Vehicle Registration Exemptions State Comparison

Alabama

Volunteer rescue squad vehicles

Motor vehicles and utility trailers as defined in Section 40-12-240, owned by volunteer rescue squads incorporated under the laws of Alabama and used exclusively as life-saving, rescue, or first aid vehicles without profit, and which are not rented, leased, or loaned to any private individual, firm, or corporation are be exempt from payment of license and registration fees and all ad valorem taxes otherwise prescribed by law.

Alabama

Farm vehicles 

For each motor tractor used on the highways of Alabama there is a license or privilege tax of $100.

However, this license will not be collected for a tractor when run on a highway to be transferred from one point to another for use on a farm with or without a “small trailer” or with or without a “semitrailer,” or when used on the highway for transferring what is commonly known as a “portable sawmill” or a “well-boring outfit,” or when used on the highway by a farmer for the purpose of transporting to and from his farm, products to be used on his farm.

Alabama

Off-the-road-machinery 

This category includes machines occasionally moved on highways from one job site to another but not designed to transport property over them and are not subject to licensing requirements as a motor vehicle. (Ref. Attorney General Opinion December 2, 1974)

This off-the-road-machinery is exempt from the registration requirements due to the following:

• It is not designed and used primarily for the transportation of property in or upon its own structure.
• It is not designed for use on public highways.
• It is not designed to transport or to draw persons or property upon the highway.

• Not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and is only incidentally operated or moved over the highway.
• Designed to primarily perform the functions of lifting and lowering real or personal property.
• Specially designed and manufactured by the manufacturer (or for the manufacturer), to serve solely as a mobile carriage and mount (and a power source, where applicable), for the machinery or equipment attached.
• It cannot, without substantial structural modification, be used as a component of a vehicle designed to transport persons or property on the highway.

• The vehicle's inability to travel at posted highway speeds; and/or
• The vehicle is overweight, over height, and/or over width for regular highway use, or requires a special permit and/or escort for highway use; and/or
• Any other relevant factor of the special vehicle design, such as the requirement of transportation on tracks, which substantially limits or impairs the use of such vehicle on the public roads and highways.

Alaska

Vehicles driven only on private property 

Vehicles driven or moved on a highway solely to cross from one private property to another (including implements of husbandry as defined by regulation) are exempt from registration requirements.

Alaska

Driven or moved on a highway under a dealer’s plate or temporary permit 

Temporary permit: When an application, accompanied by the proper fee and tax, has been made for the registration of a vehicle, the vehicle may be driven pending the issuance of a certificate of registration by displaying a temporary permit issued by the department.

Dealer plate: A state-registered and bonded vehicle dealer may apply for a dealer registration plate. The plate issued may be used only on dealer-owned vehicles during the routine and normal course of the dealer’s business, excluding service vehicles, or for transporting an unregistered vehicle from a port of entry to the dealer’s facilities or from one dealer to another or, in the case of a house trailer, from the retail facility to a trailer space.

Alaska

Special mobile equipment

“Special mobile equipment” is defined by regulation as a vehicle which is not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway.

It includes but is not limited to:

• Ditch digging apparatus,
• Well boring apparatus,
• Construction and maintenance machinery such as:
  • Asphalt spreaders,
  • Bituminous mixers,
  • Bucket loaders,
  • Tractors other than truck tractors,
  • Ditchers,
  • Leveling graders,
  • Finishing machines,
  • Motor graders,
  • Road rollers,
  • Scarifers,
  • Earthmoving carryalls and scrapers,
  • Power shovels and drag lines, and
  • Self-propelled cranes and earthmoving equipment.

Alaska

Vehicles transported under a special permit

When moved or driven under a special permit, registration is not required of:

• A vehicle under construction and that is not completed;
• A vehicle while being moved from one place to another for the purpose of inspection, weighing, or meeting other requirements;
• A vehicle while being moved or driven from one location to another for the purpose of rebuilding, dismantling, or permanently removing the vehicle from the highways and vehicular ways and areas of the state; or
• An unladen commercial vehicle making a single continuous trip by a noncircular route for a period not exceeding 10 days.

A special permit must be prominently displayed.

Alaska

A vehicle being driven or moved on a highway, vehicular way, or a public parking place in Alaska that is not connected by a land highway or vehicular way to:

• The land-connected state highway system; or
• A highway or vehicular way with an average daily traffic volume greater than 499.

Alaska

An implement of husbandry

Implements of husbandry, as defined by regulation under AS 28.05.011, are not subject to restrictions adopted under AS 19.10.060(a)(1) (weight, size, and load) unless the implement is the load of another vehicle. Implements of husbandry may be operated on highways subject to the department’s jurisdiction without obtaining a permit.

The incidental operation of an implement of husbandry up to 12 feet wide on a state highway is authorized without a permit if the implement:

• Is operated only during the period from one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset;
• Displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the implement;
• Displays a red flag on the implement in a location that affords greatest visibility; and
• Is moving from one farm operation to another within 50 miles of the home base of the implement of husbandry.

An implement of husbandry that is more than 12 feet wide may be operated on a state highway without a permit if it meets the 4 provisions above and is preceded by a pilot car during operation on the highway.

Arizona

Exempt vehicles 

• Farm tractor
• A trailer used solely in the operation of a farm for transporting the unprocessed fiber or forage products of a farm.
• Any implement of husbandry designed primarily for or used in agricultural operations and only incidentally operated or moved on a highway.
• A road roller or road machinery, including a power sweeper, that is temporarily operating or moved on the highway.
• An owner permitted to operate a vehicle under special provisions relating to lien holders, manufacturers, dealers and nonresidents.
• Motorized or nonmotorized equipment designed primarily for and used in mining operations and only incidentally operated or moved on a highway.
• A motor vehicle that is being towed by a tow truck that has been registered and for which a permit has been obtained pursuant to section 28-1108.
• A golf cart used in the operation of a golf course or only incidentally operated or moved on a highway.
• Wheeled equipment. For the purposes of this paragraph, “wheeled equipment” means:
  • A compressor.
  • A forklift or hay squeeze machine designed to load hay in an off-road situation.
  • A portable cement mixer.
  • A single axle tow dolly.
  • A tar pot.
  • A water trailer used for watering livestock or for agricultural or domestic purposes.
  • A welder.
  • Any other similar item designed and used primarily for construction or building trade purposes.

• An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or an off-road recreational motor vehicle operating on a dirt road in an unincorporated area of Arizona. For the purposes of this paragraph, “dirt road” means an unpaved or ungraveled road that is not maintained by this state or a city, town or county of this state.
• A person operating an off-highway vehicle participating in an off-highway vehicle special event defined in section 28-1171.
• An all-terrain vehicle or an off-highway vehicle as defined in section 28-1171 that is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway.

Arizona

A vehicle owned by a nonresident

A certificate of title may be issued without registration of the vehicle if the applicant is a nonresident whose vehicle is not subject to registration in Arizona.

Arizona

Off-highway vehicles

A “off-highway vehicle” is defined as a motorized vehicle operated primarily off highways and designed, modified or purpose-built mainly for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel.

It includes tracked or wheeled vehicles, utility vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles, dune buggies, sand rail, amphibious vehicles, ground effects or air cushion vehicles and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.

A certificate of title may be issued for these vehicles without requiring registration.

For lawful Arizona off-highway operation, the owner or operator of a qualifying all-terrain vehicle, off-highway vehicle, or off-road recreational motor vehicle must apply for an off-highway vehicle user indicia as prescribed under A.R.S. §28-1177.

Arkansas

Conforming or temporary permit vehicles

Vehicles driven or moved upon a highway that are in conformance with the regulations relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lienholders, or nonresidents or under a temporary registration permit issued by the Office of Motor Vehicle as authorized in A.C.A. §27-14-708.

Arkansas

Vehicles crossing the highway 

Vehicles driven or moved on a highway only to cross the highway from one property to another.

Arkansas

Implement of husbandry 

Any implement of husbandry that is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway regardless of whether it is subject to registration.

Incidental use may be established by an affidavit of the owner of the implement of husbandry submitted to the Department of Finance and Administration along with payment of the gross receipts or use tax imposed on the implement of husbandry when the owner applies for and receives a certificate of title to the implement of husbandry.

The transportation of logs or timber upon a highway from the point of severance to a point in Arkansas at which the logs or timber first undergo any processing, preparation for processing, conversion, or transformation from their natural or severed state will not be considered incidental operation of the implement of husbandry upon a highway.

An affidavit to establish incidental use is not required if the implement of husbandry was originally manufactured as an implement of husbandry.

Arkansas

Special mobile equipment 

“Special mobile equipment” means a vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including, but not limited to:

• A farm tractor;
• Road construction or maintenance machinery;
• A ditch-digging apparatus;
• A well-boring apparatus; and
• A concrete mixer.

Arkansas

Vehicle propelled by overhead electric power 

Any vehicle propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, though not operated on rails.

Arkansas

Federally owned government vehicles

No certificates of title need be obtained for any vehicle of a type subject to registration owned by the United States Government.

• A vehicle will be exempt from the requirement to exhibit a state license plate if it:Belongs to the United States Government; and
• Is used by the United States Government exclusively for United States Government business.

The exempt vehicle must exhibit a special license plate that states that the vehicle is owned by the United States Government.

Arkansas

Nonresident owned foreign-registered motor vehicles or motorcycles

Any motor vehicle or motorcycle belonging to any person who is a nonresident of Arkansas who has registered the motor vehicle or motorcycle in and who has complied with all the laws of the state, territory, District of Columbia, or any province or territory of Canada in which the owner resides with respect to the registration of motor vehicles and who conspicuously displays the registration number as required may be operated in Arkansas as follows:

• If the vehicle is operated for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the owner or other growers;
• A privately owned and duly registered motor vehicle not operated for hire but for the purpose of going to and from the owner's place of regular employment and the making of trips for the purchasing of goods, wares, and merchandise in Arkansas;
• Any motor vehicle operated by a nonresident only making an occasional trip into Arkansas may do so without the payment of any motor vehicle license fee to this state, if the vehicle is not operated for hire.
• The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration may issue temporary permits without payment of license fees for motor vehicles operated for hire by a nonresident into and across the highways of Arkansas when the vehicles are operated upon charters for casual, irregular, occasional, and nonscheduled sightseeing trips; and
• The secretary is authorized and empowered to enter into any agreement or issue any permit for the operation of any motor vehicles upon the highways of Arkansas without payment of license fees when the motor vehicles are operated under and by the supervision of the proper authorities of the United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, or United States Marine Corps during any period of emergency.

These provisions apply to a motor vehicle owned by a nonresident of Arkansas only to the extent that under the laws of the state, territory, District of Columbia, or any province or territory of Canada, or other place of residence of the nonresident owner, like exemptions are granted to motor vehicles registered under the laws of, and owned by, residents of Arkansas.

California

An off-highway motor vehicle

An off-highway motor vehicle that displays an identification plate or device issued by the department pursuant to Section 38010 may be driven, moved, or left standing in an off-street public parking facility without being registered or paying registration fees.

California

An off-highway motor vehicle 

An off-highway motor vehicle that displays an identification plate or device issued by the department pursuant to Section 38010 may be driven, moved, or left standing in an off-street public parking facility without being registered or paying registration fees.

California

Vehicle towed by a tow truck

A vehicle towed by a tow truck on the order of a sheriff, marshal, or other official acting pursuant to a court order or a peace officer acting pursuant to this code.

California

Vehicle obtained by licensed repossessor 

A vehicle obtained by a licensed repossessor as a release of collateral is exempt from registration for purposes of the repossessor removing the vehicle to their storage facility or the facility of the legal owner. A law enforcement agency, impounding authority, tow yard, storage facility, or any other person in possession of the collateral must release the vehicle without requiring current registration.

California

Vehicles owned by the state of California and its agencies and political subdivisions that act as “private carriers.”

These vehicles are exempt from the required “private carrier” registration under Cal Veh Code §34683 Required registration.

A “private carrier” is defined as a not-for-hire motor carrier who transports passengers and is required to obtain a carrier identification number, including an organization that provides transportation services incidental to the operation of a youth camp that is either a nonprofit organization that qualifies for tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or an organization that operates an organized camp, as defined in Section 18897 of the Health and Safety Code, serving youth 18 years of age or younger.

California

Vehicles exempt under permit

When moved or operated under a permit issued by the department, registration is not required of:

• A vehicle not previously registered while being moved or operated from a dealer’s, distributor’s, or manufacturer’s place of business to a place where essential parts of the vehicle are to be altered or supplied.
• A vehicle while being moved from a place of storage to another place of storage.
• A vehicle being moved to or from a garage or repair shop for repairs or alteration.
• A vehicle while being moved or operated to dismantle or wreck the same and permanently remove it from the highways.
• A vehicle, while being moved from one place to another for inspection by the department, assignment of a vehicle identification number, inspection of pollution control devices, or weighing the vehicle.
• A vehicle, the construction of which has not been completed, until such time as the construction is completed and final weights and costs can be determined for registration purposes.

California

Vehicle owned by former prisoner of war, disabled veteran, etc.

Except for fees for duplicate license plates, duplicate certificates, or duplicate cards, registration fees need not be paid for a vehicle that is of a type subject to registration, and that is not used for transportation for hire, compensation, or profit, when owned by any of the following:

• A disabled veteran.
• A former American prisoner of war.
• The surviving spouse of a former American prisoner of war who has elected to retain the special license plates issued under Section 5101.5.
• A Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
• The surviving spouse of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who has elected to retain the special license plates issued under Section 5101.6.

The exemption granted must not extend to more than one vehicle owned by a former American prisoner of war, a disabled veteran, or a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, or a surviving spouse.

California

Vehicle owned by nonresident while gainful employment or residency sought

Except for a vehicle operated by a nonresident daily commuter, the owner of any vehicle of a type otherwise subject to registration, other than a commercial vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction, may operate the vehicle in California until gainful employment is accepted in this state or until residency is established, whichever occurs first, if the vehicle displays valid license plates and has a valid registration issued to the owner, and the owner was a resident of that foreign state at the time of issuance.

A nonresident owner of a vehicle, otherwise exempt from registration pursuant to this section or Section 6700.2 (nonresident daily commuter) may operate or permit operation of the vehicle in California without registering the vehicle in California if the vehicle is registered in the place of residence of the owner and displays valid license plates issued by that place. This exemption does not apply if the nonresident owner rents, leases, lends, or otherwise furnishes the vehicle to a California resident for regular use on the highways of California, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 4000.4.

Any resident who operates upon a highway of California a vehicle owned by a nonresident who furnished the vehicle to the resident operator for his or her regular use within California, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 4000.4, must register the vehicle in California within 20 days after its first operation within California by the resident.

Cal Veh Code 4000.4(b) states that a vehicle is deemed to be primarily or regularly used on the highways of California if the vehicle is located or operated in California for a greater amount of time than it is located or operated in any other individual state during the registration period in question.

California

Repossessed vehicle

A vehicle repossessed pursuant to the terms of a security agreement is exempt from registration solely for the purpose of transporting the vehicle from the point of repossession to the storage facilities of the repossessor, and from the storage facilities to the legal owner or a licensed motor vehicle auction, provided that the repossessor transports with the vehicle the appropriate documents authorizing the repossession and makes them available to a law enforcement officer on request.

California

Golf carts (low-speed vehicles)

Golf carts (defined as “low-speed vehicles”) operated on highways adjacent to golf courses pursuant to Section 21115 (golf carts allowed on local highways) or 21115.1 (creation of golf cart crossing zones) are exempt from registration.

California

Implements of husbandry

Implements of husbandry which are only incidentally operated or moved over a highway and implements of husbandry listed in Cal Veh Code 36005 or 36015 are exempt from registration.

An implement of husbandry includes, but is not limited to:

• A lift carrier or other vehicle designed and used exclusively for the lifting and carrying of implements of husbandry or tools used exclusively for the production or harvesting of agricultural products, when operated or moved upon a highway.
• A trailer of the tip-bed type when used exclusively in the transportation of other implements of husbandry or tools used exclusively for the production or harvesting of agricultural products.
• A trailer or semitrailer having no bed and designed and used solely for transporting a hay loader or swather.
• A spray or fertilizer applicator rig used exclusively for spraying or fertilizing in agricultural operations. This subdivision does not apply to anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator rigs which have a transportation capacity of over 500 gallons.
• A trailer or semitrailer that has a maximum transportation capacity greater than 500 gallons, but not more than 1,000 gallons, used exclusively for the transportation and application of anhydrous ammonia, if the vehicle is either equipped with operating brakes or is towed upon a highway by a motortruck that is assigned a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of ¾ ton or more. These vehicles are subject to Section 24603 if the stop lamps of the towing vehicle are not clearly visible. A combination of these vehicles is limited to two vehicles in tandem.
• A nurse rig or equipment auxiliary to the use of and designed or modified for the fueling, repairing, or loading of an applicator rig or an airplane used for the dusting, spraying, fertilizing, or seeding of crops.
• A row duster.
• A wagon or van used exclusively for carrying products of farming from one part of a farm to another part thereof, or from one farm to another farm, and used solely for agricultural purposes, including any van used in harvesting alfalfa or cotton, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway as a trailer.
• A wagon or portable house on wheels used solely by shepherds as a permanent residence in connection with sheep raising operations and moved from one part of a ranch to another part thereof or from one ranch to another ranch, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway as a trailer.
• Notwithstanding subdivision (f) of Section 36101, a trap wagon, as defined in Section 36016, moved from one part of a ranch to another part of the same ranch or from one ranch to another, which is only operated or moved on a highway incidental to agricultural operations. The fuel tank or tanks of the trap wagon shall not exceed 1,000 gallons total capacity.
• Any vehicle that operated upon a highway only for the purpose of transporting agricultural products and is in no event operated along a highway for a total distance greater than one mile from the point of origin of the trip.
• A portable honey-extracting trailer or semitrailer.
• A fertilizer nurse tank or trailer that is not self-propelled and moved unladen on the highway and auxiliary to a spray or fertilizer applicator rig.
• Any cotton trailer when used on the highways for the exclusive purpose of transporting cotton from a farm to a cotton gin, and returning the empty trailer to such farm, except that Section 5014 shall apply to such trailers.
• A truck tractor or truck tractor and semitrailer combination which is owned by a farmer and operated on the highways, (1) only incidental to a farming operation, (2) not for compensation, and (3) for not more than two miles (on the highway) each way. This subdivision applies only to truck tractors with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds that are equipped with all-wheel drive and off-highway traction tires on all wheels, and only to semitrailers used in combination with such a truck tractor and exclusively in production or harvesting of tomatoes. The vehicles specified in this subdivision must not operate over 25 miles per hour on the highways.
• An all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle used exclusively in agricultural operations.

Under Cal Veh Code 36015, an “implement of husbandry” includes any farm tractor used upon a highway to draw a farm trailer carrying farm produce, or to draw any trailer or semitrailer carrying other implements of husbandry, between farms, or from a farm to a processing or handling point and returning with or without the trailer.

California

Farm trailers

“Farm trailers,” as defined in Section 36010, having a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less, are exempt from registration except that Section 5014 (application for special equipment plates) will apply to such trailers.

A “farm trailer” is either:

• A trailer or semitrailer owned and operated by a farmer in agricultural operations and used exclusively to transport agricultural products on the highway to the point of first handling and return.
• A trailer or semitrailer equipped with rollers on the bed, with a frame not taller than 10 inches high, and with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, that is owned, rented, or leased by a farmer and operated by that farmer in the conduct of agricultural operations, used exclusively to transport fruit and vegetables upon the highway to the point of first handling and return, and that was manufactured and in use prior to January 1, 1997. These vehicles may also be operated on the highways without a load to deliver a rented or leased vehicle to the renting or leasing farmer’s farm or return empty to the owner’s premises.

California

Vehicle operated by nonresident daily commuter

A nonresident daily commuter may operate a motor vehicle on the highways of California only if:

1. The motor vehicle is a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle of less than 8,001 pounds unladen weight with not more than two axles of the type commonly referred to as a pickup truck.
2. The motor vehicle is used regularly to transport passengers on the highways of California principally between, and to and from, the place of residence in a contiguous state and the place of employment in California by the owner of the motor vehicle and for no other business purpose.
3. The motor vehicle is not used during a business within California, including the transportation of property other than incidental personal property between, and to or from, the place of residence in a contiguous state and the place of employment of the motor vehicle owner in California.
4. Nothing in paragraphs (2) and (3) prohibits a nonresident daily commuter operating a motor vehicle that displays currently valid external vehicle identification indicia and who possess a corresponding identification card issued pursuant to Section 6700.25 from using that vehicle for other lawful purposes.

This exception to registration of a motor vehicle does not supersede any other exception to registration under other conditions provided by law. This exception does not apply to a resident of a foreign country.

California

Special Construction and Mobile Equipment 

Special construction equipment and special mobile equipment are exempt from registration.

California

Nonresident members or the Armed Forces

Any nonresident owner of a vehicle registered in a foreign state who is a member or spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty within this state, and any resident owner of a vehicle registered in a foreign state who is a member or spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States returning from active duty in a foreign state, may operate the vehicle in California without securing California registration if:

• The license plates displayed on the vehicle are valid plates issued by a foreign jurisdiction.
• The vehicle registration and license plates are issued to the military person or spouse of the military person.
• The vehicle registration and license plates were issued by the foreign jurisdiction where the military person was last regularly assigned and stationed for duty by military orders or a jurisdiction claimed by the nonresident military person as the permanent state of residence.
• If the owner or driver has in force one of the forms of financial responsibility specified in Section 16021.

The military orders do not include military orders for leave, for temporary duty, or for any other assignment of any nature requiring the military person’s presence outside the foreign jurisdiction where the owner was regularly assigned and stationed for duty.

This exemption does not apply to commercial vehicles used in any business manner by which the military person or spouse receives compensation.

California

Forklifts

Any forklift truck which is designed primarily for loading and unloading and for stacking materials and is operated upon a highway only for the purpose of transporting products or material across a highway in the loading, unloading or stacking process, and is in no event operated along a highway for a greater distance than one-quarter mile is exempt from registration.

