OHARE DRIVER SAFE-DEFINITIONS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Andrade and 11 co-sponsors

HB 1502 lowers the age for historic vehicle registration in Arkansas from 45 to 30 years, allowing more owners to obtain special plates for their vehicles.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0184

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1502 (HB 1502) aims to amend existing laws regarding the registration and licensing of historic or special interest vehicles in Arkansas. The primary goal is to lower the age threshold for vehicles eligible for such registration from 45 years to 30 years. This change is intended to make it easier for owners of older vehicles to obtain special license plates and recognize the historical significance of a broader range of vehicles.

Key Provisions

Age Threshold Reduction: The bill reduces the age requirement for a vehicle to qualify as a historic or special interest vehicle from 45 years to 30 years.

Registration Fees: Owners of eligible vehicles will pay a registration fee of $7.00 to register their vehicle as a historic or special interest vehicle.

Special License Plates: Owners will be able to obtain a special license plate of distinctive design instead of the standard Arkansas license plate for their historic or special interest vehicles.

Reproduction Vehicles: The bill also specifies that reproduction or facsimile vehicles must be at least 30 years old to qualify for registration under this category.

Affected Parties

Vehicle Owners: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are owners of vehicles that are 30 years or older, allowing them to register their vehicles as historic or special interest vehicles.

State Revenue: The bill may impact state revenue from vehicle registration fees, although the fiscal impact is currently undetermined regarding potential decreases in base registration fees for vehicles aged between 30 and 45 years.

Procedural Aspects

Implementation Costs: The Arkansas Integrated Revenue System (AIRS) will require modifications, with an estimated project cost of $4,800.

Training and Updates: Updates will be necessary for the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) manual and the Department of Finance and Administration website. Training sessions will be conducted for relevant state employees to ensure proper implementation.

Legislative Timeline:

Introduced on February 17, 2025.
Reported from the Public Transportation Committee on February 6, 2025.
Passed the House and Senate by March 11, 2025.
Enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office by March 12, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 1502 represents a significant change in the registration process for historic and special interest vehicles in Arkansas, broadening the eligibility criteria and potentially increasing the number of vehicles recognized under this classification. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process and is expected to have a positive impact on vehicle owners interested in preserving and showcasing their historic vehicles.

Bill