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HD 2443

An Act relative to license plate year of manufacture registration

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins

Restoration of Year of Manufacture plates to original colors/design for antique cars will not be considered altering the plates.

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Bill Summary · HD 2443

Summary: An Act relative to license plate year of manufacture registration (HD 2443)

Overview

HD 2443 is a proposed Massachusetts bill filed to clarify that the restoration of Year of Manufacture (YOM) license plates—when they are painted and restored to their original colors and design—will not be considered “altering” the plates if used on antique automobiles. The core aim is to protect the authenticity and appearance of YOM plates used on classic cars without triggering penalties or regulatory concerns related to plate modification.

Key provisions

  • Amendments to Chapter 90, Section 6 (General Laws)
    • The bill would insert, after the word “section” in line 42, a new provision stating:
    • “However, the restoration of year of manufacture registration plates, painted and restored to their original year of manufacture colors and design, will not be considered altering such registration plates when used on antique automobiles.”
  • Scope
    • Applies specifically to Year of Manufacture registration plates used on antique automobiles.
  • Legal approach
    • The amendment uses a “Notwithstanding” clause, indicating it supersedes conflicting general or special laws or regulations to the extent of the amendment’s scope.

Purpose and intent

  • To recognize and permit the restoration and repainting of YOM plates to their original colors and design for use on antique vehicles.
  • To prevent restoration activities from being treated as illegal alterations, thereby supporting plate authenticity and preservation for historic or collector use.

Who is affected

  • Owners of antique automobiles that use YOM license plates.
  • Businesses or individuals engaged in restoring or painting YOM plates (potentially including plate restoration shops and collectors).
  • The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and other state regulatory authorities overseeing vehicle registration and plate substitutions, as the change concerns what is deemed an alteration.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Filed/Introduction:
    • House filing date shown as January 16, 2025 (House No. 3679) by Rep. James K. Hawkins.
    • The bill is identified as HD 2443 in the 2025-2026 session, with a referenced prior similar measure in the 2023-2024 session (House No. 3333).
  • Status:
    • Specific current status is not provided in the materials available here; as with most proposed legislation, it would need passage by both chambers and the Governor’s signature to become law.
  • Effective date:
    • No specific effective date is stated in the text provided; typically, enacted laws take effect upon signature or a defined later date.

Potential impact

  • Positive:
    • Preserves the historical look and authenticity of YOM plates on antique vehicles.
    • Reduces risk of penalties for owners who restore plates to their original appearance.
  • Considerations:
    • The scope is limited to restoration to original colors/design and does not address other potential plate alterations or modern compatibility issues.
    • Requires coordination with RMV policies to ensure consistent enforcement and registration practices.

This summary captures the bill’s essential purpose, key provision, affected parties, and procedural context based on the text available. If you’d like, I can compare this with related prior bills (e.g., 2023-24 House No. 3333) or add a brief policy impact analysis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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