California

Foreign commercial vehicle (temporary 90-day registration or 4-day trip permit). 

Commercial motor vehicles meeting the registration requirements of a foreign jurisdiction, and subject to registration but not entitled to exemption from registration or licensing under any of the provisions of the California Vehicle Code or any agreements, arrangements, or declarations made under Article 3 (commencing with Section 8000) of Chapter 4, may, as an alternate to registration, secure a temporary registration to operate in California for a period of not to exceed 90 days, or a trip permit to operate for a period of four consecutive days.

The trip permit or temporary registration does not apply to a vehicle based in California and operated by a person with an established place of business in California. A commercial motor vehicle will be considered to be based in California if it is primarily operated or dispatched from or principally garaged or serviced or maintained at a site with an address within this state.

Any trailer or semitrailer identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 5014.1 that enters the state without a currently valid license plate issued by California or another jurisdiction will be immediately subject to full identification fees as specified in subdivision (e) of Section 5014.1.

California

Vehicles owned by nonresidents discharged from armed forces 

Any person entering California following discharge from the armed forces of the United States is exempted from registration of passenger vehicles, trailer coaches, and utility trailers only, as provided for and under the conditions prescribed in Section 6700. Except as provided in Section 6700.2 (nonresident daily commuter) the owner of any vehicle of a type otherwise subject to registration, other than a commercial vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction, may operate the vehicle in California until gainful employment is accepted or until residency is established, whichever occurs first, if the vehicle displays valid license plates and has a valid registration issued to the owner, and the owner was a resident of that state at the time of issuance. Application to register the vehicle must be made within 20 days after gainful employment is accepted or residency is established.

A nonresident owner of a vehicle, otherwise exempt from registration pursuant to this section 6700 or Section 6700.2, may operate or permit operation of the vehicle in California without registering the vehicle if the vehicle is registered in the place of residence of the owner and displays valid license plates issued by that place. This exemption does not apply if the nonresident owner rents, leases, lends, or otherwise furnishes the vehicle to a California resident for regular use on the highways of this state, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 4000.4. Any resident who operates upon a California highway a vehicle owned by a nonresident who furnished the vehicle to the resident operator for his or her regular use within California, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 4000.4, must registered the vehicle in California within 20 days after its first operation within California by the resident.

California

Vehicle crossing highway from one property to another

A vehicle driven or moved on a highway only to cross the highway from one property to another in accordance with a permit issued by the Department of Transportation is exempt from registration.

California

Trailer Coach

The registration provisions do not apply to:

• Any trailer coach which is driven or moved upon a highway in any of the following circumstances:
  • In conformance with the rules relating to dealers, manufacturers, transporters, or nonresidents.
  • Under a temporary permit issued as authorized by Section 4156.
  • Under a one–trip permit as authorized by Section 4003 when such permit is issued to a nonresident.

• Any unoccupied trailer coach which is part of an inventory of trailer coaches held for sale by a manufacturer or dealer.

California

Foreign commercial vehicles (reciprocity) 

The nonresident owner of a foreign vehicle will be granted such privileges and freedom from registration and payment of fees imposed by this code, or Part 5 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, commencing at Section 10701, as the foreign jurisdiction in which the foreign commercial vehicle is registered or licensed grants to like vehicles registered under California vehicle code or as provided in agreements, arrangements, or declarations made under Article 3, commencing at Section 8000.

California

Airport refueling vehicles

Any vehicle that is designed or altered for, and used exclusively for, the refueling of aircraft at a public airport is exempt from registration, if the vehicle is operated upon a highway under the control of a local authority for a continuous distance not exceeding one–half mile each way to and from a bulk fuel storage facility.

California

Hauled vehicles

A vehicle transported upon a highway, no part of which is in contact with the highway, is exempt from registration.

California

Cemetery equipment

Any vehicle, implement, or equipment specifically designed or altered for and used exclusively in the maintenance or operation of cemetery grounds, which is only incidentally operated or moved on a highway is exempt from registration.

California

Portable dolly

Any portable or collapsible dolly carried in a tow truck or in a truck used by an automobile dismantler and used upon a highway exclusively for towing disabled vehicles is exempt from registration.

California

Firefighting vehicle

Any privately owned vehicle designed or capable of being used for firefighting purposes when operated upon a highway only in responding to, and returning from, emergency fire calls is exempt from registration.

California

Logging vehicle

Any logging vehicle is exempt from registration.

Colorado

Vehicles owned by the United States government or by an agency thereof.

Colorado

Fire-fighting vehicles

Colorado

Police ambulances and patrol wagons

Colorado

Farm tractors and implements of husbandry

If designed primarily for use and used in agricultural operations.

Colorado

Special mobile machinery used only on property owned or leased by the owner

Must be used solely on property owned or leased by the owner of such machinery and equipment and not operated on the public highways of the state, if the owner lists all the machinery or equipment for assessment and taxation under part 1 of article 5 of title 39, C.R.S.

Colorado

Special mobile machinery owned by a public utility

If not operated on the highways of this state and owned by a public utility and taxed under article 4 of title 39, C.R.S.

Colorado

Special mobile machinery exempt by certificate

Exempt if covered by a registration exempt certificate issued by the department in accordance with section 42-3-107 (16)(g). For the owner of special mobile machinery may obtain a registration exempt certificate if:The department verifies that the owner regularly has at least 250 items of special mobile machinery in the state;Each item of such special mobile machinery is clearly marked or painted in a manner that identifies it as being owned by the owner;Each item of special mobile machinery bears a visible and readily identifiable unique identification number assigned by the owner;Each item of special mobile machinery bears a visible toll-free telephone number for the owner that can be used for verification of ownership; andThe owner of the special mobile machinery has paid all required fees and surcharges.

Colorado

Any vehicle whose owner is permitted to operate it under registration provisions concerning lienholders, manufacturers, dealers, nonresidents, and fleet owners.

Colorado

Foreign owned vehicle operated within Colorado

The registration requirement for foreign owned vehicles does not require registration or reregistration of any motor vehicle, truck, bus, trailer, semitrailer, or trailer coach used in interstate commerce. However, registration or reregistration is required in accordance with or to the extent that reciprocity exists between the state of Colorado and a foreign country or another state, territory, or possession of the United States.

Colorado

Vehicle owned by a nonresident who operates a business in Colorado

Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or trailer coach within Colorado must be registered and pay the same fees and tax as are required for vehicles owned by residents of Colorado.This rule, however, does not require registration or reregistration in Colorado of any motor vehicle, trailer, or trailer coach used in interstate commerce.But registration or reregistration is required in accordance with or to the extent that reciprocity exists between the state of Colorado and a foreign country or another state, territory, or possession of the United States.

Colorado

Motor vehicles registered with and displaying plates issued by the armed forces in foreign countries and owned by military personnel

Owners of these vehicles have 45 days to register the vehicle.

Connecticut

• Aircraft
• Motorboats
• Road rollers
• Baggage trucks used about railroad stations or other mass transit facilities.
• Electric battery-operated wheel chairs when operated by persons with physical disabilities at speeds not exceeding 15 mph.
• Golf carts operated on highways solely to cross from one part of the golf course to another.
• Golf-cart-type vehicles operated on roads or highways on the grounds of state institutions by state employees.
• Agricultural tractors
• Farm implements
• Such vehicles as run only on rails or tracks.
• Self-propelled snowplows, snow blowers and lawn mowers, when used for the purposes for which they were designed and operated at speeds not exceeding four mph, whether or not the operator rides on or walks behind such equipment.
• Motor-driven cycles, as defined in section 14-286.
• Special mobile equipment, as defined in section 14-165
• Any other vehicle not suitable for operation on a highway.

All “motor vehicles” must be registered, except those listed above, which are specifically excluded from the statutory definition of “motor vehicle.”

Connecticut

Any motor vehicle may be towed for repairs or necessary work

The motor vehicle must bear the number plates of a licensed and registered dealer, manufacturer or repairer.

Connecticut

Motor vehicle registered in another state (90-day grace period) 

Any motor vehicle validly registered in another state may, for 90 days after establishment by the owner of residence in Connecticut, be operated on any highway without first being registered with the commissioner.

Connecticut

Nonresident-owned motor vehicles (reciprocity)

A motor vehicle owned by a nonresident and registered for the current year in the state or district of which the owner is a resident may be operated upon the highways of Connecticut without registration to the extent, as to period of operation and otherwise, that the state or district of registration grants substantially similar privileges in the case of motor vehicles owned by residents of Connecticut and registered under its laws. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles will determine whether privileges granted by such states or districts are substantially the same as those granted by Connecticut and may enter into reciprocal agreements with any other state.

Connecticut

Out-of-state registered vehicle pending proof of ownership (six-month courtesy)

The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue a six-month courtesy registration for any motor vehicle for which adequate proof of ownership is pending, including a motor vehicle previously registered in another state that is awaiting the out-of-state title or title lien release required for obtaining a permanent registration in this state. In no case may such registration be issued without proper sale documents in the name of the person seeking to obtain such registration and without meeting all other requirements for the registration of the motor vehicle.

Connecticut

Vehicle operated by a resident of a foreign country 

Any motor vehicle or trailer owned or operated by a resident of a foreign country, which country adheres to the articles of the “International Convention” held in Paris, April 24, 1926, or amendments thereto, relative to the operation of motor vehicles, may be operated on the highways of Connecticut without registration, provided such nonresident operator is the holder of an international operator’s license and provided such motor vehicle is legally registered in the country of his residence and also bears an international registration.

Connecticut

Vehicles or motorcycles sold to minors, or to a person, firm, or corporation engaged in leasing or renting motor vehicles without drivers.

Delaware

Exceptions specifically noted in 21 Del. C. §2101 Operation of unregistered vehicle; exceptions:

• Trackless trolley coaches.
• Temporary operation of a vehicle when application for registration has been made accompanied by the proper fee and certificate of title upon display of a duplicate application.
• A motor vehicle or vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle registered as a tow truck or wrecker if such towed vehicle has one end hoisted off the ground while being towed. The term tow truck or wrecker does not apply to a vehicle registered as a truck tractor.
• A motor vehicle or vehicle being operated on public roadways for the purpose of being transported between the Wilmington Port Authority and short-term parking areas within 1 mile of the facility’s gates need not be registered.
• A vehicle driven by a repair technician for drive cycle testing, certified under the Delaware Emission Education Program (“DEEP”) who has in that technician’s possession:
  • A permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources permitting such operation;
  • Testing equipment for an on-board diagnostic test is installed in the vehicle; and
  • The operator has evidence of a current and applicable garage keeper’s policy on hand, evidencing insurance coverage available for such operation.

All “vehicles” must be registered per 21 Del. C. §2101 Operation of unregistered vehicle; exceptions.

“Vehicle” is defined as every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, except:

• Devices moved by human power;
• Devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks;
• Electric trackless trolley coaches;
• Electric bicycles;
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices; and
• Off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

“Off-highway vehicle” or “OHV” means a motor driven off-road vehicle capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail, on or immediately over land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. It includes, but is not limited to:

• A multi-wheel drive or low-pressure tire vehicle;
• A motorcycle or related 2-wheel vehicle;
• An amphibious machine;
• A ground effect air-cushion vehicle; or
• Other means of transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.

“OHV” does not include:

• A farm vehicle being used for farming;
• A vehicle used for military, fire, emergency or law-enforcement purposes;
• A construction or logging vehicle used in performance of its common function;
• Electric bicycle;
• Electric personal assistive mobility device or;
• A registered aircraft.
  Snowmobiles are not OHVs.

District of Columbia

• Traction engine (a steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location).
• Road roller.
• Vehicle propelled only upon rails or tracks.
• Personal mobility devices, as the term is defined in §50-2201.02(13).
• Electric mobility devices, as the term is defined in §50-2201.02(6A).
• Motorized bicycles, as the term is defined in §50-2201.02(11A).
• Battery-operated wheelchair when operated by a person with a disability.

Florida

• Traction engines (a steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location)
• Road rollers
• Personal delivery devices and mobile carriers as defined in s. 316.003
• Special mobile equipment as defined in s. 316.003Vehicles that run only upon a track

Florida

Port vehicles and equipment

Exempt when operated or used within the port facility of any deepwater port of Florida, as listed in s. 403.021(9)(b), for the purpose of transporting cargo, containers, or other equipment:

From wharves to storage areas or terminals and return to wharves within the port;From such storage areas or terminals to other storage areas or terminals within the port; andOn public roads connecting port facilities of a single deepwater port, as listed in s. 403.021(9)(b), which are designated as port district roads for the purpose of transporting cargo, containers, and other equipment.

The term “port vehicles and equipment” includes:

• Trucks
• Tractors
• Trailers
• Truck cranes
• Top loaders
• Forklifts
• Hostling tractors
• Chassis
• Other vehicles or equipment used for transporting cargo, containers, or other equipment.

Florida

Airport fuel trucks and equipment

These vehicles are exempt from registration, the payment of license taxes, and the display of license plates when operated or used to transport aviation fuel within the airport facility of any public-use airport of Florida.The term “airport fuel trucks and equipment” includes trucks, trailers, containers, and other vehicles or equipment used for transporting aviation fuel.

Florida

Vehicles owned by residents of other states and foreign countries

Reciprocal agreements whereby residents of other states or foreign countries operating motor vehicles properly licensed and registered in their respective states or foreign country may have such privileges and exemption in the operation of their motor vehicles in Florida as residents of Florida whose vehicles are properly registered may have and enjoy in the operation of their motor vehicles in such other states or foreign country.

Florida

Golf carts and utility vehicles 

These vehicles, as defined in s. 320.01, when operated in accordance with s. 316.212 or s. 316.2126, are exempt from registration or the display of license plates.

A “utility vehicle” means a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for general maintenance, security, and landscaping purposes, but not any vehicle designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway, or a golf cart, or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) as defined in s. 316.2074.

Florida

Farm tractors and trailers

Specifically:

• A motor vehicle which is operated principally on a farm, grove, or orchard in agricultural or horticultural pursuits, and which is operated on the roads of Florida only incidentally.
• A vehicle without motive power which is used principally for the purpose of transporting plows, harrows, fertilizer distributors, spray machines, and other farm or grove equipment and which uses the roads only incidentally.Either of the vehicles described above that is operated on the roads of Florida for up to three days while moving from an auction site or other place of purchase to the purchaser’s property if the operator has in his or her possession a bill of sale.

This does not exempt farm tractors and trailers from laws relating to the tires used when operating on this state's roads.

Florida

Vehicles owned by nonresidents

This exemption applies if the owner has complied with the provisions of the motor vehicle registration or licensing law of the foreign country, state, territory, or federal district of the owner’s residence and conspicuously displays his or her registration number as required thereby.

This exemption does not apply to:

• A foreign corporation doing business in this state;
• Motor vehicles operated for hire, including any motor vehicle used in transporting agricultural or horticultural products or supplies if such vehicle otherwise meets the definition of a “for-hire vehicle”;
• Recreational vehicles or mobile homes located in this state for at least six consecutive months; or
• Commercial vehicles as defined in s. 316.003.

Florida

New automobile or truck with title vested in a manufacturer, distributor, importer, or exporter

An exemption applies to registration and display of plates for new automobile or truck the equitable or legal title to which is vested in a manufacturer, distributor, importer, or exporter and which has never been transferred to an ultimate purchaser, if the vehicle is in the care, custody, and control of a vehicle servicing, processing, and handling agency or organization for the performance of such services and the export of such vehicle from the state or its distribution in the state.

Provided, the agency or organization conspicuously displays on the vehicle its name and address on a temporary 5-inch by 12-inch sign that includes the legend “has custody of this vehicle.”

Georgia

Registration is required of all motor vehicles, including a tractor or motorcycle, and every owner of a trailer, except for any:

• Motor vehicle or trailer owned by the state or any municipality or other political subdivision of Georgia and used exclusively for governmental functions except to the extent provided by Code Section 40-2-37.
• Those vehicles employed in secret investigatory police functions to which regular Georgia license plates are issued and
• Those vehicles assigned for the transportation of employees of the Georgia Lottery Corporation to which regular Georgia license plates are issued.
• Tractor or three-wheeled motorcycle used only for agricultural purposes;
• Vehicle or equipment used for transporting cargo or containers between and within wharves, storage areas, or terminals within the facilities of any port under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Ports Authority when such vehicle or equipment is being operated upon any public road not part of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways by the owner thereof or his or her agent within a radius of 10 miles of the port facility of origin and accompanied by an escort vehicle equipped with one or more operating amber flashing lights that are visible from a distance of 500 feet;
• Trailer which has no springs and which is being employed in hauling unprocessed farm products to their first market destination;
• Trailer which has no springs, which is pulled from a tongue, and which is used primarily to transport fertilizer to a farm;
• Electric powered personal transportation vehicle;
• Moped; or
• Golf car.

Georgia

Vehicles registered in other states

Motor vehicles owned by nonresidents may be used and operated on the public streets and highways for a period of 30 days without registering said motor vehicles in the State of Georgia.

Motor vehicles owned by visitors may be used and operated on the public streets and highways, for pleasure purposes only, for a period of 90 days without registering said motor vehicles in the State of Georgia.

To be eligible, a nonresident or visitor must have fully complied with the laws relating to the registration of motor vehicles of the state or territory wherein he resides, and the registration number and initial letter of such state or territory shall be displayed and plainly visible on such motor vehicles.

A nonresident student who is a resident of a state which is a member of the Multistate Reciprocity Agreement shall be exempt from the requirement of registering his motor vehicle in this state in accordance with the provisions of said Multistate Reciprocity Agreement.

“Nonresident” means any person who does not reside in the State of Georgia but who accepts employment or engages in any trade, profession, or occupation in the state or enters his children in the public schools of this state.

“Visitor” means any person who does not reside in the State of Georgia and who is not a nonresident.

Georgia

Vehicles subject to reciprocity agreements

Motor vehicles properly licensed and registered in their respective jurisdictions may have the same or substantially the same privileges or exemptions in the operation of their motor vehicles in this state as residents of this state may have and enjoy in the operation in such other jurisdictions of their motor vehicles properly licensed and registered in this state.

Hawaii

• Special mobile equipment;
• Implements of husbandry temporarily drawn, moved, or otherwise propelled upon the public highways;
• Aircraft servicing vehicles that are being used exclusively on lands set aside to the department of transportation for airport purposes;
• Vehicles operated on rails;
• Mopeds; and
• Tractor trucks, flatbed trucks, forklifts, and top picks being used as marine terminal equipment temporarily moving in or between terminals at:
• Sand Island and along Sand Island Parkway and Sand Island Access Road;
• Kalanianaole Avenue between Kuhio Street and Kahanu Street, abutting Hilo Harbor;
• Kawaihae-Mahukona Road abutting Kawaihae Harbor;
• East Kaahumanu Avenue between Hobron Avenue and Kane Street, abutting Kahului Harbor;
• Waapa Road abutting Nawiliwili Harbor;
• Nimitz Highway, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and between 6:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.;
• Sand Island Access Road and Forrest Avenue, including all roadways abutting pier accessways; if vehicles abide by the speed limit and keep up with the flow of traffic;
• Auiki Street, abutting Kapalama Container Terminal;
• Malakole Street, abutting Barbers Point; and
• Hanua Street, abutting Barbers Point; provided that an escort vehicle is present.

Idaho

General rule: Every owner of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer who intends to operate the vehicle upon any highway in Idaho must obtain registration.

By definition, “motor vehicles” do not include:

• Vehicles moved solely by human power,
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices,
• Personal delivery devices,
• Electric-assisted bicycles, and
• Motorized wheelchairs or other vehicles exempt from titling or registration requirements under title 49, Idaho Code.

In addition:

• Owners of vehicles specified in section 49-426, Idaho Code, are exempt from registration (see details below); and
• Owners of vehicles operating on a temporary basis as provided in sections 49-431(3), 49-432 and 49-433, Idaho Code, are exempt from registration to the extent that the temporary permits are unexpired.

Idaho

Government vehicles used on irrigation project or irrigation works or to furnish water 

Motor vehicles owned or leased by the United States, the state, a city, a county, any department thereof, any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state, any taxing district of the state, any state-registered nonprofit subscription fire protection unit, or any organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, organized for the operation, maintenance, or management of an irrigation project or irrigation works or system or for the purpose of furnishing water to its members or shareholders.

Idaho

• Farm tractors,
• Implements of husbandry,
• Manufactured homes that qualify for an exemption under the provisions of section 49-422, Idaho Code (i.e., new manufactured homes being transported either prior to first sale at retail or to the initial setup location of the original purchaser),
• Road rollers,
• Wheel-mounted tar buckets,
• Portable concrete or mortar mixers,
• Wheel-mounted compressors,
• Tow dollies,
• Portable toilet trailers,
• Street sweepers,
• Other construction equipment,
• Forestry equipment,
• Lawn and grounds equipment, and
• Similar devices as determined by the department that are temporarily operated or moved upon the highways need not be registered, nor will implements of husbandry be considered towed units under registration of vehicle combinations as defined in section 49-108(2), Idaho Code.

Idaho

• Self-propelled wheelchairs,
• Three-wheeled bicycles,
• Wheelchair conveyances,
• Golf carts,
• Lawn mowers, and
• Scooters

Operated by persons who by reason of physical disability are otherwise unable to move about as pedestrians.

Idaho

Motorcycles and off-highway vehicles

Need not be licensed or numbered pursuant to the provisions of sections 67-7122 and 67-7124, Idaho Code, if they are being used exclusively in connection with agricultural, horticultural, dairy and livestock growing and feeding operations, or used exclusively for snow removal purposes.

Travel on the public highways must be limited to travel between farm or ranch locations.Motorcycles and off-highway vehicles used for this purpose must meet the emblem requirements of section 49-619, Idaho Code.

When operating an off-highway vehicle upon highways, off-highway vehicles must not travel at speeds greater than the posted speed limit or 45 miles per hour, whichever is less.The requirements of title 18 and chapters 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 14, title 49, Idaho Code, apply to the operation of off-highway vehicles upon highways.

Off-highway vehicles may be used on highways located on state lands or federal lands that are not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho, provided the numbering requirements of section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, are met.

