment to the rear of a vehicle of a tow ball, bicycle rack, removable hitch, or any other device designed to carry an object on the rear of a vehicle, including the object being carried, would not violate this requirement.
(A violation of Section 225 is a civil infraction.)
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
MCL 257.225 Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.