LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Senate voted Tuesday to approve legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, that would expand the personal use of military surplus vehicles.
As written, Senate Bills 344 and 346 would allow military surplus vehicles to receive vehicle identification numbers, be registered and be titled for on-road usage.
This means that military surplus vehicles could be used for general transportation.
“When Humvees and other military vehicles are retired from service, civilians can purchase them at auction from the federal government. Owners of these types of vehicles want them for their personal use, collection and restoration,” said Barrett. “Unfortunately, under current law, ex-military vehicles can only be registered as off-road vehicles, with off-road vehicle titles. My bills would enable folks to register these vehicles for parades, events and general use.”
- SB 344 – a military surplus vehicle applying for registration must be inspected by a police officer. The bill also would allow the secretary of state to issue a historic vehicle registration plate to the owner of a historic military surplus vehicle.
- SB 346 – military surplus vehicles would be exempt from air emission testing requirements, in the same way that historic vehicles, vehicles manufactured before the 1975 model year and motorcycles are exempted from these requirements.
Both of these bills have been forwarded to the Michigan House for further consideration.