Idaho

Off-highway vehicles licensed and numbered pursuant to section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, and those vehicles exempt from licensing and numbering pursuant to subsection (2) of Idaho Code 49-426.

May operate on:

• All highways that are not state highways and that are not interstate highways;
• Any non-full access-controlled state highway within the boundaries of a municipality and extending one mile from such boundary lines where the posted speed limit is 60 miles per hour or less; and
• Any non-full access-controlled state highway outside of municipalities where the posted speed limit is 65 miles per hour or less for continuous distances of no more than five miles for the limited purpose of connecting between OHV trails, obtaining access to or from an OHV trail, or to access necessary services such as fuel, lodging, food and beverage, and maintenance.

When operating an off-highway vehicle upon highways, off-highway vehicles must not travel at speeds greater than the posted speed limit or 45 miles per hour, whichever is less.

The requirements of title 18 and chapters 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 14, title 49, Idaho Code, apply to the operation of off-highway vehicles upon highways.

Off-highway vehicles may be used on highways located on state lands or federal lands that are not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho, provided the numbering requirements of section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, are met.

Idaho

Off-highway vehicles licensed and numbered pursuant to section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, and those vehicles exempt from licensing and numbering pursuant to subsection (2) of Idaho Code 49-426

These vehicles are permitted to cross a highway, except interstate highways and full access-controlled state highways, at a public road intersection and at any point where an OHV trail intersects, provided the vehicle comes to a full and complete stop before making the crossing and yields to any highway traffic.

When operating an off-highway vehicle upon highways, off-highway vehicles must not travel at speeds greater than the posted speed limit or 45 miles per hour, whichever is less.

The requirements of title 18 and chapters 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 14, title 49, Idaho Code, apply to the operation of off-highway vehicles upon highways.

Off-highway vehicles may be used on highways located on state lands or federal lands that are not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho, provided the numbering requirements of section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, are met.

Idaho

Off-highway vehicles licensed and numbered pursuant to section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, and those vehicles exempt from licensing and numbering pursuant to subsection (2) of Idaho Code 49-426

They are not permitted on interstate highways and full access-controlled state highways, provided that the Idaho transportation board may designate sections of such state highways upon which off-highway vehicles may travel.

When operating an off-highway vehicle upon highways, off-highway vehicles must not travel at speeds greater than the posted speed limit or 45 miles per hour, whichever is less.The requirements of title 18 and chapters 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, and 14, title 49, Idaho Code, apply to the operation of off-highway vehicles upon highways.

Off-highway vehicles may be used on highways located on state lands or federal lands that are not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho, provided the numbering requirements of section 67-7122 or 67-7124, Idaho Code, are met.

Idaho

Vehicles operated under temporary permits

Owners of vehicles operating on a temporary basis as provided in sections 49-431(3) (proportional registration of commercial vehicles), 49-432 (temporary registration for residents and nonresidents) and 49-433 (single trip permits), Idaho Code, are exempt from registration to the extent that the temporary permits in use are unexpired.

Illinois

Illinois registration policy: Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer when driven or moved upon a highway must be registered, except:

• Any vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lienholders or nonresidents or under a temporary registration permit issued by the Secretary of State.
• Any implement of husbandry whether of a type otherwise subject to registration or not which is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway, which shall include a not-for-hire movement for the purpose of delivering farm commodities to a place of first processing or sale, or to a place of storage.
• Any special mobile equipment.
• Any vehicle propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated on rails.
• Any vehicle which is equipped and used exclusively as a pumper, ladder truck, rescue vehicle, searchlight truck, or other fire apparatus, but not a vehicle of a type which would otherwise be subject to registration as a vehicle of the first division.Any vehicle owned and operated by the federal government and externally displays evidence of federal ownership.
• Any converter dolly or tow dolly which merely serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed vehicle.
• Any house trailer found to be an abandoned mobile home under the Abandoned Mobile Home Act [210 ILCS 117/1 et seq.].
• Any vehicle that is not properly registered or does not have registration plates or digital registration plates issued to the owner or operator affixed thereto, or that does have registration plates or digital registration plates issued to the owner or operator affixed thereto but the plates are not appropriate for the weight of the vehicle, provided that this exemption applies only while the vehicle is being transported or operated by a towing service and has a third tow plate affixed to it.

Illinois

Reciprocity 

Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer need not be registered provided it is operated interstate and in accordance with the following provisions and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto:

• A nonresident owner, owning any foreign registered vehicle of a type otherwise subject to registration, may operate or permit the operation of such vehicle within Illinois in interstate commerce without registering such vehicle in, or paying any fees to, Illinois subject to the condition that such vehicle at all times when operated in Illinois is operated pursuant to a reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration by Illinois, and further subject to the condition that such vehicle at all times when operated in Illinois is duly registered in, and displays upon it, a valid registration card and registration plate or plates or digital registration plate or plates issued for such vehicle in the place of residence of such owner and is issued and maintains in such vehicle a valid Illinois reciprocity permit as required by the Secretary of State, and provided like privileges are afforded to residents of Illinois by the State of residence of such owner.
  • This reciprocity exception does not apply to any nonresident including any foreign corporation carrying on business within Illinois and owning and regularly operating in such business any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer within Illinois in intrastate commerce.
• Any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer operated interstate need not be registered in Illinois, provided:
  • The vehicle is properly registered in another State pursuant to law or to a reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration; or
  • Such vehicle is part of a fleet of vehicles owned or operated by the same person who registers such fleet of vehicles pro rata among the various States in which such fleet operates; or
  • Such vehicle is part of a fleet of vehicles, a portion of which are registered with the Secretary of State of Illinois in accordance with an agreement or arrangement concurred in by the Secretary of State of Illinois based on one or more of the following factors:
    • Ratio of miles in Illinois as against total miles in all jurisdictions;
    • Situs or base of a vehicle, or where it is principally garaged, or from whence it is principally dispatched or where the movements of such vehicle usually originate;
    • Situs of the residence of the owner or operator thereof, or of his principal office or offices, or of his places of business;
    • The routes traversed and whether regular or irregular routes are traversed, and the jurisdictions traversed and served; and
    • Such other factors as may be deemed material by the Secretary and the motor vehicle administrators of the other jurisdictions involved in such apportionment

Illinois

Vehicles purchased out-of-state (45-day exception and temporary registration plate)

A resident of Illinois who purchases a vehicle in another state and transports the vehicle to Illinois shall apply for registration and certificate of title as soon as practicable, but in no event more than 45 days after the purchase of the vehicle.If an Illinois motorist who purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state licensed dealer is unable to meet the 45-day deadline due to a delay in paperwork from the seller, that motorist may obtain an Illinois temporary registration plate with: (i) proof of purchase; (ii) proof of meeting the Illinois driver’s license or identification card requirement; and (iii) proof that Illinois title and registration fees have been paid. If fees have not been paid, the motorist may pay them to obtain the temporary registration plate. The owner of such a vehicle shall display any temporary permit or registration issued in accordance with Section 3-407 [625 ILCS 5/3-407].

Indiana

The following vehicles are not required to be registered:

• A vehicle propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated on rails or tracks.
• A firetruck and apparatus used for fire protection.
• A new motor vehicle if the new motor vehicle is being operated in Indiana solely to remove it from an accident site to a storage location because:
  • The new motor vehicle was being transported on a railroad car or semitrailer; and
  • The railroad car or semitrailer was involved in an accident that required the unloading of the new motor vehicle to preserve or prevent further damage to it.
• A vehicle that is:
  • Owned or leased; and
  • Used by the United States government for official government purposes.
• A school bus or special purpose bus that is:
  • Owned by a school corporation; and
  • Registered under IC 20-27-7.
• A vehicle that is not designed for or employed in general highway transportation of persons or property and is occasionally operated or moved over the highway, including the following:
  • An electric personal assistive mobility device.
  • Road construction or maintenance machinery.
  • A movable device designed, used, or maintained to alert motorists of hazardous conditions on highways.
  • Construction dust control machinery.
  • A well boring apparatus.
• A ditch digging apparatus.
• An agriculture implement designed to be operated mainly in a farm field or on farm premises.
• A farm tractor.
• A farm wagon.
• A tractor:
  • Used to move semitrailers around a terminal or a loading or spotting facility; and
  • For which a permit is issued under IC 6-6-4.1-13(f).
• Except as provided in IC 9-18.1-14-1, an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile.
• A vehicle that is operated and displays a license plate in accordance with IC 9-32 (Dealer services).
• A “disposable trailer”, defined in IC §9-13-2-44.5 as: a trailer that is designed for single use transportation of a sectionalized building after which the parts of the trailer are disassembled to be sold or recycled.

Iowa

Every motor vehicle, trailer, and semitrailer when driven or moved upon a highway must be registered except:

• Any such vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, or nonresidents as contemplated by section 321.53 and chapter 326.
• Any such vehicle driven or moved upon a highway under a temporary registration permit issued by the department.
• Any such vehicle driven or moved on a highway only to cross such highway from one property to another.
• Any implement of husbandry.
• Any special mobile equipment as defined below.
• Any vehicle which is used exclusively for interplant purposes, in the operation of an industrial or manufacturing plant, consisting of a single unit comprising a group of buildings separated by streets, alleys, or railroad tracks, and which vehicle is used solely to transport materials from one part of the plant to another or from an adjacent railroad track to the plant and in so doing incidentally using said streets or alleys for not more than one thousand feet.
• Any vehicle propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated on rails.
• Any school bus in this state used exclusively for the transportation of pupils to and from school or a school function or for the purposes provided in section 285.1, subsection 1, and section 285.10, subsection 9, or used exclusively for the transportation of children enrolled in a federal head start program.
• Any mobile home or manufactured home and any temporary undercarriage used solely for transporting manufactured homes, modular homes, or other portable buildings used or intended to be used for human occupancy.
• Any trailer that is used exclusively for the transportation, display, and distribution of flags honoring deceased veterans in parades or ceremonies held on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or other patriotic occasions as authorized by resolution of the local government of the community where the parade or ceremony takes place. A trailer hereby exempt from registration may only be used on city streets or secondary roads on the day of a parade or ceremony specified in the local government’s resolution, and a copy of the resolution must be always carried in the vehicle pulling the trailer.

“Special mobile equipment” means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including road construction or maintenance machinery and ditch-digging apparatus.

Kansas

The following vehicles need not be registered:

• Implement of husbandry.
  • “Implement of husbandry” means every vehicle designed or adapted and used exclusively for agricultural operations, including feedlots, and only incidentally moved or operated upon the highways. Including, but not limited to:
    • A farm tractor;
    • A self-propelled farm implement;
    • A fertilizer spreader, nurse tank or truck permanently mounted with a spreader used exclusively for dispensing or spreading water, dust or liquid fertilizers or agricultural chemicals, as defined in K.S.A. 2-2202, and amendments thereto, regardless of ownership;
    • A truck mounted with a fertilizer spreader used or manufactured principally to spread animal dung; and
    • A mixer-feed truck owned and used by a feedlot, as defined in K.S.A. 47-1501, and amendments thereto, and specially designed and used exclusively for dispensing food to livestock in such feedlot.
• All-terrain vehicle.
  • “All-terrain vehicle” means any motorized nonhighway vehicle, other than an electric-assisted bicycle, that is 55 inches or less in width measured from the outside of one tire rim to the outside of the other tire rim, having a dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, traveling on three or more nonhighway tires.
• Micro utility truck.
  • “Micro utility truck” means any motor vehicle that is not less than 48 inches in width, has an overall length, including the bumper, of not more than 160 inches, has an unladen weight, including fuel and fluids, of more than 1,500 pounds, can exceed 40 miles per hour as originally manufactured and is manufactured with a metal cab. “Micro utility truck” does not include a work-site utility vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle.
• Golf cart.
• Work-site utility vehicle.
  • “Work-site utility vehicle” means any motor vehicle that is not less than 48 inches in width, has an unladen weight, including fuel and fluids, of more than 800 pounds and is equipped with four or more nonhighway tires, a steering wheel and bench or bucket-type seating allowing at least two people to sit side-by-side, and may be equipped with a bed or cargo box for hauling materials. “Work-site utility vehicle” does not include a micro utility truck or recreational off-highway vehicle.
• Road roller or road machinery temporarily operated or moved upon the highways.
• Municipally owned fire truck.
• Privately owned fire truck subject to a mutual aid agreement with a municipality.
• School bus owned and operated by a school district or a nonpublic school that has the name of the municipality, school district or nonpublic school plainly painted thereon.
• Farm trailer used in carrying not more than 6,000 pounds owned by a person engaged in farming, which trailer is used exclusively by the owner to transport agricultural products produced by such owner or commodities purchased by the owner for use on the farm owned or rented by the owner of such trailer and the weight of any such farm trailer, plus the cargo weight of 6,000 pounds or less, shall not be considered in determining the gross weight for which the truck or truck tractor propelling the same shall be registered.
• Farm trailer used and designed for transporting hay or forage from a field to a storage area or from a storage area to a feedlot that is only incidentally moved or operated upon the highways, except that this exception shall not apply to a farm semitrailer.
• Self-propelled cranes where the crane operator on a job site operates the controls of such crane from a permanent housing or module on the crane and the crane is not used for the transportation of property, except the property that is required for the operation of the crane itself and earth moving equipment that are equipped with pneumatic tires may be moved on the highways of this state from one job location to another, or to or from places of storage, delivery or repair, without complying with the provisions of the law relating to registration and display of license plates but shall comply with all the other requirements of the law relating to motor vehicles.
• Oil well servicing, oil well clean-out or oil well drilling machinery or equipment need not be registered but shall comply with all the other requirements of the law relating to motor vehicles.
• A truck permanently mounted with a hydraulic concrete pump and placing boom may be moved on the highways of this state from one job location to another, or to or from places of storage delivery or repair, without being registered, but shall comply with all the other requirements of the law relating to motor vehicles. This exception shall not apply to ready-mix concrete trucks.

Kansas

Vehicles exempted by law, interstate contract, agreement, arrangement or declaration made by the director of vehicles.

Every owner of a motor vehicle, motorized bicycle, trailer or semitrailer intended to be operated upon any highway in Kansas, whether such owner is a resident of Kansas or another state, or such vehicle is based in Kansas or another state, before any such vehicle is operated in Kansas, must apply for and obtain registration in Kansas under the provisions of K.S.A. 8-126 to 8-149, inclusive, and amendments thereto, except as otherwise provided by law or by any interstate contract, agreement, arrangement or declaration made by the director of vehicles.

Kansas

Foreign state registered vehicles operating intrastate in Kansas

Any truck or truck tractor bearing registration of a state other than Kansas which is engaged in intrastate movements within this state shall have Kansas registration, except such vehicles which are registered under the provisions of K.S.A. 8-1,101 to 8-1,123, inclusive, and amendments thereto, and except such vehicles as are entitled to engage in intrastate movements within this state under any interstate contract, agreement, consent, arrangement or declaration made by the director of vehicles.

Kansas

Transfer of registration to another vehicle (60-day exemption)

Whenever any person has a current motorcycle, motorized bicycle, passenger vehicle, truck or truck tractor registration and license plate for a vehicle which has been sold, traded or otherwise disposed of not later than 60 days, inclusive of weekends and holidays, after acquiring another vehicle to which the registration and license plate will be transferred and such person has complied with all of the conditions precedent to the transfer of the registration except having the registration transferred in the office of the county treasurer, such person may operate the vehicle acquired for a period of not to exceed 60 days, inclusive of weekends and holidays, after acquiring the same and pending transferral of registration and license plate in the office of the county treasurer by displaying the license plate on the vehicle acquired. If the acquired vehicle is a new vehicle, such person also must carry and have in possession the assigned certificate of title or bill of sale when operating the acquired vehicle during such 60-day period.

Kentucky

No Kentucky certificate of registration, license plate, or certificate of title need be applied for or obtained for:

• A vehicle owned by the United States unless it is registered in Kentucky;
• A vehicle owned by a nonresident of Kentucky, principally operated in another state, properly and currently registered and titled in another state;
• A vehicle regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of persons or property for which a currently effective lawful certificate of title has been issued in another state;
• A vehicle moved solely by animal power;
• An implement of husbandry;
• Special mobile equipment;
• A pole trailer.

Louisiana

The following vehicles are exempt from vehicle registration and licensing:

• Farm tractors, self-propelled farm equipment, and two-and four-wheeled, rubber-tired farm wagons or trailers of up to 2-ton capacity if the vehicles are used only in farming;
• Trackless trolley coaches, buses or passenger coaches or passenger carrying trailers or semi-trailers which are operated only within the corporate limits of a municipality, of two adjoining municipalities or up to 1/2 mile from the corporate limits;
• Oversize or overweight self-propelled motor cranes used only for heavy construction by the building and utility industries;
• Oversize or overweight self-propelled oil well or gas well pulling units used only for servicing oil or gas wells on off-road property;
• Road rollers and road machinery only temporarily moved on highways;
• Log loaders used only for loading logs.

Maine

• Tractors used for farming
  • Registration or a license is not required for a tractor or trailer used solely for farming purposes when operated to or from:
    • The premises where kept;
    • A farm lot and between farm lots, when used for farm purposes; or
    • A filling station or garage for fuel or repairs.
• Log skidder
  • Registration is not required for a log skidder used solely for logging purposes when operated to or from:
    • The premises where kept and a woodlot, or between woodlots used for logging purposes; or
    • A filling station or garage for fuel or repairs.
• Tractors used for logging
  • Registration is not required for a converted motor vehicle used as a tractor when used solely for logging purposes when operated to or from:
    • The premises where the tractor is kept;
    • A woodlot and between woodlots used for logging purposes; or
    • A filling station or garage for fuel or repairs.
• Tow dollies
  • Registration is not required for a tow dolly.

Maine

Off-road vehicles

Maine

Government vehicles

• Vehicles owned or used by fire departments
  • Vehicles owned or used exclusively by municipal fire departments or volunteer fire associations as defined in Title 30-A, section 3151 are exempt from registration requirements and registration fees. The Secretary of State shall register vehicles owned or used exclusively by a municipal fire department or a volunteer fire association upon request of the municipality or volunteer fire association. Vehicles owned or used by municipal fire departments or volunteer fire associations are not exempt from the inspection requirements of chapter 15, subchapter I.
• Federal government vehicles
  • The Secretary of State may issue registration certificates and plates without fee to federal or other governmental agencies, vehicles owned by the Federal Government used under lease to a Maine resident must be registered in this State.

Maine

A vehicle engaged, directly or through a contractor, exclusively in construction or maintenance work for the Federal Government, the State, a county, a municipality or an Indian tribe.

Maine

Antique farm tractors

Farm tractors or farm equipment at least 25 years old, as determined by the model year, are exempt from registration requirements and registration fees when used for demonstrations, ceremonies, parades or organized charitable events.

Maine

Vehicles owned by organized veterans groups and used solely for ceremonial activities

Vehicles owned by an organized veterans group and used exclusively for ceremonial activities, including parades, are exempt from registration requirements and registration fees. These vehicles must be inspected pursuant to chapter 15, subchapter I.

For purposes of this section, “organized veterans group” means the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars or an organized league of veterans of the United States Marine Corps.

Maine

Special mobile equipment

Special mobile equipment that is used exclusively on the closed portion of a public way for the limited purposes of constructing or repairing that public way and that is transported by another vehicle to and from the construction project is exempt from registration.

For purposes of this exemption, “special mobile equipment” does not include a vehicle that may be used for the conveyance of property except:

• Conveying hand tools or parts used in connection with the operation of that equipment; or
• Road construction or maintenance machinery transporting earth on that portion of the highway under construction.

Maine

Special equipment

Registration is not required when special equipment is used solely:

• On that part of a public way adjoining the premises of the owner; or
• For farm purposes, and public way use is limited to travel from or to:
  • The premises where the equipment is kept;
  • A farm lot and between farm lots used for farm purposes by the owner; or
  • A filling station or garage for fuel or repairs.

Maine

Emergency vehicles

If registered in another jurisdiction and operating in Maine due to a declared emergency are exempt from further registration requirements.

Maryland

• A vehicle that is driven on a highway:
  • In conformity with the statutory provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, secured parties, owners or operators of special mobile equipment, or nonresidents; or
  • Under a temporary registration card issued by the Administration;
• A vehicle owned and used by the United States, unless an authorized officer or employee of the United States requests registration of the vehicle;
• A farm tractor or any farm equipment;
• A vehicle the front or rear wheels of which are lifted from the highway;
• A towed vehicle that is attached to the towing vehicle by a tow bar and for which no driver is necessary;
• A vehicle owned by and in the possession of a licensed dealer for purpose of sale;A vehicle owned by a new resident of Maryland during the first 60 days of residency provided the vehicle displays valid registration issued by the jurisdiction of the resident’s former domicile;
• New vehicles being operated as part of a shuttle, as defined in §13-626, while following a registered vehicle displaying a shuttle permit issued by the Administration;
• A vehicle operated in connection with maritime commerce exclusively within any terminal owned or leased by the Maryland Port Administration;
• A vehicle owned by an accredited consular or diplomatic officer of a foreign government and operated for official or personal purposes when the vehicle displays a valid diplomatic license plate issued by the United States government; or
• A personal delivery device that is operated on a roadway, sidewalk, shoulder, or crosswalk in accordance with §21-104.5.

Maryland

Exemption permit for a foreign registered vehicle driven by a nonresident to transport seasonal farm workers

If a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is registered in another state, displays current registration plates issued for it by that state, and is brought into Maryland by a nonresident for transporting seasonal farm workers to be employed on farms in Maryland or for work incidental to seasonal crop operations on farms in Maryland, the vehicle need not be registered:

• The vehicle is being used as an incidental part of harvesting operations within not more than 35 miles from the source of the crop; and
• The owner of the vehicle has obtained an exemption permit for the vehicle.

The exemption permit must be always carried by the driver of the vehicle for which it is issued or in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.

The permit is:

• Valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issue; and
• Eligible for renewal for no more than 90 days in any one calendar year.

• May require a certificate of inspection of the equipment of the vehicle; and
• Must require a certificate of insurance by a company authorized to do business in Maryland, certifying that the vehicle is insured to the same extent as required of vehicles registered in Maryland.

Maryland

Vehicle owned by member of U.S. Congress

Except for members elected from this State, if a member of the United States Congress resides in Maryland during his term of office in the Congress, he need not register his vehicles in Maryland during that time.

Maryland

Foreign registered trailer or semitrailer in intrastate service

If a trailer or semitrailer operated in intrastate service need not be registered in Maryland if:It is registered in another state;The truck tractor or other vehicle that is towing it is registered in Maryland; andThe registered owner of the truck tractor or other towing vehicle has at least one trailer or semitrailer registered in Maryland for each truck tractor also registered in Maryland.

Maryland

A foreign registered trailer or semitrailer rented or leased in intrastate service

A trailer or semitrailer rented or leased in intrastate service need not be registered in Maryland if:

• The trailer or semitrailer has a chassis weight of 1,000 pounds or less;
• The trailer or semitrailer is registered in another state; and
• The owner of the trailer or semitrailer annually has registered in Maryland a number of these trailers and semitrailers that is at least equal to the average number of these trailers and semitrailers that the owner annually will have available in Maryland for rent or lease in intrastate service.

If a person claims exemption for a trailer or semitrailer under this provision, the person must file annually with the Administration, an affidavit that sets forth, as to all such trailers and semitrailers that the person has available in all states for rent or lease:

• The total number annually registered in all states;
• The total number annually registered in Maryland; and
• The average total number annually available for rent or lease in Maryland.

Maryland

A motor vehicle rented in intrastate service

A motor vehicle rented in intrastate service need not be registered in Maryland if:

• The motor vehicle is registered in another state; and
• The owner of the motor vehicle annually has registered in Maryland a percentage of the total number of these motor vehicles in a rental fleet as determined by this provision.

If a person claims this exemption for a motor vehicle, the person shall file annually with the Administration, at the time and in the manner that the Administration requires, an affidavit that sets forth, as to all such motor vehicles that the person has available in all states for rent:

• The gross revenue received in the preceding year for the use of such rental motor vehicles arising from all motor vehicle rental transactions occurring in Maryland; and
• The total gross revenue received in the preceding year for the use of such rental motor vehicles arising from all motor vehicle rental transactions occurring in all jurisdictions.

Maryland

A nonresident may drive or permit the driving of a foreign vehicle in MarylandIf, at all times, the vehicle:

• Is registered in and displays current registration plates issued for it in the owner’s place of residence; and
• Carries as provided in §13-409(a), a current registration card issued for it in the owner’s place of residence; and except as otherwise allowed, the vehicle is not:
  • Used for transporting persons for hire, compensation, or profit;
  • Regularly operated in carrying on business in this State;
  • Designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property; or
  • In the custody of any resident for more than 30 days during any registration year.

Maryland

Vehicle issued complimentary guest card, permit, or license

With the approval of the Governor, the Administration may permit a foreign vehicle to be driven in this State by:

• Issuing complimentary guest cards, permits, or licenses to persons visiting Maryland from any foreign country; or
• Recognizing and permitting the use of guest cards, permits, or licenses granted by other states.

Maryland

Vehicle owned by a nonresident who is a member of the armed forces or Public Health Service

If a nonresident is a member of the armed forces of the United States or of the United States Public Health Service and is serving on active duty in Maryland or an adjoining state or the District of Columbia, the nonresident need not register his personal passenger vehicles in Maryland if the vehicles are registered in the state of his residence.

Maryland

Vehicle owned by a nonresident student

If a nonresident is a student enrolled in an accredited school, college, or university of Maryland or of a bordering state or is serving a medical internship in Maryland, the nonresident need not register his vehicles in Maryland if:

• The state of which the nonresident is a resident extends the same privileges to the residents of Maryland; and
• The nonresident meets the required security provisions of the Maryland Vehicle Law as to any vehicle to which this exemption applies.

Massachusetts

Every motor vehicle and trailer operated, pushed, drawn, towed, or remaining in any way must comply with the registration requirements.

“Motor vehicles” are defined as all vehicles constructed and designed for propulsion by power other than muscular power including such vehicles when pulled or towed by another motor vehicle, except:

• Railroad and railway cars;
• Vehicles operated by the system known as trolley motor or trackless trolley;
• Vehicles running only upon rails or tracks;
• Vehicles used for other purposes than the transportation of property and incapable of being driven at a speed exceeding 12 mph and which are used exclusively for the building, repair and maintenance of highways or designed especially for use elsewhere than on the travelled part of ways;
• Wheelchairs owned and operated by invalids and vehicles which are operated or guided by a person on foot.

The definition of “motor vehicles” does not include:

• Electric bicycles or
• Motorized bicycles.

In doubtful cases, the registrar may determine whether any particular vehicle is a motor vehicle as defined.

A “trailer” is any vehicle or object on wheels and having no motive power of its own, but which is drawn by, or used in combination with, a motor vehicle. It does not include:A pole dolly or pole dickey;

• A pair of wheels commonly used as an implement for other purposes than transportation;
• A portable, collapsible or separate two-wheel tow dolly limited only to the purpose of transporting or towing a registered vehicle;
• Farm machinery or implements when used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate; or
• Any vehicle when towed behind a farm tractor and used in connection with the operation of a farm or estate.

Michigan

Every motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer, when driven or moved on a street or highway, is subject to the registration and certificate of title requirements except the following:

• A vehicle driven or moved on a street or highway in conformance with the requirements relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, or nonresidents.A vehicle driven or moved on a street or highway only to cross that street or highway from one property to another.
• An implement of husbandry.
• Special mobile equipment.
  • The secretary of state may issue a special registration to an individual, partnership, corporation, or association not licensed as a dealer that pays the required fee, to identify special mobile equipment that is driven or moved on a street or highway.
• A vehicle propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires though not operated on rails.
• Any vehicle subject to registration but owned by the government of the United States.
• A certificate of title is not required for a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that weighs less than 2,500 pounds.
• A vehicle driven or moved on a street or highway, by the most direct route, only for the purpose of securing a scale weight receipt from a weighmaster for purposes of section 801 or obtaining a vehicle inspection by a law enforcement agency before titling or registration of that vehicle.
• A certificate of title is not required for a vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale or lease, even though incidentally moved on a street or highway or used for purposes of testing or demonstration.
• A bus or a school bus that is not self-propelled and is used exclusively as a construction shanty.
• For three days immediately following the date of a properly assigned title or signed lease agreement from any person other than a dealer, a registration is not required for a vehicle driven or moved on a street or highway for the sole purpose of transporting the vehicle by the most direct route from the place of purchase or lease to a place of storage if the driver has in his or her possession the assigned title showing the date of sale or a lease agreement showing the date of the lease.
• A new motor vehicle driven or moved on a street or highway only for the purpose of moving the vehicle from an accident site to a storage location if the vehicle was being transported on a railroad car or semitrailer that was involved in a disabling accident.
• A boat lift used for transporting vessels between a marina or a body of water and a place of inland storage.

Minnesota

Provided the general appearance of the vehicle is unmistakable, the following vehicles are not required to register or display number plates:

• Vehicles owned by the federal government;
• Fire apparatuses, including fire-suppression support vehicles, owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision;
• Police patrols owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision; and
• Ambulances owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision.

Minnesota

• Farm vehicle
  • Implements of husbandry, as defined in section 168A.01, subdivision 8.
  • Tractors used solely for agricultural purposes.
  • Tractors, together with trailers or wagons thereto attached, occasionally hauling agricultural products or necessary commodities used on the farm from said farm to and from the usual marketplace of the owner.
  • Tractors for drawing threshing machinery and implements of husbandry temporarily moved upon the highway.
• Small farm trailer
  • Farm trailers with a gross weight of less than 10,000 pounds, drawn by a passenger automobile or farm truck and used exclusively for transporting agricultural products from farm to farm and to and from the usual marketplace of the owner.
• Fertilizer trailer
  • A trailer used exclusively to carry liquid or dry fertilizer for use on a farm.
• Spotter trucks
  • Spotter trucks, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 77.
• Special mobile equipment and snowmobiles
• Special permits
  • Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles operated under permit and on roadways designated pursuant to section 169.045.
• Camp equipment
  • Bunkhouses, supply cars, shop cars, and other similar camp equipment mounted on trailers and used by highway construction contractors exclusively at construction camp sites.
• Vehicle not used
  • The owner of a motor vehicle that during any calendar year, or in the case of a vehicle registered under section 168.017 during the registration period provided for in that section, is not operated on a public highway is exempt, but only if the owner of the vehicle first files a verified written application with the registrar, correctly describing the vehicle and certifying that it has not been operated upon a public highway.
• Vehicle domiciled in another state
  • A motor vehicle domiciled in a foreign state, legally licensed in that state, and owned by a Minnesota resident is exempt; except that it is subject to section 168.181, subdivision 3, provided, that this exemption does not conflict with any existing reciprocal agreement with the state in which the vehicle is domiciled.

Mississippi

“Motor vehicle” means every self-propelled vehicle, which is designed for use upon a highway, including trailers and semitrailers designed for use with such vehicles, and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead wires but not operated upon rails, other than:

• Traction engines,
• Road rollers and graders,
• Tractor cranes,
• Power shovels,
• Well drillers,
• Implements of husbandry,
• Electric bicycles,
• Personal delivery devices and
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in Section 63-3-103

“Registration” means a certificate or certificates and registration plates issued under the laws of Mississippi pertaining to the registration of motor vehicles.

Missouri

All-terrain vehicles

A registration is not required for ATVs:

• Owned and operated by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof;
• Owned and operated by Missouri or by any municipality or political subdivision thereof;
• Covered by a valid registration of another state or country that have not been within Missouri for more than 30 days.

Missouri

Vehicle owned by nonresident which has been duly registered elsewhere

Unless otherwise provided by duly executed agreements entered into pursuant to sections 301.271 to 301.279, a nonresident owner, owning any motor vehicle which has been duly registered for the current year in the state, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States, foreign country or other place of which the owner is a resident, and which at all times when operated in Missouri has displayed upon it the number plate issued for the vehicle in the place of residence of such owner, may operate or permit the operation of such vehicle within Missouri without registering such vehicle or paying any such registration fee to Missouri; but only to the extent that under the laws of the place of registration are substantially equivalent exemptions and are granted to residents of Missouri for the operation of vehicles duly registered in Missouri.

Unless otherwise provided by duly executed agreements entered pursuant to sections 301.271 to 301.279, trailers registered in any jurisdiction may be operated in combination with any motor vehicle properly registered in accordance with sections 301.271 to 301.279.

Missouri

Special mobile equipment

• May be moved on the highways of Missouri from one job location to another or to or from places of storage, delivery or repair without complying with the provisions relating to titling and registration and display of license plates but must comply with all the other requirements of the law relating to motor vehicles, except that such equipment, other than farm equipment, must not be operated on state maintained roads or highways on Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, except in emergencies.
• However, special mobile equipment that travels at a speed above any minimum posted speed limit and is capable of traveling at the uniform maximum speed limits as established in section 304.010, does not exceed the maximum weight limits as established in subsection 3 of section 304.180, and does not exceed the limitations on height, width, or length of section 304.170, so as to require the issuance of a special permit pursuant to section 304.200, may be operated on state maintained roads or highways at any time and on any day.

Missouri

State and municipally owned vehicles:

• Cars
  • The director of revenue shall issue certificates for all cars owned by the state of Missouri and will assign to each of such cars two plates bearing the words: “State of Missouri, official car number ....................” (with the number inserted thereon), which plates shall be displayed on such cars when they are being used on the highways. No officer or employee or other person shall use such a motor vehicle for other than official use.
• Ambulances, patrol wagons and fire apparatus
  • Owned by any municipality of Missouri, are exempt from all the provisions of sections 301.010 to 301.440 requiring registration, proof of ownership and display of number plates while being operated within the limits of such municipality, but the municipality may regulate the speed and use of such motor vehicles owned by them.
• All other motor vehicles owned by municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions of Missouri
  • Are exempt from the provisions requiring registration, proof of ownership and display of number plates; provided, however, that there shall be a plate, or, on each side of such motor vehicle, letters not less than three inches in height with a stroke of not less than three-eighths of an inch wide, to display the name of such municipality, county or political subdivision, the department thereof, and a distinguishing number.
• Courtesy or driver training vehicle
  • For registration purposes only, a public school or college shall be considered the temporary owner of a vehicle acquired from a motor vehicle dealer which is to be used as a courtesy vehicle or a driver training vehicle. The school or college shall present to the director of revenue a copy of a lease agreement with an option to purchase clause between the authorized motor vehicle dealer and the school or college and a photocopy of the front and back of the dealer’s vehicle manufacturer’s statement of origin or certificate of title, and shall make application for and be granted a nonnegotiable certificate of ownership and be issued the appropriate license plates. Registration plates are not necessary on a driver training vehicle when the motor vehicle is plainly marked as a driver training vehicle while being used for such purpose and such vehicle can also be used in conjunction with the activities of the educational institution.

Missouri

Implements of husbandry

• Any self-propelled sprayer, floater, or other form of implement of husbandry that is used for spraying chemicals or spreading fertilizer for agricultural purposes may be moved or operated on the highways of Missouri without complying with the provisions relating to titling, registration, and the display of license plates. The exemption will apply whether the described vehicles are laden or unladen.
• All other requirements of the law relating to motor vehicles, unless the context clearly provides otherwise, will apply to these vehicles when operated on the highways of Missouri.

The term “implement of husbandry” means all self-propelled machinery manufactured for operation at low speeds, specifically designed for, or especially adapted to be capable of, incidental over-the-road and primary off-road usage and used exclusively for the application of commercial plant food materials or agricultural chemicals.

Missouri

Vehicles covered by reciprocal agreements

The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission may negotiate and enter into reciprocal agreements or arrangements with other states, the District of Columbia, territories and possessions of the United States, and foreign countries as follows:

• To exempt, either wholly or partially, under such terms, conditions and restrictions as it deems proper, motor vehicles and trailers licensed in other states, the District of Columbia, territories and possessions of the United States, and foreign countries or political subdivisions thereof wherein the owner is a resident, from any or all registration fees, as provided by law, but only to the extent that substantially equivalent exemptions are extended by that state to vehicles which are duly licensed in Missouri.
• Such agreements may authorize the granting of reciprocal privileges to an owner for vehicles which are not licensed in the state, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States, foreign country, or other place of such owner’s residence when such owner maintains a bona fide place of business in a state, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States, foreign country or other place other than his residence and such vehicle is in fact based at such a place of business and is principally operated into and out of such a place of business as a terminal of its operation and such vehicle is duly licensed where the place of business is located.
• The operator of any vehicle for which reciprocal privileges are claimed must have in his possession a valid and legal registration certificate or other evidence of proper registration issued for such vehicle by the state or other jurisdiction in which it is registered.
• No reciprocity may be granted under any statute or agreement for the operation of any commercial motor vehicle within the state of Missouri solely in intrastate commerce, but all vehicles so engaged must be duly registered and licensed in the state of Missouri.

Montana

Vehicle owned by person residing in Montana less than 60 days

A person who has resided in Montana for more than 60 consecutive days is considered to be a resident for the purpose of vehicle titling and registration laws, and a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer owned by the person must be titled and registered under the laws of Montana prior to operation in this state after the 60-day period.

Montana

Vehicle owned by a nonresident 

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer driven or moved upon a highway in Montana and owned by a nonresident of this state is exempt from registration under this chapter if:

• The vehicle is properly registered in and displays valid license plates of the jurisdiction in which the nonresident owner resides; and
  • The vehicle is not used for the transportation of persons or property for hire, compensation, or profit;
  • The nonresident owner is not employed or engaged in a commercial or business enterprise in this state; or
  • The vehicle is used for the exclusive purpose of filming motion pictures or television commercials and does not remain in Montana for over 180 consecutive days in a calendar year.

Montana

Vehicle held for sale

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is owned by a manufacturer, a dealer, a wholesaler, or an auto auction and that is held for sale is exempt from registration even though the vehicle is incidentally moved on the highway and is used for purposes of testing or demonstration or is used by a manufacturer solely for testing.

Montana

A junk vehicle

As defined in Title 75, chapter 10, part 5, being driven to an auto-wrecking graveyard for disposal.

Nebraska

No motor vehicle may be operated or parked and no trailer may be towed or parked on the highways of Nebraska unless the motor vehicle or trailer is registered.

“Motor vehicle” means any vehicles propelled by any power other than muscular power.

Motor vehicle does not include:

• Farm tractors;
• Self-propelled equipment designed and used exclusively to carry and apply fertilizer, chemicals, or related products to agricultural soil and crops, agricultural floater-spreader implements, and other implements of husbandry designed for and used primarily for tilling the soil and harvesting crops or feeding livestock;
• Power unit hay grinders or a combination which includes a power unit and a hay grinder when operated without cargo;
• Vehicles which run only on rails or tracks;
• Off-road designed vehicles not authorized by law for use on a highway, including, but not limited to, golf car vehicles, go- carts, riding lawnmowers, garden tractors, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles, snowmobiles registered or exempt from registration under sections 60-3,207 to 60-3,219, and minibikes; and
• Road and general-purpose construction and maintenance machinery not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property, including, but not limited to:
  • Ditchdigging apparatus,
  • Asphalt spreaders,
  • Bucket loaders,
  • Leveling graders,
  • Earthmoving carryalls,
  • Power shovels,
  • Earthmoving equipment, and
  • Crawler tractors.

Nebraska

Nonresident vehicles operated under reciprocal agreements

Reciprocal agreements with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions, including states, districts, territories, or possessions of the United States and foreign countries, states, or provinces, granting to trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or buses or owners of trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or buses which are properly registered or licensed in such jurisdictions, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, benefits, privileges, and exemptions from the payment, wholly or partially, of any fees or other charges imposed upon such trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or buses or owners with respect to the operation or ownership of such trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or buses under the laws of Nebraska.

When no written agreement or arrangement has been entered into with another jurisdiction or declaration issued pertaining thereto, any trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, and buses properly registered in such jurisdiction, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, may be operated in Nebraska and shall receive the same exemptions, benefits, and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, and buses registered in Nebraska.

Nebraska

Vehicles transported under an “In Transit” sticker

Any motor vehicle dealer or trailer dealer who is regularly engaged within Nebraska in the business of buying and selling motor vehicles and trailers, who regularly maintains within Nebraska an established place of business, and who desires to effect delivery of any motor vehicle or trailer bought or sold by him or her from the point where purchased or sold to points within or outside Nebraska may, solely for the purpose of such delivery by himself or herself, his or her agent, or a bona fide purchaser, operate such motor vehicle or tow such trailer on the highways of Nebraska without charge or registration of such motor vehicle or trailer.

Such sticker shall allow such owner to operate the motor vehicle or tow such trailer for 30 days to effect proper registration or transfer of plates of the new or used motor vehicle or trailer.

Nebraska

Nonresident owner registration reciprocity

A nonresident owner of any motor vehicle or trailer which has been properly registered in the state, country, or other place of which the owner is a resident, and which at all times, when operated or towed in Nebraska, has displayed upon it the license plate or plates issued for such motor vehicle or trailer in the place of residence of such owner, may operate or permit the operation or tow or permit the towing of such motor vehicle or trailer within Nebraska without registering such motor vehicle or trailer or paying any fees to Nebraska.

Any nonresident owner who operates a motor vehicle or tows a trailer in Nebraska for 30 or more continuous days shall register such motor vehicle or trailer in the same manner as a Nebraska resident unless the state of his or her legal residence grants immunity from such requirements to residents of Nebraska operating a motor vehicle or towing a trailer in that state.

Any nonresident owner of a film vehicle may operate the vehicle for up to one year without registering the vehicle in Nebraska.

Nebraska

Nonresident owner of a motor vehicle or trailer

Except as otherwise provided in section 60-366, the registration requirements do not apply to a motor vehicle or trailer owned by a nonresident of Nebraska, other than a foreign corporation doing business in Nebraska, if the owner thereof has complied with the registration provisions of the law of the foreign country, state, territory, or federal district of his or her residence and conspicuously displays his or her registration numbers.

Nebraska

Dealer operation of motor vehicle without registration

Each licensed motor vehicle dealer or trailer dealer as defined in sections 60-1401.26 and 60-1401.37, respectively, doing business in this state, in lieu of registering each motor vehicle or trailer which such dealer owns of a type otherwise required to be registered, or any full-time or part-time employee or agent of such dealer may, if the motor vehicle or trailer displays dealer number plates:

• Operate or tow the motor vehicle or trailer on Nebraska’s highways solely for transporting, testing, demonstrating, or using in the ordinary course and conducting business as a motor vehicle or trailer dealer. Such use may include personal or private use by the dealer and personal or private use by any bona fide employee, if the employee can be verified by payroll records maintained at the dealership as ordinarily working more than thirty hours per week or fifteen hundred hours per year at the dealership;
• Operate or tow the motor vehicle or trailer upon the highways of Nebraska for transporting industrial equipment held by the licensee for purposes of demonstration, sale, rental, or delivery; or

Each licensed manufacturer as defined in section 60-1401.24 which actually manufactures or assembles motor vehicles or trailers within Nebraska, in lieu of registering each motor vehicle or trailer which such manufacturer owns of a type otherwise required to be registered, or any employee of such manufacturer may operate or tow the motor vehicle or trailer upon the highways of Nebraska solely for purposes of transporting, testing, demonstrating to prospective customers, or use in the ordinary course and conduct of business as a motor vehicle or trailer manufacturer, upon the condition that any such motor vehicle or trailer display thereon, in the manner prescribed in section 60-3,100, dealer number plates as provided for in section 60-3,114.

In no event shall such plates be used on motor vehicles or trailers hauling other than automotive or trailer equipment, complete motor vehicles, or trailers which are inventory of such licensed dealer or manufacturer unless there is issued by the department a special permit specifying the hauling of other products. A dealer may not operate a motor vehicle or trailer with dealer number plates for delivering parts inventory. However, a dealer may use such motor vehicle or trailer to pick up parts to be used for the motor vehicle or trailer inventory of the dealer.

Nebraska

Vehicle purchased from state or political subdivision

Any purchaser of a motor vehicle or trailer from Nebraska or any political subdivision of Nebraska may operate such motor vehicle or tow such trailer without registration for 30 days.

Upon demand of proper authority, satisfactory proof of ownership, which must be either the certificate of title to such motor vehicle or trailer with assignment thereof duly executed or a bill of sale which describes the motor vehicle or trailer with identification number, must be presented by the person in charge of such motor vehicle or trailer for examination.

Nebraska

Dealer owned motor vehicles or trailers operated or towed by prospective buyer or service customer

Motor vehicles or trailers owned by a dealer and bearing dealer number plates may be operated or towed on the highways for demonstration purposes by any prospective buyer thereof for 48 hours.

Motor vehicles or trailers owned and held for sale by a dealer and bearing such dealer number plates may be operated or towed on the highways for 48 hours as service loaner vehicles by customers having their vehicles repaired by the dealer.

The dealer must deliver to the prospective buyer or service customer a card or certificate giving the name and address of the dealer, the name and address of the prospective buyer or service customer, and the date and hour of such delivery and the products to be hauled, if any, under a special permit.

The department will charge 10 dollars for each special permit issued under this exception.

Nebraska

All-terrain and utility-type vehicles modified or retrofitted with after-market parts

All-terrain vehicles and utility-type vehicles which have been modified or retrofitted with after-market parts to include additional equipment not required by sections 60-6,357 and 60-6,358 may not be registered under the Motor Vehicle Registration Act, nor may such modified or retrofitted vehicles be eligible for registration in any other category of vehicle.

“All-terrain vehicle” means any motorized off-highway vehicle which is:

• 50 inches or less in width,
• Has a dry weight of twelve hundred pounds or less,
• Travels on three or more nonhighway tires, and
• Designed for operator use only with no passengers or is specifically designed by the original manufacturer for the operator and one passenger.

“Utility-type vehicle” means any motorized off-highway vehicle which:

• Is 74 inches in width or less,
• Not more than 180 inches, including the bumper, in length,
• Has a dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less, and
• Travels on four or more nonhighway tires.

A utility-type vehicle does not include all-terrain vehicles, golf car vehicles, or low-speed vehicles.

Nebraska

Truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations operated by farmers or ranchers under a special permit

Special permits may be supplied by the department and issued by the county treasurer for truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations of farmers or ranchers used wholly and exclusively to carry their own supplies, farm equipment, and household goods to or from the owner’s farm or ranch or used by the farmer or rancher to carry his or her own agricultural products to or from storage or market.

Such special permits will be valid for periods of 30 days and must be carried in the cab of the truck-tractor.

The fee for such permit will be equivalent to 1/12th of the regular commercial registration fee as determined by gross vehicle weight and size limitations as defined in sections 60-6,288 to 60-6,294, but the fee will be no less than $25.

Nebraska

Nonresident licensed vehicle hauling grain or seasonally harvested products

If a truck, truck-tractor, or trailer is lawfully licensed under the laws of another state or province and is engaged in hauling grain or other seasonally harvested products from the field where they are harvested to storage or market during the period from June 1 to December 15 of each year or under emergency conditions, the right to operate over the highways of Nebraska for a period of 90 days shall be authorized by obtaining a permit therefor from the county treasurer or his or her agent of the county in which grain is first hauled.

Such permit shall be issued electronically upon the payment of a fee of $20 for a truck or $150 for any combination of truck, truck-tractor, or trailer.

Nevada

• Special mobile equipment.
• Implements of husbandry.
• Any mobile home or commercial coach subject to the provisions of chapter 489 of NRS.
• Towable tools or equipment as defined in NRS 484D.055.
• Any motorized conveyance for a wheelchair, whose operator is a person with a disability who is unable to walk about.

“Towable tools or equipment” means all tools or equipment:

• Mounted on wheels;
• Whose body does not exceed 70 inches in width;
• Designed for towing by a motor vehicle; and
• Which is not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property but is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway.

The term includes without limitation air compressors, concrete mixers, arc welders, tarpots, engine hoists, concrete pumps, plaster mixers, mortar mixers, grout pumps, portable conveyors, generators, log splitters, brush chippers, spray rigs, tree spades, scissor lifts, light towers, pumps, steam cleaners, sand blasters, welders, stump grinders, radial arm saws, sod cutters, aerators, pavement rollers, and scaffolding.

The term “motorized conveyance for a wheelchair” means a vehicle which:

• Can carry a wheelchair;
• Is propelled by an engine which produces not more than 3 gross brake horsepower, has a displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters or produces not more than 2250 watts final output;
• Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels; and
• Can reach a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than a grade of 1 percent in any direction.

The term does not include a tractor.

New Hampshire

Devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks

It is a violation for any person to drive or any owner or custodian to knowingly permit or cause to be driven on the ways of this state any vehicle which is not specifically exempt by statute or rule from the requirement of registration.“Vehicle” shall mean every mechanical device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a way, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

New Hampshire

No certificate of title need be obtained for the following:

• A vehicle owned by the United States or owned or operated by the New Hampshire National Guard;
• A vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for purposes of testing or demonstration; or a vehicle used by a manufacturer solely for testing;
• A vehicle owned by a nonresident of this state and not required by law to be registered in this state;
• A vehicle regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of persons or property for which a currently effective certificate of title has been issued in another state;
• A vehicle moved solely by animal power;
• An implement of husbandry;
• Special mobile equipment;
• A self-propelled wheelchair or invalid tricycle;
• A snowmobile as defined in RSA 259:102;
• Trailers with gross weight of less than 3,001 pounds;
• Any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year is before the year 2000, except heavy trucks and truck-tractors whose gross vehicle weight exceeds 18,000 pounds;
• A roadable aircraft as defined in RSA 259:91-a.

New Hampshire

Vehicles owned by military personnel

The requirements for registration of vehicles and the display of number plates shall not apply to vehicles having registration and displaying plates issued by the armed forces of the United States for vehicles owned by military personnel.But such exemption shall be valid only for 7 days after the owner has entered this state to travel to his place of residence or a point of military duty.

New Hampshire

Nonresident owned vehicle

A vehicle, other than an off-highway recreational vehicle or snowmobile, owned by a nonresident and duly registered for the current year in the state, district or country of which the owner is a resident may be driven upon the ways of this state without registration to the extent, as to period of driving and otherwise, that the state, district or country of registration grants similar privileges for the operation of such vehicles owned by residents of New Hampshire and registered under its laws.

New Hampshire

Construction equipment

A resident owner of construction equipment, or a nonresident owner of such equipment who has a bona fide actual residence in a state granting like privileges to residents of New Hampshire shall not be required to register such equipment in this state if used at worksites and trailered from location to location or to cross highways to access contiguous property.

New Hampshire

Implements of husbandry 

Implements of husbandry may not be operated on toll roads or on the interstate and defense highway system.When implements of husbandry not meeting the definition of a tractor in RSA 259:108 are moved over any other way, the power unit must display in a conspicuous location an identifying decal or plate issued by the division. The identifying decal or plate issued by the division is not a registration and will not require the municipal permit for registration described in RSA 261:148.The identifying decal or plate will not require annual renewal but shall expire upon a change of ownership of the implement.

New Hampshire

Utility registration

Utility registration may be used only for moving non-motorized vehicles, modular buildings, or chassis with specialized equipment which are either owned or not owned by the utility dealer for business purposes, including but not limited to delivery, demonstration, sale, or repair.A supplemental utility plate may be issued to a utility dealer to allow a customer to test drive motor vehicles taken in trade.A utility plate may be used by a manufacturer or dealer of boats or boat trailers for the transportation of boats in the ordinary course of business, which will include the sale, demonstration, delivery, and repair of such boats.A utility plate may be used by a manufacturer or dealer of boats or boat trailers on a boat trailer not owned or leased by the manufacturer or dealer if used for the purpose of transporting a boat or boat trailer to and from his or her place of business for repair or service.A utility plate may be used by a manufacturer, dealer, or installer of manufactured housing on a manufactured housing chassis owned or not owned by the manufacturer, dealer, or installer if used solely for the purpose of transporting manufactured housing to and from his or her place of business for sale or installation.

New Hampshire

Single axle tow dolly

"Single axle tow dolly" means a vehicle designed and used exclusively to transport another motor vehicle and upon which the front or rear wheels of the towed motor vehicle are mounted, while the other wheels of the towed motor vehicle remain in contact with the ground.

New Jersey

• Automobile fire engines
• Self-propelling vehicles as are used neither for the conveyance of persons for hire, pleasure or business, nor for the transportation of freight, such as steam road rollers and traction engines.

New Jersey

Vehicles properly registered or licensed in other jurisdictions – Director judgment

In the absence of an agreement or arrangement with another jurisdiction, the director may examine the laws and requirements of such jurisdiction and declare the extent and nature of exemptions, benefits and privileges to be extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, or to the owners of such vehicles, which shall, in the judgment of the director be in the best interest of New Jersey and the citizens thereof, and which shall be fair and equitable to New Jersey and the citizens thereof, and all of the same shall be determined on the basis and recognition of the benefits which accrue to the economy of New Jersey from the uninterrupted flow of commerce.

New Jersey

Vehicles registered or licensed in another jurisdiction – By agreement, arrangement, or declaration

An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under authority may contain provisions authorizing the registration or licensing in another jurisdiction of vehicles located in or operated from a base in such other jurisdiction which vehicles otherwise would be required to be registered or licensed in New Jersey. In such event the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration shall apply to such vehicles, when properly licensed or registered in such base jurisdiction.

New Jersey

Leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor

An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under authority, may contain provisions under which a leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor may be entitled, subject to terms and conditions stated therein, to the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration.

New Jersey

Nonresident vehicles properly registered in another jurisdiction – Without agreement, arrangement or declaration -- Reciprocity

If no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction, and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, will receive, when operated in New Jersey, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered in this State.Reciprocity extended under this exemption will apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate commerce, except as to a foreign registered trailer or semitrailer in intrastate commerce when hauled by a truck, road tractor, or truck tractor registered with the director in conformity with Revised Statutes 39:3-20.

New Mexico

Every motor vehicle, manufactured home, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer when driven or moved upon a highway and every off-highway motor vehicle is subject to registration and certificate of title except:

• Any vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code relating to manufacturers, dealers, lienholders or nonresidents;
• Any vehicle that is driven or moved upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the highway from one property to another;
• An implement of husbandry (defined below) that is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway;
• Special mobile equipment (defined below);
• A vehicle that is propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires though not operated upon rails;
• A freight trailer (defined below) if it is:
  • Properly registered in another state;
  • Identified by a proper base registration plate that is properly displayed; and
  • Identified by other registration documents that are in the possession of the operator and exhibited at the request of a police officer;
• A freight trailer or utility trailer owned and used by:
  • A nonresident solely for the transportation of farm products purchased by the nonresident from growers or producers of the farm products and transported in the trailer out of the state;
  • A farmer or a rancher who transports to market only the produce, animals or fowl produced by that farmer or rancher or who transports back to the farm or ranch supplies for use thereon; or
  • A person who transports animals to and from fairs, rodeos or other places, except racetracks, where the animals are exhibited or otherwise take part in performances, in trailers drawn by a motor vehicle or truck of less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating bearing a proper registration plate, but in no case may the owner of such an unregistered trailer perform such uses for hire;
• A vehicle moved on a highway by a towing service as defined in Section 59A-50-2 NMSA 1978;
• An off-highway motor vehicle exempted pursuant to Section 66-3-1005 NMSA 1978: Operated on privately held lands or:
  • Owned and operated by an agency or department of the United States, this state or a political subdivision of this state;
  • Operated exclusively on lands privately held; provided that the appropriate tax or fee has been paid in lieu of the motor vehicle registration fees;
  • Owned by nonresidents and used in this state only for organized and endorsed competition purposes; provided that the use is not on a rental basis;
  • Brought into this state by manufacturers or distributors for wholesale purposes and not used for demonstrations;
  • In the possession of dealers as stock-in-trade and not used for demonstration purposes;
  • Farm tractors, as defined in Section 66-1-4.6 NMSA 1978, special mobile equipment, as defined in Section 66-1-4.16 NMSA 1978, or off-highway motor vehicles being used for agricultural operations; or
  • Used exclusively on private closed courses, whether owned by the rider or another person; provided that, if applicable, the excise tax and registration fees have been paid and are current.

An “implement of husbandry” means every vehicle that is designed for agricultural purposes and exclusively used by the owner in the conduct of agricultural operations.

“Special mobile equipment” means a vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including but not limited to:

• Farm tractors,
• Road construction or maintenance machinery,
• Ditch-digging apparatus,
• Well-boring apparatus and
• Concrete mixers.

A “freight trailer” means any trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer drawn by a truck tractor or road tractor, and any trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer drawn by a truck that has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, but “freight trailer” does not include manufactured homes, trailers of less than one-ton carrying capacity used to transport animals or fertilizer trailers of less than 3,500 pounds empty weight.

New York

No motor vehicle may be operated or driven upon the public highways of New York without first being registered.

A “motor vehicle” means every vehicle operated or driven upon a public highway which is propelled by any power other than muscular power, except:

• Electrically driven mobility assistance devices operated or driven by a person with a disability;
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices operated outside a city with a population of one million or more;
• Vehicles which run only upon rails or tracks;
• Snowmobiles;All-terrain vehicles;Bicycles with electric assist;
• Electric scooters;
• Fire and police vehicles (but not ambulances);
• Farm type tractors and all terrain type vehicles used exclusively for agricultural purposes, or for snow plowing, other than for hire;
• Farm equipment, including self-propelled machines used exclusively in growing, harvesting or handling farm produce; and
• Self-propelled caterpillar or crawler-type equipment while being operated on the contract site.

North Carolina

The following are exempt from the requirement of registration and certificate of title:

• Any vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, dealers, or nonresidents.
• Any vehicle driven or moved on a highway only to cross such highway from one property to another.
• Any implement of husbandry, farm tractor, road construction or maintenance machinery or other vehicle which is not self-propelled that was designed for use in work off the highway and which is operated on the highway for the purpose of going to and from such nonhighway projects.
• Any vehicle owned and operated by the government of the United States.
• Farm tractors equipped with rubber tires and trailers or semitrailers when attached thereto and when used by a farmer, his tenant, agent, or employee in transporting his own farm implements, farm supplies, or farm products from place to place on the same farm, from one farm to another, from farm to market, or from market to farm. This exemption shall extend also to any tractor, implement of husbandry, and trailer or semitrailer while on any trip within a radius of 10 miles from the point of loading, provided that the vehicle does not exceed a speed of 35 miles per hour. This section shall not be construed as granting any exemption to farm tractors, implements of husbandry, and trailers or semitrailers which are operated on a for-hire basis, whether money or some other thing of value is paid or given for the use of such tractors, implements of husbandry, and trailers or semitrailers.
• Any trailer or semitrailer attached to and drawn by a properly licensed motor vehicle when used by a farmer, his tenant, agent, or employee in transporting unginned cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, hay, tobacco, silage, cucumbers, potatoes, all vegetables, fruits, greenhouse and nursery plants and flowers, Christmas trees, livestock, live poultry, animal waste, pesticides, seeds, fertilizers or chemicals purchased or owned by the farmer or tenant for personal use in implementing husbandry, irrigation pipes, loaders, or equipment owned by the farmer or tenant from place to place on the same farm, from one farm to another, from farm to gin, from farm to dryer, or from farm to market, and when not operated on a for-hire basis. The term “transporting” as used herein shall include the actual hauling of said products and all unloaded travel in connection therewith.
• Those small farm trailers known generally as tobacco-handling trailers, tobacco trucks or tobacco trailers when used by a farmer, his tenant, agent or employee, when transporting or otherwise handling tobacco in connection with the pulling, tying or curing thereof.
• Any vehicle which is driven or moved upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing or traveling upon such highway from one side to the other provided the owner or lessee of the vehicle owns the fee or a leasehold in all the land along both sides of the highway at the place or crossing.
• Devices which are designed for towing private passenger motor vehicles or vehicles not exceeding 5,000 pounds gross weight. These devices are known generally as “tow dollies.” A tow dolly is a two-wheeled device without motive power designed for towing disabled motor vehicles and is drawn by a motor vehicle in the same manner as a trailer.
• Devices generally called converter gear or dollies consisting of a tongue attached to either a single or tandem axle upon which is mounted a fifth wheel, and which is used to convert a semitrailer to a full trailer for the purpose of being drawn behind a truck tractor and semitrailer.
• Motorized wheelchairs or similar vehicles not exceeding 1,000 pounds gross weight when used for pedestrian purposes by a handicapped person with a mobility impairment as defined in G.S. 20-37.5.
• Any vehicle registered in another state and operated temporarily within this State by a public utility, a governmental or cooperative provider of utility services, or a contractor for one of these entities for the purpose of restoring utility services in an emergency outage.
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(7b).
• Any vehicle that meets all the following:
  • Is designed for use in work off the highway.
  • Is used for agricultural quarantine programs under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  • Is driven or moved on the highway to go to and from nonhighway projects.
  • Is identified in a manner approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • Is operated by a person who possesses an identification card issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• A vehicle that meets all the following conditions is exempt from the requirement of registration and certificate of title. The provisions of G.S. 105-449.117 continue to apply to the vehicle and to the person in whose name the vehicle would be registered.
  • Is an agricultural spreader vehicle. An “agricultural spreader vehicle” is a vehicle that is designed for off-highway use on a farm to spread feed, fertilizer, seed, lime, or other agricultural products.
  • Is driven on the highway only for the purpose of going from the location of its supply source for fertilizer or other products to and from a farm.
  • Does not exceed a speed of 45 miles per hour.
  • Does not drive outside a radius of 50 miles from the location of its supply source for fertilizer and other products.
  • Is driven by a person who has a license appropriate for the class of the vehicle.
  • Is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy in the amount required under G.S. 20-309.
  • Displays a valid federal safety inspection decal if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 10,001 pounds.
• A header trailer when transported to or from a dealer, or after a sale or repairs, to the farm or another dealership.

North Carolina

Reciprocity: Foreign vehicle located in or operated from a base state where they are registered

An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration authorizing the registration or licensing in another jurisdiction of vehicles located in or operated from a base in such other jurisdiction which vehicles otherwise would be required to be registered or licensed in some other state; and in such event the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration shall apply to such vehicles, when properly licensed or registered in such base jurisdiction.

North Carolina

Properly registered leased vehicle

An agreement or arrangement entered into, or a declaration issued under which a leased vehicle properly registered by the lessor may be entitled, subject to terms and conditions stated therein, to the exemptions, benefits and privileges extended by such agreement, arrangement or declaration.

North Carolina

Automatic reciprocity of properly registered foreign vehicle

If no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in such other jurisdiction and for which evidence of compliance supplied shall receive, when operated in North Carolina, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered in North Carolina. Reciprocity under automatic reciprocity will apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate operations.

North Dakota

The following motor vehicles may be operated upon the highways, roads, and streets of this state without being registered; provided, that whenever the department determines that it is to the best interest of the state of North Dakota and determines by reciprocal agreement or otherwise that as great or greater privileges are not granted North Dakota residents while traveling in other states or territories, the department may cancel or limit the application of any reciprocity exception to residents or motor vehicles from such other state or territory:

• Farm tractors as defined in section 39-01-01, special mobile equipment and road rollers and other road construction or maintenance machinery that cannot be operated on the highways and streets in a normal operating manner.
• Motor vehicles owned by or in possession of Indian mission schools, by this state or any of its agencies, departments, or political subdivisions, including school districts possessing a motor vehicle or vehicles used for driver education instruction, or by any entity located upon the international boundary line between the United States of America and Canada used and maintained as a memorial to commemorate the long-existing relationship of peace and good will between the people and the governments of the United States of America and Canada and to further international peace among the nations of the world; provided, however, that the vehicles must display license plates provided by the department at actual cost. Upon request, qualifying law enforcement motor vehicles must be issued a license plate under section 39-04-10.9. Each motor vehicle loaned or furnished by a licensed North Dakota motor vehicle dealer to a school district in North Dakota to be used exclusively for instructing pupils in the driver education and training program conducted by the school district will be assigned an official license plate. The license plates must be used only on the motor vehicles furnished by dealers and used in the driver education program, and for no other purpose except for garaging and safekeeping of the motor vehicle. A person may not use a driver education motor vehicle bearing official license plates for any purpose other than driver education course instruction. A person is not in violation of this subdivision if the person is required by the dealer or a school administrator to house or otherwise protect the vehicle at the person’s home or other facility.
• Motor vehicles registered in any other state or territory when coming into this state a distance not exceeding 20 twenty miles; provided, however, that such motor vehicles have displayed thereon the current license plates issued by the state or territory in which they are registered and provided further that the owners or operators thereof are not residents of this state. This does not prevent trucks from coming into the state such distance as shall be necessary to reach the nearest railway shipping station. For purposes of this exemption, an individual is a resident of this state if the individual is gainfully employed or engages in any trade, profession, or occupation within this state and owns, leases, or rents a place of residence or otherwise lives within this state for the purposes of employment, or regardless of domicile or any other circumstance, remains in this state for a period of at least 90 consecutive days. For purposes of this exemption, a resident does not include a student at a university, college, or technical school in this state or a daily commuter from another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction exempts the vehicle of a daily commuter from this state from registration in that jurisdiction under a reciprocity agreement.
• Motor vehicles owned and operated by the United States government, or any foreign government, or any of their agencies or departments; provided, however, that such motor vehicles must display identification plates.
• Passenger motor vehicles registered in any other state or territory; provided, however, that such motor vehicles have displayed thereon the current license plates issued by the state or territory in which they are registered and provided further that the owners or operators thereof are not residents of this state. For purposes of this exemption, an individual is a resident of this state if the individual is gainfully employed or engages in any trade, profession, or occupation within this state and owns, leases, or rents a place of residence or otherwise lives within this state for the purposes of employment, or regardless of domicile or any other circumstance, remains in this state for a period of at least 90 consecutive days. For purposes of this exemption, a resident does not include a student at a university, college, or technical school in this state or a daily commuter from another jurisdiction if that jurisdiction exempts the vehicle of a daily commuter from this state from registration in that jurisdiction under a reciprocity agreement.
• Motor vehicles owned and operated by a manufacturer of motor vehicles when such motor vehicles are operated or moved such distance as may be authorized by the director from the factory where manufactured or assembled, to a depot or place of shipment or other point of delivery; provided, however, that such vehicles have displayed in plain sight the name and address of the manufacturer and a written permit from local police authorities.
• Motor vehicles owned and operated by a licensed North Dakota motor vehicle dealer from a railway depot, warehouse, salesroom, or place of shipment; provided, however, that such vehicles have displayed in plain sight the name and address of the dealer and a written permit from the local police authorities.Motor vehicles owned and operated by nonresidents engaged in harvest of agricultural products from June first through December 31st of any one year; provided, however, that such motor vehicles have displayed thereon a decal or other means of identification issued by the director upon payment of a fee of fifty dollars.Vehicles owned by nonresident military personnel stationed in this state and operated by such military personnel or their dependents, provided such vehicle is registered in the state or territory where such military person is a resident, and provided further that current license plates from such state or territory are displayed on such vehicle.
• Motor vehicles not exceeding 26,000 pounds registered gross weight owned and operated by a disabled veteran under the provisions of Public Law 79-663 [38 U.S.C. 3901], a disabled veteran who has a one hundred percent service-connected disability as determined by the department of veterans’ affairs, or a disabled veteran who has an extra-schedular rating to include individual unemployability that brings the veteran’s total disability rating to one hundred percent as determined by the department of veterans’ affairs is entitled to display either a distinctive license plate or a standard plate that does not identify the veteran as a veteran or disabled veteran which is issued by the department at no cost to the qualifying veteran or surviving spouse or any other distinctive or vanity plate purchased from the department by the qualifying veteran or surviving spouse. This exemption applies to no more than two such motor vehicles owned by a disabled veteran at any one time. A surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who is receiving United States department of veterans affairs dependency and indemnity compensation is eligible for the exemption under this subdivision for one vehicle. If the determination of disability or service-connected death occurs after the qualifying veteran’s death through application of a law that renders a surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran eligible for United States department of veterans affairs disability and indemnity compensation, the determination for purposes of the exemption under this subdivision is presumed to precede the veteran’s death. Sufficient proof of receipt of United States department of veterans affairs dependency and indemnity compensation includes correspondence directed to a surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran by the United States department of veterans affairs which indicates the surviving spouse is a survivor of the qualifying veteran and is in receipt of United States department of veterans affairs dependency and indemnity compensation.
• Motor vehicles having not over two axles and not being used in combination owned and operated by nonresidents and any motor vehicle or combination of three axles or more operated in this state pursuant to a proportional licensing or other agreement or arrangement with any jurisdiction having motor vehicle registration authority.
• Motor vehicles owned and operated by a resident building mover or by a resident well driller; provided, however, that such vehicles are used only for moving buildings or building-moving equipment, or are used only for drilling water wells or moving water well-drilling equipment; provided, further, that such vehicles display a license plate issued by the director upon the payment of a fee of twenty-five dollars for two axle trucks, fifty dollars for tandem axle trucks and single axle truck-tractor units, and seventy-five dollars for each tandem axle truck-tractor unit. Any vehicle which has been issued this special motor vehicle license may be registered under the regular motor vehicle registration law, by payment of the difference between the amount paid for the special motor vehicle license and the regular registration fee for such vehicle. Any vehicle which has been issued this special motor vehicle license and is found being operated upon the highways of this state without being equipped with special house-moving or well-drilling equipment shall forfeit the fee paid and, in addition, must be required to register under the regular motor vehicle registration law of this state. None of the above limitations may be construed as restricting the operation of the special licensed vehicle when such operation would not require a greater fee than that paid for this operation.
• Any trailer, semitrailer, or farm trailer when the gross weight, not including the weight of the towing vehicle, does not exceed 1,500 pounds and it is not for hire or commercial use, or when used to transport recreational vehicles or boats and it is not for hire or commercial use.
• Any vehicle driven or moved on a highway only to cross the highway from one property to another. The crossing must be made at about 90 degrees to the highway’s direction.
• Passenger motor vehicles, house cars, or pickup trucks not exceeding 20,000 pounds registered gross weight owned and operated by a resident who, while serving in the United States armed forces, was a prisoner of war and has received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces is entitled to display a distinctive license plate issued by the department. This exemption also applies to any passenger motor vehicle, house car, or pickup truck not exceeding 20,000 pounds registered gross weight subsequently purchased or acquired by such a former prisoner of war. This exemption applies to no more than two motor vehicles owned by a former prisoner of war at any one time. A surviving spouse of a former prisoner of war who has not remarried retains the exemption of the deceased veteran who qualified under this subdivision for one vehicle.
• Motor vehicles not exceeding 20,000 pounds registered gross weight owned and operated by a veteran who was awarded the purple heart is entitled to a distinctive license plate issued by the department. This exemption applies to one motor vehicle owned by a veteran who was awarded the purple heart.

Ohio

In Ohio, “motor vehicle” means any vehicle, including mobile homes and recreational vehicles, that is propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power or power collected from overhead electric trolley wires.

Vehicles excluded from the definition include:

• Utility vehicles (defined below),
• Under-speed vehicles (defined below),
• Mini-trucks (defined below),
• Motorized bicycles,
• Electric bicycles,
• Road rollers,
• Traction engines,
• Power shovels,
• Power cranes and other equipment used in construction work and not designed for or employed in general highway transportation,
• Concrete pump,
• Concrete conveyor,
• Well-drilling machinery,
• Ditch-digging machinery,
• Farm machinery, and
• Trailers that are designed and used exclusively to transport a boat between a place of storage and a marina, or in and around a marina, when drawn or towed on a public road or highway for no more than 10 miles and at a speed of 25 miles per hour or less.

“Utility vehicle” means a self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agricultural, forestry, grounds maintenance, lawn and garden, materials handling, or similar activities.

“Under-speed vehicle” means a three-or four-wheeled vehicle, including a vehicle commonly known as a golf cart, with an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than 20 miles per hour and with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000 pounds.

“Mini-truck” means a vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less, has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds, contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator, resembles a pickup truck or van with a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle, and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Ohio

• Snowmobile or
• Off-highway motorcycle
• All-purpose vehicle

No registration is required for a snowmobile or off-highway motorcycle when operated exclusively upon lands owned by the owner or on lands to which the owner has a contractual right.

An all-purpose vehicle is exempt when used primarily for agricultural purposes when the owner qualifies for the current agricultural use valuation tax credit, unless it is used on any public land, trail, or right-of-way. When exempted, any all-purpose vehicle may use public roads and rights-of-way when traveling from one farm field to another, when such use does not violate section 4519.41 of the Revised Code.

No registration is required for a snowmobile or all-purpose vehicle that is operated on a state highway as authorized by division (F) of section 4519.41 of the Revised Code.

No registration is required for a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle owned and used in this state by a resident of another state whenever that state has in effect a registration law similar to Ohio and the vehicle is properly registered under that state’s law. Any such vehicle owned and used in Ohio by a resident of a state not having a registration law similar to Ohio must comply with section 4519.09 of the Revised Code. (i.e., obtain a temporary operating permit).

No registration is required for a snowmobile, off-highway motorcycle, or all-purpose vehicle owned and used in Ohio by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof, but vehicle must display the name of the owner thereon.

The owner or operator of any all-purpose vehicle operated or used upon the waters in Ohio must comply with Chapters 1547. and 1548. of the Revised Code relative to the operation of watercraft.

Ohio

Vehicles exempt under a certificate of reciprocity

A certificate of reciprocity will exempt the owner and the driver of every motor vehicle which is duly registered in the state, district, country, or sovereignty other than Ohio, to which the certificate is granted, from the registration and licensing laws of Ohio, provided such owner or driver has complied with the law in regard to motor vehicles in the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered and complies with such law while operating and driving the vehicle upon the public roads of this state.

The certificate will not, however, exempt the owner from the requirements related to the filing of a return, application, or permit, or from the payment of any other taxes which may be imposed on Ohio-owned motor vehicles.

The owner or operator of a motor vehicle duly registered under the international registration plan in Ohio or in any other jurisdiction for which Ohio has received an apportioned registration tax or fee, or which is otherwise operating in accordance with the provisions of the international registration plan, is not required to obtain a certificate of registration under section 4503.10 of the Revised Code.

Oklahoma

Every motor vehicle is required to be registered and a license tag displayed on the rear bumper, except:

• Salvage and junked vehicles,
• Vehicles on used car dealer’s lots for sale and
• Vehicles assigned to charitable organizations licensed through the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office.

A “motor vehicle” is:

• Any vehicle which is self-propelled; or
• Any vehicle propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated on rails.

The term “motor vehicle” does not include:

• Implements of husbandry, as defined in Section 1-125;
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices as defined in Section 1-114A;
• Motorized wheelchairs, as defined in Section 1-136.3;
• Vehicles moved solely by human or animal power; or
• Electric-assisted bicycles as defined in Section 1-104.

An “implement of husbandry” includes every device, whether it is self-propelled, designed and adapted to be used exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or livestock-raising operations or for lifting or carrying an implement of husbandry. The following devices are included in this definition:

• Farm wagon type tank trailers of not over 1,200 gallons capacity, used during the liquid fertilizer season as field storage “nurse tanks” supplying the fertilizer to a field applicator and moved on highways only for bringing the fertilizer from a local source of supply to farms or field or from one farm or field to another.
• Trailers or semitrailers owned by a person engaged in farming and used exclusively to transport farm products to market or to transport to the farm material or things to be used thereon. But not including any truck or semitrailer with an axle weight of 20,000 pounds or more, used to haul manure and operated on the public roads or highways.
• Utility-type, all-terrain vehicles with a maximum curb weight of 1,500 pounds which are equipped with metal front or rear carrying racks when used for agricultural, horticultural or livestock-raising operations.

Oklahoma

All-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and utility vehicles

All-terrain vehicles or motorcycles used exclusively off road and purchased before July 1, 2005, are exempt from registration but may be registered at the owner's option.

Utility vehicles used exclusively off road and purchased before July 1, 2008, are exempt from registration but may be registered at the owner's option.

All-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles or motorcycles used exclusively off road owned or purchased by a person that possesses an agricultural exemption pursuant to Section 1358.1 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes may be registered but do not require registration.

Vehicles meeting the specifications and description of a street-legal utility vehicle as described in Section 1-171.1 will be required to receive a certificate of registration, license plate and yearly decal before operation on the streets, county roads and state highways.

Oklahoma

Vehicles owned by members of the armed services or their spouses for personal use

All vehicles owned by members of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Reserve Corps of the Armed Forces of the United States, and the Oklahoma National Guard or their spouses assigned to duty in Oklahoma or owned by the spouse, who resides in Oklahoma, or a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in a foreign country, which vehicles ARE NOT being used in a trade or business or for any commercial purpose, are hereby classified specially for vehicle license and registration purposes.

Any such vehicle which is not registered and licensed for the current year in the state of residence or domicile of the service member, Guardsman, or Reservist or of the spouse owning the vehicle must be registered for the current year in Oklahoma, except that any such vehicle which has been licensed in some other state by such service member, Guardsman, Reservist, or spouse while the service member, Guardsman, or Reservist was stationed in the other state may be operated in this state for the remainder of the year or period for which it is licensed.

If such vehicle currently is registered with the Armed Forces of the United States rather than being registered in a state and the service member, Guardsman, or Reservist is transferred to a duty station within Oklahoma pursuant to military orders, the service member, Guardsman, Reservist, or spouse owning the vehicle will not be required to register the vehicle Oklahoma for a period of 30 days after the date the service member, Guardsman, or Reservist is required to report for duty.

Oklahoma

Vehicle owned by nonresident employed in Oklahoma

If the owner of a vehicle becomes employed in Oklahoma, they have 30 days to register the vehicle. However, the owner of the vehicle who is employed in Oklahoma and commutes daily from an adjoining state is exempt from registration.

Oklahoma

Vehicle owned by a nonresident full-time-equivalent student

Any nonresident student certified as a full-time-equivalent student by an institution of higher learning in Oklahoma will not be required to purchase an Oklahoma license plate, provided that the state of residence of such student affords a similar exemption to Oklahoma students attending institutions of higher learning in such state. This exception does not apply when a student registers to vote as a resident in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma

Any vehicle owned by a visiting nonresident

Any vehicle, including a manufactured home, other than a commercial truck which is owned by a visiting nonresident and is properly registered in its native state for the current year and remains in Oklahoma for any period more than 60 days must be registered.

Oklahoma

Former military vehicles

Former military vehicles are exempt from the provisions of the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act if:

• The former military vehicle is used only for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other functions of public interest and will not be used for regular transportation; and
• The owner of the former military vehicle files with Service Oklahoma or a licensed operator files a sworn affidavit, signed by the owner, stating that the vehicle will only be used for said purposes.

A “former military vehicle” means a vehicle which has been, but no longer is, used by the Armed Forces of a national government and which displays markings indicating it was a military vehicle.

Oregon

Vehicles exempted from the requirements to be registered by Oregon are not prohibited from being registered if registration is permitted under ORS 803.310. The following vehicles are fully or partially exempted as described:

• Road rollers, farm tractors, trolleys and traction engines are exempt from registration.
• A vehicle is exempt from registration if it has registration issued for the vehicle by the Armed Forces of the United States where the registration is issued in a foreign country to a vehicle owned by a member of the Armed Forces. The exemption granted by this subsection applies only for a period of 45 days from the time the vehicle is returned to the United States.
• A vehicle is exempt from registration if it is not operated on the highways of this state.
• A trailer is exempt from registration if it is equipped with pneumatic tires made of elastic material and is not operated in Oregon with a loaded weight of more than 1,800 pounds. A trailer for hire, travel trailer or camper is not included in this exemption.
• Vehicles owned and operated by the United States Government are exempt from registration.
• Implements of husbandry, well drilling machinery, emergency fire apparatus providing public fire protection and wheelchairs are exempt from registration.Road graders, farm tractors and farm trailers on highways are exempt from registration when the vehicle on the highway is incidental to its use in an agricultural operation.
• Except for road machinery that is operated at the direction of a road authority, fixed load vehicles are exempt from registration while the vehicles are operated:
  • In the construction or reconstruction of state or county roads, highways or city streets; and
  • Within the immediate construction projects, as described in the governmental agency contract under which the work is being performed.
• Motor vehicles designed to operate at a loaded weight over 8,000 pounds, trailers, and equipment are exempt from registration while being used for forest protection and fire suppression under ORS chapter 477 or a similar federal statute. This exemption applies to the vehicles or equipment described while being moved to or from the work area. The exemption only applies to vehicles or equipment owned, leased, contracted for or requisitioned by the State Forester or State Board of Forestry, a contractor of the State Forester or State Board of Forestry under ORS chapter 477 or the United States Government.
• Vehicles being used for the purposes of forest protection and fire suppression are exempt if the vehicles are necessary to comply with ORS 477.615, 477.650, or a similar federal statute. The exemption also applies to the vehicles described being moved to or from the work area.
• Vehicles registered and titled in any other country, state or territory are not required to be registered in Oregon. All of the following apply:
  • This exemption only applies if the vehicle owner satisfactorily shows that he or she is not a resident of Oregon or has been one for less than 30 days. A person is a resident of Oregon if the person meets the residency requirements described in ORS 803.200.
  • The exemption applies to vehicles granted exemptions under ORS 802.500 (reciprocal agreements), 802.520 (privileges or registration exemptions granted) or 826.005 (commercial vehicles).
  • A vehicle operated over the highways of Oregon for compensation or profit must comply with the registration requirements under ORS 803.300 in the same manner as vehicles owned by persons in Oregon. The following vehicles are not subject to this paragraph:
    • Vehicles operated under reciprocal registration exemptions established under ORS 802.500 or 826.005.
    • Vehicles operated under an exemption established under ORS 802.520.
    • Vehicles that are proportionally registered under an agreement established under ORS 826.007 and according to the procedures established under ORS 826.009 and 826.011.
    • Any vehicle if duly registered and titled under the laws of the state or country of which the owner is a bona fide resident to the extent that in the foreign country, state, territory or federal district where the owner resides like exemptions and privileges are granted vehicles duly registered and titled under the laws of Oregon and owned by residents of Oregon.
  • If no exemption from registration requirements is in effect under ORS 802.500, 802.520, 826.005 or 826.007 with respect to another jurisdiction, any vehicle properly registered and titled in such other jurisdiction and for which evidence of compliance is supplied shall receive, when operated in Oregon, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdictions to vehicles properly registered and titled in Oregon. Reciprocity extended under this exemption will apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate commerce.
  • Any vehicle operated under dealer registration plates issued by another state, country, province, territory or the District of Columbia.
• Vehicles operated or used by vehicle dealers may be operated or used without registration as provided under ORS 822.040.
• Vehicles towed by towing businesses may be towed without registration as provided under ORS 822.210.
• Vehicles without registration may be transported by vehicle transporters as provided under ORS 822.310.
• Vehicles that are not registered may be operated under trip permits described under ORS 803.600 or under permits described under ORS 803.610 to 803.625.
• If trailers that are part of a fleet of trailers for hire are properly registered in Oregon under an agreement entered into pursuant to ORS 802.500, all trailers that are identified as being a part of the same fleet and that are currently registered in any state, territory, province, country or the District of Columbia shall be permitted to operate in Oregon in both interstate and intrastate commerce without being registered in Oregon.
• Vehicles that are registered by the United States Department of State and that are owned or operated by foreign nationals with diplomatic immunity are exempt from registration.
• Tow dollies and converter dollies are exempt from registration.
• Class I, Class III and Class IV all-terrain vehicles are exempt from registration.Road machinery operated at the direction of a road authority is exempt from registration. The exemption also applies when the operation of road machinery upon a highway or an alley is incidental to its use in a highway maintenance operation.

Pennsylvania

The following types of vehicles are exempt from registration:

• Any vehicle used in conformance with the provisions relating to dealers, persons registered under any of the miscellaneous motor vehicle business classes or nonresidents.
• Any implement of husbandry, other than a commercial implement of husbandry, used exclusively for agricultural operations. Vehicles are exempt from registration when operated within 50 miles of the farm or farms owned or operated by the vehicle owner.
• Any implement of husbandry, trailer or semitrailer used exclusively for agricultural operations when being towed or hauled by an implement of husbandry or farm vehicle within 50 miles of the farm or farms owned or operated by the owner of the towed or hauled vehicle.
• Any vehicle moved by special permit as provided for in sections 4965 (relating to single permits for multiple highway crossings), 4966 (relating to permit for movement of quarry equipment), and 4970(a) (relating to permit for movement of construction equipment).
• Any vehicle registered and displaying plates issued in a foreign country by the armed forces of the United States for a period of 45 days from the date of the return of the owner to the United States.Any vehicle owned by a resident of Pennsylvania that is required to be registered in another state based and used principally outside of Pennsylvania.
• Any vehicle moved solely by human or animal power.
• Any mobile home or modular housing unit.
• Any farm vehicle used exclusively upon a farm or farms owned or operated by the owner of the vehicle, subject to the following:
  • Type A. — Such a farm vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating not exceeding 10,000 pounds may be driven upon highways only from sunrise to sunset and between:
    • Parts of one such farm.
    • Such farms located not more than 50 miles apart.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 50 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of buying or selling agricultural commodities or supplies.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 50 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of repairing or servicing of the farm vehicle or the trailer or semitrailer being towed or hauled by the farm vehicle.
  • Type B. — Such a farm vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds and not exceeding 17,000 pounds may be driven upon highways only from sunrise to sunset and between:
    • Parts of one such farm.
    • Such farms located not more than 25 miles apart.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 25 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of buying or selling agricultural commodities or supplies.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 50 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of repairing or servicing of the farm vehicle or the trailer or semitrailer being towed or hauled by the farm vehicle.
  • Type C. — Such a farm vehicle which does qualify as a motor carrier vehicle, and which does not display a currently valid certificate of inspection may be driven upon highways only from sunrise to sunset and between:
    • Parts of one such farm.
    • Such farms located not more than ten miles apart.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of ten miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of buying or selling agricultural commodities or supplies.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 25 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of repairing or servicing of the farm vehicle or the trailer or semitrailer being towed or hauled by the farm vehicle.
  • Type D—such a farm vehicle which does qualify as a motor carrier vehicle and displays a currently valid certificate of inspection may be driven without any restriction as to time but may only be driven on highways between:
    • Parts of one such farm.
    • Such farms located not more than 50 miles apart.
    • Such farm or farms and a place of business located within a radius of 50 miles from such farm or farms for the purpose of buying or selling agricultural commodities or supplies or for repairing or servicing of the farm vehicle or the trailer or semitrailer being towed or hauled by the farm vehicle.
  • A biennial certificate of exemption shall be required for an exempt farm vehicle.
  • The farm vehicle owner shall maintain such minimum levels of liability insurance coverage on the vehicle as required under Chapter 17 (relating to financial responsibility) by owners of registered motor vehicles. The owner shall satisfy the requirements of this subparagraph if the minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage for the farm vehicle have been provided under farm liability insurance coverage maintained generally by the owner. Coverage prescribed in Subchapter B or Chapter 17 shall not be maintained or provided for the farm vehicle. Coverage prescribed in Subchapter B of Chapter 17 shall not be maintained or provided for the farm vehicle.
• Any trailer or semitrailer, including but not limited to non-self-propelled special mobile equipment and amusement rides constructed as an integral part of the trailer chassis to create a single unit, to be used primarily for off highway use and only operated incidentally upon the highway.
• Any military vehicle used for training by a private, nonprofit, tax exempt military educational institution when such vehicle does not travel on public roads more than one mile and the property on both sides of the public road is owned by the institution.
• Any oversized or overweight vehicle which may be moved or operated only under a permit and without a load pursuant to section 4961(a) (relating to authority to issue permits) and 4962(f) (relating to when loads permitted).
• Any vehicle used for golf course maintenance, resort maintenance or college, university or seminary campus maintenance when such vehicle does not travel on public roads more than one mile and the property on both sides of the public road is owned by said golf course, resort or college, university or seminary.
• Any motor vehicle being towed.
• Any trailer registered in another state towed by a motor vehicle registered in Pennsylvania provided:
  • The owner has as many trailers registered in Pennsylvania as combinations so registered; or
  • The towing vehicle is being operated under a permanent lease to a person meeting the requirements of the above subparagraph.
• Any multipurpose agricultural vehicle. These vehicles must be used exclusively upon a farm, or farms owned or operated by the owner of the vehicles or upon highways between:
  • Parts of one such farm.
  • Such farms located not more than five miles apart.
• Any farm and garden vehicle under 20 horsepower driven incidentally upon a highway, as determined by the department.
• A tow dolly.
• Special mobile equipment engaged in construction activities within one mile of an active construction site where the vehicle is being used. Vehicles used under this exemption are required to meet lighting and other requirements of special mobile equipment. This exemption does not apply to tracked vehicles.
• Any portable traffic control signal or device upon a trailer not exceeding 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
• Any all-terrain vehicle exempt from registration under Chapter 77 (relating to snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles) and operated as an emergency vehicle by a police or fire department or emergency medical services agency when the vehicle does not travel on public highways more than two miles and is primarily for off-highway use and only operated incidentally upon the highway. An all-terrain vehicle so operated must comply with section 4571 (visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles).

Pennsylvania

Vehicles of nonresidents

Generally, a nonresident owner of any foreign vehicle may operate or permit the operation of the vehicle within Pennsylvania without registering the vehicle, provided the vehicle is always duly registered and in full compliance with the registration requirements of the place of residence of the owner and the vehicle is not:Used for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation or profit;Regularly operated in carrying on business within this Commonwealth;Designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property for hire, compensation or profit and not subject to reciprocity under section 6144 (relating to vehicle registration and licensing) or 6149 (relating to automatic reciprocity); orSpecial mobile equipment if not also required to be and registered under the laws of the place of residence of the owner.

Pennsylvania

Vehicles for hire, transportation, or profit

Every owner of a foreign vehicle operated within Pennsylvania for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation or profit either regularly according to schedule or for a period exceeding 30 days in the calendar year, unless exempted from registration under the terms of a reciprocity agreement must register the vehicle in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

Vehicle owned by nonresident carrying on business in Pennsylvania

Every nonresident, including any foreign corporation, carrying on business within Pennsylvania and operating in the business any vehicle within Pennsylvania, unless exempted from registration under the terms of a reciprocity agreement, must register each such vehicle in Pennsylvania. A foreign corporation with its principal place of business in Pennsylvania is regarded as a resident of Pennsylvania for purposes of registration.

Pennsylvania

Vehicle owned by member of armed forces

A member of the armed forces of the United States who is serving on active duty in Pennsylvania need not register a personal passenger vehicle in Pennsylvania if the vehicle is registered in the state of his or her residence.

Rhode Island

Exemptions [Effective thru July 1, 2024]

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, motorized camper, tent trailer, travel trailer, pick-up coach, and pick-up camper, owned by a resident of Rhode Island when operated or drawn upon a highway for a period of 30 days, is subject to the registration requirements, except:

• Any vehicle operated upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lien holders, or nonresidents;
• Any vehicle that is operated upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the highway but not along the highway from one property to another;
• Any farm vehicle, whether of a type otherwise subject to registration under this chapter, that is only incidentally operated on a highway. The phrase “incidentally operated upon a highway” means the operation upon a highway of a “slow-moving motor vehicle” that is designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry, between agricultural operations owned or managed by the owner of the motor vehicle. Unless the incidental operation is only for purposes of crossing the highway but not traveling along it, the farm vehicle engaged in the incidental operation must display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” emblem in a manner that complies with requirements established by the division of motor vehicles;
• Any special mobile equipment as defined in §31-1-9;
• Any vehicle propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, though not operated on rails.

“Mobile equipment” means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus, and road construction or maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry-alls and scrapers, power shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and earth moving equipment. The term does not include house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit mixers, cranes, or shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.

Rhode Island

Exemptions [Effective July 1, 2024]Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, pole trailer, motorized camper, tent trailer, travel trailer, pick-up coach, and pick-up camper, owned by a resident of Rhode Island when operated or drawn upon a highway for a period of 30 days is subject to the registration provisions, except:

• Any vehicle operated upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lien holders, or nonresidents;
• Any vehicle that is operated upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the highway but not along the highway from one property to another;
• Any farm vehicle, whether of a type otherwise subject to registration, that is only incidentally operated on a highway. The phrase “incidentally operated upon a highway” means the operation upon a highway of a “slow-moving motor vehicle” that is designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry, between agricultural operations owned or managed by the owner of the motor vehicle. Unless the incidental operation is only for purposes of crossing the highway but not traveling along it, the farm vehicle engaged in the incidental operation must display a “Slow Moving Vehicle” emblem in a manner that complies with requirements established by the division of motor vehicles;
• Any special mobile equipment (defined below) as defined in §31-1-9;
• Any vehicle that is propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, though not operated upon rails;
• Any low-speed motor vehicle or low-speed vehicle (defined below) as defined in §31-1-3.

“Mobile equipment” means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus, and road construction or maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving carry-alls and scrapers, power shovels and drag lines, and self-propelled cranes and earth moving equipment. The term does not include house trailers, dump trucks, truck mounted transit mixers, cranes, or shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached.“Low-speed motor vehicle” or “low-speed vehicle” means a motor vehicle defined in 49 C.F.R. §571.3 as a vehicle that is four (4) wheeled, whose speed attainable in one mile is more than 20 mph and not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface, is electric, and whose gross vehicle weight rating is less than 3,000 pounds. All low-speed motor vehicles shall comply with the standards established in 49 C.F.R. §571.500, as amended, and pursuant thereto, shall be equipped with headlamps, front and rear turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, an exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior mirror, a parking brake, a windshield that conforms to the federal standards on glazing materials, a vehicle identification number that conforms to the requirements of 49 C.F.R. pt. 565 for such numbers, a Type 1 or Type 2 seat belt assembly conforming to 49 C.F.R. §571.209, installed at each designated seating position, and reflex reflectors; provided, that one reflector is red on each side as far to the rear as practicable and one reflector is red on the rear. A low-speed motor vehicle that meets the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §571.500, as amended, and is equipped as herein provided, may be registered in this state, subject to inspection and insurance requirements.

South Carolina

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer and special mobile equipment vehicle driven, operated or moved on a highway in South Carolina must be registered and licensed.

The following vehicles are exempt from registration and licensing under this chapter:

• A vehicle driven, operated, or moved upon a highway pursuant to the provisions relating to nonresidents or under temporary permits issued by the department;
• Any implement of husbandry, including a knuckleboom loader mounted on a trailer or straight truck, whether of a type otherwise subject to registration and license which is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway;
• A special mobile equipment (defined below) vehicle which only occasionally is moved over a highway and special mobile equipment vehicles of South Carolina or its departments, agencies, or political subdivisions;
• A vehicle owned and operated by the government of the United States;
• A trailer or semitrailer commonly used in combination with a large commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Section 12-37-2810, for which trailer or semitrailer the fee imposed pursuant to Section 12-37-2860 is paid and applicable registration requirements provided pursuant to Article 23, Chapter 37, Title 12, are met, and a distinctive permanent plate has been issued pursuant to Section 12-37-2860; andFirefighting vehicles that are publicly owned by South Carolina or a county, municipality, or special purpose district as follows:
• Motorized firefighting vehicles that carry a pump or water tank more than 300 gallons;
• Motorized firefighting vehicles containing a hydraulically operated ladder; andSpecialized support vehicles that specifically transport equipment utilized for rescue operations, hazardous materials response, wildfire emergencies, breathing air refill support, and incident command.

“Special mobile equipment” includes every vehicle, with or without motive power, not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or pay-load property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including farm tractors, road construction and maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, well-boring apparatus, truck cranes or mobile shovel cranes, and similar vehicles; this enumeration is deemed partial and does not operate to exclude other vehicles which are within the general terms of this definition.

South Carolina

Boat trailers under 2,500 pounds, farm trailers and other utility trailers which are privately owned and not for hire need not be licensed or registered.

South Carolina

Professional racing cars not operated under their own power but towed by another vehicle going to or from a race track need not be registered or licensed.

South Carolina

Vehicles operated under reciprocity with another jurisdiction

The Department of Motor Vehicles may grant to any other state, country, territory or district reciprocity with respect to the operation of any vehicles in South Carolina without being registered and licensed if such other jurisdiction extends under its laws, rules and regulations like privileges to vehicles registered and licensed in South Carolina, subject to the conditions that every such vehicle is at all times, when operated in South Carolina is duly registered or licensed in such jurisdiction in accordance with the lawful requirements of such jurisdiction and that there is displayed thereon a valid registration card and registration or license plate or plates.

South Carolina

Vehicles operated under special permits

The department may issue in writing special permits to operate vehicles otherwise required to be registered and licensed. A special permit must specify the date on which it expires and be carried on the vehicle authorized to be operated.

South Dakota

Every owner of a motor vehicle, motorcycle, truck tractor, road tractor, trailer or semitrailer, or recreational vehicle or trailer, which is operated or driven upon the public highways of this state must register that vehicle.

“Motor vehicle” includes all vehicles or machines, trailers, semitrailers, recreational vehicles, truck tractors, road tractors and motorcycles propelled by any power other than muscular and used upon the public highways for the transportation of persons or property, or both.

To clarify the issuance of vehicle titles and registrations for trailers and semi-trailers, the following exemptions from the statutory definitions of "trailer" and "semi-trailer" are adopted:

• "Auxiliary axle," an auxiliary undercarriage assembly with a fifth wheel and tow bar used to convert a semi-trailer to a full trailer, commonly referred to as converter gears or converter dollies;
• "Implement of husbandry," every vehicle designed or adapted and used exclusively for agricultural operations and is only incidentally moved or operated upon a highway;
• "Special mobile equipment," every vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and is only incidentally operated or moved over a highway;
• "Car toter or tow dolly," a two-wheeled conveyance designed or adapted to be used to support the weight of one axle of a motor vehicle while being towed in combination behind another motor vehicle.

These vehicles are not subject to the vehicle title and registration provisions.

South Dakota

Farm vehicle

Any farm wagon, farm implement drawn by another vehicle or farm vehicle which is designed and used primarily for tillage, harvesting or transportation of agricultural products or farm property by or for agricultural producers is exempt unless the farm vehicle is a stock trailer, gooseneck trailer or semitrailer towed by a licensed motor vehicle on any public highway or a passenger vehicle, two- or three-axle truck or semi tractor.

South Dakota

All-terrain vehicle

Any three-wheeled or four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle using a highway ditch or crossing a highway to get to and from a field or pasture and being used during farm or ranch labor is exempt from registration.

South Dakota

Motor vehicles owned by nonresidents

Registration does not apply to any motor vehicles owned by a nonresident of this state, if the owner has complied with the provisions of the law of the state of which he or she is a resident, relative to the registration thereof and the display of a registration number plate or plates thereon. The provisions of §32-5-46 as to the exemption from registration of any motor vehicle owned by a nonresident shall apply only to the extent that under the law of the state of his residence like exemptions and privileges are granted to motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, truck tractors, road tractors, and motor buses, duly registered under the laws and owned by residents of South Dakota.

South Dakota

Vehicle reciprocity where no agreement in place

If no agreement, arrangement or declaration is in effect with respect to another jurisdiction, any vehicle properly registered or licensed in another jurisdiction and for which evidence of compliance is supplied, will receive, when operated in South Dakota, the same exemptions, benefits and privileges granted by such other jurisdiction to vehicles properly registered South Dakota. Reciprocity extended under this provision will apply to commercial vehicles only when engaged exclusively in interstate commerce.

Tennessee

As a condition precedent to the operation of any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of Tennessee, the motor vehicle must be registered.

“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle that is self-propelled, excluding:

• Electric scooters,
• Motorized bicycles,
• Personal delivery devices, and
• Every vehicle that is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires.

“Motor vehicle” includes any low or medium speed vehicle or any mobile home or house trailer as defined in §55-1-105.

“Low speed vehicle” means any four-wheeled electric or gasoline vehicle, excluding golf carts, whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but not greater than 25 mph, including neighborhood electric vehicles. Low speed vehicles must comply with the standards in 49 CFR 571.500.

“Medium speed vehicle” means any four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle, excluding golf carts, whose top speed is greater than 30 mph, but whose maximum speed allowed is 35 mph only on streets with a 40 mph or less posted speed limit pursuant to §55-8-191(b)(1), including neighborhood electric vehicles and mini-trucks. Medium speed vehicles must meet or exceed the federal safety standards set forth in 49 CFR 571.500, except as otherwise provided in §55-4-136.

Tennessee

Reciprocal agreements for nonresident owned vehicles (including proportional registration of commercial vehicles)

The commissioner is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with proper officials of other states under which agreements motor vehicles of nonresident owners properly licensed and bearing license tags or plates of those states may be operated over the highways of Tennessee, and without being registered or licensed in the state; provided, that the officials of any other state grants like privileges to citizens of Tennessee operating motor vehicles in that state or states.The commissioner may likewise enter into agreements or arrangements with the duly authorized representatives of other jurisdictions relating to the proportional registration of commercial vehicles in interstate or combined interstate and intrastate commerce. The apportionment may be made on a basis commensurate with and determined on the miles traveled on and use made of the highways of Tennessee as compared with the miles traveled on and use made of other jurisdictions' highways or any other equitable basis of apportionment.

Tennessee

Volunteer first aid or rescue squad vehicles

Exempted if:

• The vehicle is used exclusively as a lifesaving, rescue, or first-aid vehicle and is not rented, leased or loaned to any private individual, firm or corporation;
• No charges are made by the organization for the use of the vehicles; and
• The organization is chartered by the state as a volunteer, nonprofit organization.

The equipment must be painted a distinguishing color and conspicuously display in letters and figures, not less than three inches (3″) in height, the identity of the volunteer lifesaving or first-aid crew or rescue squad having control of its operation; provided, that the equipment be used exclusively for lifesaving, first-aid, or rescue activities.

Before the equipment may be operated upon the highways Tennessee without license plates, there must be filed with the department a certification by the county clerk of the county in which the equipment is based, certifying a description of the equipment and the name of the lifesaving or first-aid crew, or rescue squad.

“Rescue squad” means only those persons or organizations who are members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads, except that in counties having a population of 600,000 or more, according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census, “rescue squad” includes persons and organizations which meet the requirements but who are not members of the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.

Texas

General registration rule: Not more than 30 days after purchasing a vehicle or becoming a resident of Texas, the owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must apply for the registration of the vehicle.

“Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that is self-propelled.

“Semitrailer” means a vehicle designed or used with a motor vehicle so that part of the weight of the vehicle and its load rests on or is carried by another vehicle.

“Trailer” means a vehicle that:

• is designed or used to carry a load wholly on its own structure; and
• is drawn or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle.

“Vehicle” means a device in or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public highway, other than a device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.

Texas

Certain off-highway vehicles

The department may not register an off-highway vehicle, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.

The department may register an off-highway vehicle that is owned by the state, county, or municipality for operation on a public beach or highway to maintain public safety and welfare.

“Off-highway vehicle” means:

• An all-terrain vehicle or recreational off-highway vehicle;
• A sand rail; or
• A utility vehicle.

“Utility vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is not a golf cart or lawn mower and is:

• Equipped with side-by-side seating for the use of the operator and a passenger;
• Designed to propel itself with at least four tires in contact with the ground;
• Designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use only; and
• Designed by the manufacturer primarily for utility work and not for recreational purposes.

• Is designed or built primarily for off-highway use in sandy terrains, including for use on sand dunes;
• Has a tubular frame, an integrated roll cage, and an engine that is rear-mounted or placed midway between the front and rear axles of the vehicle; and
• Has a gross vehicle weight of:
  • Not less than 700 pounds; and
  • Not more than 2,000 pounds.

Texas

Off-highway former military vehicles

Generally, a person may not register a former military vehicle designated for off-highway use, with or without design alterations, for operation on a public highway.

However, a former military vehicle may be registered for on-road use if the vehicle:

• Is a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle designated for off-highway use; and
• It has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds.

A former military vehicle issued specialty license plates under Section 504.502 may be operated on a public highway in accordance with that section.

Texas

Other vehicles exempted

An owner may not register the following vehicles for operation on a public highway:

• Power sweepers;
• Motorized mobility devices;
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices; and
• Electric bicycles, as defined by Section 664.001.

Texas

Vehicles operated on highway separating real property of vehicle owner

Where a public highway separates real property under the control of the owner of a motor vehicle, the operation of the motor vehicle by the owner or the owner’s agent or employee across the highway is not a use of the motor vehicle on the public highway.

Texas

Vehicles operated by certain nonresidents

A nonresident owner of a privately owned passenger car that is registered in the state or country in which the person resides and that is not operated for compensation may operate the car in Texas for the period in which the car’s license plates are valid.For purposes of this exemption, “nonresident” does not include a person engaged in gainful employment or is engaged in business or an occupation, except as may otherwise be provided by any reciprocal agreement with another state or country.

This exemption allows:

• A nonresident owner of a motor vehicle to operate the vehicle in Texas for the sole purpose of marketing farm products raised exclusively by the person; or
• A resident of an adjoining state or country to operate in Texas a privately owned and registered vehicle to go to and from the person’s place of regular employment and to make trips to purchase merchandise, if the vehicle is not operated for compensation.

These privileges may be allowed only if, under the laws of the appropriate state or country, similar privileges are granted to vehicles registered under the laws of Texas and owned by residents of Texas.

These privileges do not affect the right or status of a vehicle owner under any reciprocal agreement between Texas and another state or country.

Texas

Vehicle used only temporarily on the highway

An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is used only temporarily on the highways if the vehicle is:

• A farm trailer or farm semitrailer with a gross weight of more than 4,000 pounds but not more than 34,000 pounds that is used exclusively:
  • To transport seasonally harvested agricultural products or livestock from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage;
  • To transport farm supplies from the place of loading to the farm; or
  • For the purpose of participating in equine activities or attending livestock shows, as defined by Section 87.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code;
• Machinery used exclusively for the purpose of drilling water wells;
• Oil well servicing or drilling machinery and if at the time of obtaining the license plates, the applicant submits proof that the applicant has a permit under Section 623.142; or
• Construction machinery.

The vehicles described in this temporary use exemption are exempt from the inspection requirements of Subchapters B and F, Chapter 548.

Texas

Farm Vehicles

An owner is not required to register a vehicle that is:

• A farm trailer or farm semitrailer owned by a cotton gin and used exclusively to transport agricultural products without charge from the place of production to the place of processing, market, or storage;
• A trailer used exclusively to transport fertilizer without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm; or
• A trailer used exclusively to transport cottonseed without charge from a place of supply or storage to a farm or place of processing.

This exemption applies to a vehicle owned by a farmers’ cooperative society incorporated under Chapter 51, Agriculture Code, or a marketing association organized under Chapter 52, Agriculture Code, and used by members of the society or association for a fee if the vehicle otherwise meets the requirements for the exemption.

Except for the exemption for a vehicle owned by a farmers’ cooperative society, the farm vehicle exemption does not apply to a farm trailer or farm semitrailer that:

• Is used for hire;
• Has metal tires operating in contact with the highway;
• Is not equipped with an adequate hitch pinned or locked so that it will remain securely engaged to the towing vehicle while in motion; or
• Is not operated and equipped in compliance with all other laws.

Texas

Vehicles operated under a special registration permit

Special registration permits are recognized as legal registration for the movement of motor vehicles not authorized to travel on Texas public highways for lack of registration or for lack of reciprocity with the state or country in which the vehicles are registered.

Permit Categories: The department will issue the following categories of special registration permits.

(1) Additional weight permits. The owner of a truck, truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer may purchase temporary additional weight permits for the purpose of transporting the owner's own seasonal agricultural products to market or other points for sale or processing in accordance with Transportation Code, §502.434. In addition, such vehicles may be used for the transportation without charge of seasonal laborers from their place of residence, and materials, tools, equipment, and supplies from the place of purchase or storage to a farm or ranch exclusively for use on such farm or ranch.

(2) Annual permits. Transportation Code, §502.093 authorizes the department to issue annual permits to provide for the movement of foreign commercial vehicles that are not authorized to travel on Texas highways for lack of registration or for lack of reciprocity with the state or country in which the vehicles are registered.

(3) 72-hour permits and 144-hour permits. In accordance with Transportation Code, §502.094, the department will issue a permit valid for 72 hours or 144 hours for the movement of commercial motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motor buses owned by residents of the United States, Mexico, or Canada.

(4) Temporary agricultural permits.

A. Transportation Code, §502.092 authorizes the department to issue a 30-day temporary nonresident registration permit to a nonresident for any truck, truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer to be used in the movement of all agriculture products produced in Texas: (i) from the place of production to market, storage, or railhead not more than 75 miles from the place of production; or (ii) to be used in the movement of machinery used to harvest Texas-produced agricultural products.

(B) The department will issue a 30-day temporary nonresident registration permit to a nonresident for any truck, truck tractor, trailer, or semitrailer used to move or harvest farm products, produced outside of Texas, but: (i) marketed or processed in Texas; or (ii) moved to points in Texas for shipment from the point of entry into Texas to market, storage, processing plant, railhead or seaport not more than 80 miles from such point of entry into Texas.

(E) The number of temporary agricultural permits is limited to three permits per nonresident owner during any one vehicle registration year.

(F) Temporary agricultural permits may not be issued to farm licensed trailers or semitrailers.

(5) One-trip permits. Transportation Code, §502.095 authorizes the department to temporarily register any unladen vehicle upon application to provide for the movement of the vehicle for one trip, when the vehicle is subject to Texas registration and not authorized to travel on the public roadways for lack of registration or lack of registration reciprocity.

(6) 30-day temporary registration permits. Transportation Code, §502.095 authorizes the department to issue a temporary registration permit valid for 30 days for a $ 25 fee. A vehicle operated on a 30-day temporary permit is not restricted to a specific route. The permit is available for:

(A) passenger vehicles;

(B) motorcycles;

(C) private buses;

(D) trailers and semitrailers with a gross weight not exceeding 10,000 pounds;

(E) light commercial vehicles not exceeding a gross weight of 10,000 pounds; and

(F) a commercial vehicle exceeding 10,000 pounds, provided the vehicle is operated unladen.

Reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions. In accordance with Transportation Code, §502.091, and Chapter 648, the executive director of the department may enter into a written agreement with an authorized officer of a state, province, territory, or possession of a foreign country to provide for the exemption from payment of registration fees by nonresidents, if residents of this state are granted reciprocal exemptions. The executive director may enter into such agreement only upon:

(1) the approval of the governor; and

(2) determining that the economic benefits to the state outweigh all other factors considered.

Texas

Border commercial zones

(1) Texas registration required. A vehicle located in a border commercial zone must display a valid Texas registration if the vehicle is owned by a person who:

(A) owns a leasing facility or a leasing terminal located in Texas; and

(B) leases the vehicle to a foreign motor carrier.

(2) Exemption for trips of short duration. Except as provided by paragraph

(1) of this subsection, a foreign commercial vehicle operating in accordance with Transportation Code, Chapter 648 is exempt from the display of a temporary registration permit if:(A) the vehicle is engaged solely in the transportation of cargo across the border into or from a border commercial zone;

(B) for each load of cargo transported the vehicle remains in this state for: (i) not more than 24 hours; or (ii) not more than 48 hours, if:

(I) the vehicle is unable to leave this state within 24 hours because of circumstances beyond the control of the motor carrier operating the vehicle; and

(II) all financial responsibility requirements applying to this vehicle are satisfied;

(C) the vehicle is registered and licensed as required by the country in which the person that owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen as evidenced by a valid metal license plate attached to the front or rear exterior of the vehicle; and

(D) the country in which the person who owns the vehicle is domiciled or is a citizen provides a reciprocal exemption for commercial motor vehicles owned by residents of Texas.

(3) Exemption due to reciprocity agreement. Except as provided by paragraph

(1) of this subsection, a foreign commercial motor vehicle in a border commercial zone in this state is exempt from the requirement of obtaining a Texas registration if the vehicle is currently registered in another state of the United States or a province of Canada with which this state has a reciprocity agreement that exempts a vehicle that is owned by a resident of this state and that is currently registered in this state from registration in the other state or province.

Utah

Registration is not required for any:

• Vehicle registered in another state and owned by a nonresident of Utah or operating under a temporary registration permit issued by the division or a dealer, driven, or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lien holders, or interstate vehicles;
• Vehicle driven or moved upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the highway from one property to another;
• Implement of husbandry, whether of a type otherwise subject to registration or not, that is only incidentally operated or moved upon a highway;
• Special mobile equipment;Vehicle owned or leased by the federal government;Motor vehicle not designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of passengers for hire or for the transportation of property if the motor vehicle is registered in another state and is owned and operated by a nonresident of Utah;Vehicle or combination of vehicles designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire or for the transportation of property if the vehicle or combination of vehicles is registered in another state and is owned and operated by a nonresident of Utah and if the vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross laden weight of 26,000 pounds or less;
• Trailer of 750 pounds or less unladen weight and not designed, used, and maintained for hire for the transportation of property or person;Single-axle trailer unless that trailer is:
• A commercial vehicle;
• A trailer designed, used, and maintained for hire for the transportation of property or person; or
• A travel trailer, camping trailer, or fifth wheel trailer of 750 pounds or more laden weight;
• Manufactured home or mobile home;
• Off-highway vehicle currently registered under Section 41-22-3 if the off-highway vehicle is:
  • Being towed;
  • Operated on a street or highway designated as open to off-highway vehicle use; or
  • Operated in the manner prescribed in Subsections 41-22-10.3(1) through (3);
• Off-highway implement of husbandry operated in the manner prescribed in Subsections 41-22-5.5(3) through (5);
• Modular and prebuilt homes conforming to the uniform building code and presently regulated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development that are not constructed on a permanent chassis;
• Electric assisted bicycle defined under Section 41-6a-102;
• Motor assisted scooter defined under Section 41-6a-102; or
• Electric personal assistive mobility device defined under Section 41-6a-102.

“Domicile” means the place:

• Where an individual has a fixed permanent home and principal establishment;
• To which the individual if absent, intends to return; and
• In which the individual and his family voluntarily reside, not for a special or temporary purpose, but with the intention of making a permanent home.

“Resident” means:

• An individual who:
• Has established a domicile in this state;
• Regardless of domicile, remains in this state for an aggregate period of six months or more during any calendar year;
• Engages in a trade, profession, or occupation in this state or who accepts employment in other than seasonal work in this state and who does not commute into the state;
• Declares himself to be a resident of this state for the purpose of obtaining a driver license or motor vehicle registration; or
• Declares himself a resident of Utah to obtain privileges not ordinarily extended to nonresidents, including going to school, or placing children in school without paying nonresident tuition or fees; or
• Any individual, partnership, limited liability company, firm, corporation, association, or other entity that:
• Maintains a main office, branch office, or warehouse facility in this state and that bases and operates a motor vehicle in this state; or
• Operates a motor vehicle in intrastate transportation for other than seasonal work.

“Resident” does not include any of the following:

• A member of the military temporarily stationed in Utah;
• An out-of-state student, as classified by the institution of higher education, enrolled with the equivalent of seven or more quarter hours, regardless of whether the student engages in a trade, profession, or occupation in this state or accepts employment in this state; and
• An individual domiciled in another state or a foreign country that:
  • Is engaged in public, charitable, educational, or religious services for a government agency or an organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3);
  • Is not compensated for services rendered other than expense reimbursements; and
  • Is temporarily in Utah for a period not to exceed 24 months.

A “resident” includes the owner of a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system as defined in Section 41-26-102.1 if the vehicle is physically present in the state for more than 30 consecutive days in a calendar year.

Vermont

A person may not operate a motor vehicle nor draw a trailer or semi-trailer on any highway in Vermont unless such vehicle is registered.

Vehicle owners who have apportioned power units registered in Vermont under the International Registration Plan are exempt from the requirement to register their trailers in Utah.

A “motor vehicle” includes all vehicles propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power, except:

• Farm tractors,
• Vehicles running only upon stationary rails or tracks,
• Motorized highway building equipment,
• Road making appliances,
• Snowmobiles,
• Tracked vehicles,
• Motor-assisted bicycles,
• Electric bicycles, or
• Electric personal assistive mobility devices.

A “trailer” is a vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle except:Road making appliances andTransportation dollies, and

A “semi-trailer” is a vehicle without motive power, designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle, and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by the towing vehicle, except:

• Pole dinkeys,
• Transportation dollies, and
• Road making appliances.

“Road making appliances” mean all bulldozers, rollers, scrapers, graders, spreaders, pavers, retreading machines, compressors, power shovels, excavators, rock crushers, concrete mixers, snow loaders, bucket loaders, rooters, portable electric generators, pavement heaters, sweepers, steam boilers, traffic control boards, screening plants, asphalt reclaimers, and scarifiers designed to be and while being drawn by a separate motorized power unit and while being used exclusively for building, repair, or maintenance of roads or highways or while being transported from job to job in connection with the building, repair, or maintenance of roads or highways, except contractor’s trailers.

Virginia

Every person who owns a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer must register it before it is operated on any highway in Virginia.

Exceptions:

• Farm tractors.
  • “Farm tractor” means every motor vehicle designed and used as a farm, agricultural, or horticultural implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other farm, agricultural, or horticultural machinery and implements, including self-propelled mowers designed and used for mowing lawns.
• Special construction and forestry equipment.
  • “Special construction and forestry equipment” means any vehicle which is designed primarily for highway construction, highway maintenance, earth moving, timber harvesting or other construction or forestry work and which is not designed for the transportation of persons or property on a public highway.
• Any vehicle located in Virginia if that vehicle is registered to a:
  • Non-Virginia resident active-duty military service member,
  • Activated reserve or national guard member,
  • Mobilized reserve or national guard member living in the Commonwealth, or
  • Person who is serving a full-time church service or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months and who is not gainfully employed.

“Motor vehicle” means every vehicle that is self-propelled or designed for self-propulsion. Any structure designed, used, or maintained primarily to be loaded on or affixed to a motor vehicle to provide a mobile dwelling, sleeping place, office, or commercial space is considered a part of a motor vehicle. Exceptions: A bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or scooter, moped, or personal delivery device are not motor vehicles.

“Trailer” means every vehicle without motive power designed for carrying property or passengers wholly on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, including manufactured homes.

“Semitrailer” means every vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle that some part of its own weight and that of its own load rests on or is carried by another vehicle.

Virginia

Temporary exemption for new resident operating a vehicle registered in another state or country

A resident owner of any passenger car, pickup or panel truck, moped, autocycle, or motorcycle, other than oversized vehicles under §46.2-652, that has been duly registered for the current calendar year in another state or country and that at all times displays the license plate or plates issued by the other jurisdiction, may operate or permit the operation of the vehicle within or partly within Virginia for the first 30 days of his or her residency without registering the vehicle.

Virginia

Backhoes

No person must obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any backhoe operated on any highway for up to 20 miles from its operating base.

Virginia

Vehicles used for spraying fruit trees and other plants

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any vehicle on which a machine for spraying fruit trees and other plants of the owner or lessee of the truck is securely attached.

Virginia

Vehicles used for agricultural or horticultural purposes

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the vehicle’s owner.

This exemption only applies to:

• Pickup or panel trucks;
• Sport utility vehicles;
• Vehicles other than pickup or panel trucks, sport utility vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds; and
• Trailers and semitrailers that are not operated on or over any public highway in Virginia for any purpose other than:
  • Crossing a highway;
  • Operating along a highway for no more than 75 miles from one part of the owner’s land to another, irrespective of whether the tracts adjoin;
  • Taking the vehicle or attached fixtures to and from a repair shop for repairs;
  • Taking another vehicle exempt from registration under any provision of §§46.2-664 through 46.2-668 or 46.2-672, or any part or subcomponent of such a vehicle, to or from a repair shop for repairs, including return trips;
  • Operating along a highway to and from a refuse disposal facility for the purpose of disposing of trash and garbage generated on a farm and incidental refuse from the farmer’s or his employee’s home;
  • Operating along a highway for no more than 75 miles for the purpose of obtaining supplies for agricultural or horticultural purposes, seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, or animal feed and returning; or
  • Transporting the vehicle’s owner between his residence and the lands being used for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

Effective July 1, 2024, the owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming this exemption must obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

Virginia

Vehicles used for seasonal transportation of farm produce and livestock

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer owned by the owner or lessee of a farm and used by him on a seasonal basis in transporting farm produce and livestock along public highways for a distance of no more than 75 miles or to a storage house, packing plant, or market.

This exemption only applies to:

• Pickup or panel trucks;
• Sport utility vehicles;
• Vehicles other than pickup or panel trucks, sport utility vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds; and
• Trailers and semitrailers.

Effective July 1, 2024, the owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming this exemption must obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

Virginia

Farm machinery and tractors

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay the prescribed fee for any farm machinery or tractor when operated on a highway:

• Between one tract of land and another regardless of whether the land is owned by the same person or
• To and from a repair shop for repairs.

The owner or lessee of any farm machinery or tractor claiming this exemption is not required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

Virginia

Vehicles validly registered in other states and used in conjunction with harvesting operations

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is validly registered in another state and bears valid license plates issued by that state when the use of the vehicle has been contracted for by the owner or lessee of a farm as an incidental part of the harvesting of a crop from his farm.

This exemption is only valid while the vehicle is engaged principally in transporting farm produce from the farm:

• As an incidental part of harvesting operations;
• Along a public highway for not more than 20 miles to a storage house, packing plant, market, or transportation terminal;
• When the use is a seasonal operation; and
• When the owner of the vehicle has secured from the Commissioner an exemption permit for each vehicle.

The Commissioner, upon receipt of an application certifying that a vehicle is entitled to the exemption and, if the vehicle is a qualified highway vehicle under §58.1-2700, payment of $150, will issue an exemption permit on a form prescribed by him. The exemption permit must be always carried by the operator of the vehicle for which it is issued or displayed in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. The exemption permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and is renewable.

Virginia

Tractors, trailers, log carts, and similar vehicles owned by sawmill operators

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any tractor, trailer, log cart, or similar vehicle owned by a sawmill operator when the vehicle is operated or moved:

• Along a highway from one sawmill or sawmill site to another;
• To or from a repair shop for repairs; or
• Across a highway from one contiguous tract of land to another.

Virginia

Vehicles owned by farmers and used to transport certain wood products

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer owned by a farm owner when the vehicle is operated or moved along a highway for no more than 75 miles between a sawmill or sawmill site and his farm to transport sawdust, wood shavings, slab wood, and other wood wastes.

This exemption only applies to:

• Pickup or panel trucks;
• Sport utility vehicles;
• Vehicles other than pickup or panel trucks, sport utility vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds; and
• Trailers and semitrailers.

The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming this exemption must obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

Virginia

Vehicles owned by maritime cargo terminal operators

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, certificate of title, license plates, or decals for or to pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle owned or leased by a maritime cargo terminal owner or operator and used to transport a seagoing container and operated along a highway on a route of no more than one mile approved by the Department.

Virginia

Vehicles used at mines

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer used at mines when operated on the highway for no more than 20 miles between mines or to or from a repair shop for repairs.

Virginia

A motor vehicle or trailer, semitrailer, or fertilizer spreader drawn by a farm tractor to transport fertilizer, unginned cotton, or peanuts

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle or trailer, semitrailer, or fertilizer spreader drawn by a farm tractor used by a farmer, his tenant, agent or employee or a cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor to transport unginned cotton, peanuts, or fertilizer owned by the farmer, cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor from one farm to another, from farm to gin, from farm to dryer, from farm to market, or from fertilizer distributor to farm and on return to the distributor.

The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming this exemption is required to obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

This exemption does not apply to vehicles operated on a for-hire basis.

Virginia

Exempted farm vehicles making return trips

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any farm vehicle exempted from registration when that vehicle is:

• Making a return trip from any marketplace;
• Transporting back to a farm ordinary and essential food, including procuring a meal for a farmer or his employees, and other products for home and farm use while engaged in allowed activities; or
• Transporting supplies to the farm.

The owner or lessee of a pickup or panel truck or sport utility vehicle claiming this exemption must obtain a permanent farm use placard pursuant to §46.2-684.2.

Virginia

Vehicles used by commercial fisherman

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle, trailer, boat trailer, or semitrailer, or any combination thereof not having a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12,000 pounds used by commercial fishermen, their agents, or employees for the purpose of:

• Transporting boats or other equipment used in commercial fishing no more than 50 miles between his place of residence or business and the waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth or the adjacent marginal seas;
• Any return trip to his place of residence or business; or
• Transporting harvested seafood no more than 50 miles between the place where the seafood is first brought ashore and the transporter’s place of business or the location of the seafood’s first point of sale.

Virginia

Certain vehicles engaged in mining or quarrying operations

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee prescribed for any motor vehicle engaged in coal mining operations or other types of mining and quarrying operations, if the sole function of the motor vehicle is to haul coal from mine to tipple or to haul other mined or quarried products from mine or quarry to a processing plant.

The owner of the vehicle, however, must first obtain, without charge, a permit from the Commissioner of Highways in any case in which the motor vehicle is required to cross the public highways.

The Commissioner of Highways shall not issue the permit unless he is satisfied that the owner of the motor vehicle has, at his own expense, strengthened the highway crossing so that it will adequately bear the load and has provided adequate signs, lights, or flagmen as may be required for the protection of the public.

Any damage done to the highways because of this operation must be repaired in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner of Highways at the expense of the vehicle’s owner.

Virginia

Forklift trucks

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any forklift truck provided it is:

• Operated by a person holding a valid Virginia driver’s license;
• Operated along or across highways only in traveling from one plant, factory, or job site to another by the most direct route;
• Not carrying or transporting any object or person, other than the driver;
• Displaying a slow-moving vehicle emblem in conformity with §46.2-1081;
• In compliance with requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
• Not operated on or along any limited access highway; and
• Not operated for over 10 miles.

“Forklift truck” means a self-propelled machine used for hoisting and transporting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load.

Virginia

Vehicles transporting oyster shells

No person is required to obtain the registration certificate, license plates, or decals for or pay a registration fee for any motor vehicle properly registered in Maryland and used for the purpose of hauling oyster shells for less than three miles on a public highway of Virginia to navigable waters to be further transported by water to Maryland.

Virginia

Tractors, rollers, and other machinery used for highway purposes

Virginia

Traction engines or any locomotives or electric cars operating on rails

Virginia

Other exemption rules:

• Nocturnal use. It is unlawful for any vehicle exempted from registration to use the highways between sunset and sunrise unless it is equipped with lights as required by law.
• Insurance coverage and proof of insurance. Any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer that is exempt from motor vehicle registration requirements must be insured under a general liability policy that includes personal injury liability insurance as defined in §38.2-117 and property damage liability insurance as defined in §38.2-118, under a policy of motor vehicle insurance as defined in §38.2-124, or under an umbrella or excess insurance policy. Any such umbrella or excess insurance policy shall not be required to comply with the provisions of Chapter 22 (§38.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 38.2 of the Code of Virginia that relate to the ownership, maintenance, or use of the exempt motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer.
• Permanent farm use placards. All farm use placards must be permanent and valid for so long as the owner or lessee uses the vehicle for an exempt purpose and must not require renewal.
  • “Farm use placard” means a device containing letters, numerals, or a combination of both attached to a vehicle that is used for one of the exempt purposes set forth in §46.2-665, 46.2-666, 46.2-670, 46.2-672, or 46.2-673.

Washington

The following vehicles are not required to be registered:

• Converter gears used to convert a semitrailer into a trailer or a two-axle truck or tractor into a three or more-axle truck or tractor or used in any other manner to increase the number of axles of a vehicle;
• Farm-related vehicles:
  • Farm vehicles operated within a radius of 25 miles of the farm where it is principally used or garaged for the purposes of traveling between farms or other locations to engage in activities that support farming operations,
  • Farm tractors and farm implements including trailers designed as cook or bunk houses used exclusively for animal herding temporarily operating or drawn upon the public highways, and
  • Trailers used exclusively to transport farm implements from one farm to another during daylight hours or at night when the trailer is equipped with lights that comply with applicable law;
• Forklifts operated during daylight hours on public highways adjacent to and within five hundred feet of the warehouses they serve;
• Golf carts, as defined in RCW 46.04.1945, operating within a designated golf cart zone as described in RCW 46.08.175;
• Motor vehicles operated solely within a national recreation area not accessible by a state highway, including motorcycles, motor homes, passenger cars, and sport utility vehicles. This exemption applies only after initial registration;
• Nurse rigs or equipment auxiliary for the use of and designed or modified for the fueling, repairing, or loading of spray and fertilizer applicator rigs and not used, designed, or modified primarily for the purpose of transportation;
• Off-road vehicles operated on a street, road, or highway as authorized under RCW 46.09.360, or nonhighway roads under RCW 46.09.450;
• Special highway construction equipment;
• Dump trucks and tractor-dump trailer combinations that are:
  • Designed and used primarily for construction work on highways;
  • Not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a public highway; and
  • Only incidentally operated or moved over the highways;
• Spray or fertilizer applicator rigs designed and used exclusively for spraying or fertilization in the conduct of agricultural operations and not primarily for the purpose of transportation;
• Tow dollies;
• Trams used for transporting persons to and from facilities related to the horse racing industry as regulated in chapter 67.16 RCW (Sports and Recreation – Horse Racing), as long as the public right-of-way routes over which the trams operate are not more than one mile from end to end, the public rights-of-way over which the tram operates have average daily traffic of not more than 15,000 vehicles per day, and the activity is in conformity with federal law. The operator must be a licensed driver and at least 18 years old. For the purposes of this section, “tram” also means a vehicle, or combination of vehicles linked together with a single mode of propulsion, used to transport persons from one location to another;
• Vehicles used by the state parks and recreation commission exclusively for park maintenance and operations upon public highways within state parks; and
• Vehicles shipped as marine cargo, if:
  • The vehicles are operated:
    • From wharves to and from storage areas or terminals owned by a public port established according to chapter 53.04 RCW (Port District – Formation); or
    • Between storage areas or terminals owned by a public port established according to chapter 53.04 RCW; and
  • At least part of the operation takes place on public roadways connecting facilities of a single public port.

West Virginia

Every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and recreational vehicle when driven or moved upon a highway is subject to the registration and certificate of title requirements except:

• Any vehicle driven or moved upon a highway in conformance with the provisions relating to manufacturers, transporters, dealers, lien holders, or nonresidents or under a temporary registration permit;
• Any implement of husbandry upon which is securely attached a machine for spraying fruit trees and plants of the owner or lessee or for any other implement of husbandry which is used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the owner of the implement and which is not operated on or over any public highway of West Virginia for any other purpose other than for the purpose of operating it across a highway or along a highway other than an expressway from one point of the owner’s land to another part of the owner’s land, irrespective of whether or not the tracts adjoin: Provided, That the distance between the points may not exceed 35 miles, or for the purpose of taking it or other fixtures attached to the implement, to and from a repair shop for repairs. The exemption also applies to any vehicle described herein or to any farm trailer owned by the owner or lessee of the farm on which the trailer is used, when the trailer is used by the owner of the trailer for the purpose of moving farm produce and livestock from the farm along a public highway for a distance not to exceed 35 miles to a storage house or packing plant, when the use is a seasonal operation:
  • The exemptions contained herein also apply to farm machinery, tractors, and mini-trucks: Provided, That the machinery, tractors, and mini-trucks may use the highways in going from one tract of land to another tract of land regardless of whether the land is owned by the same or different persons. For the purposes of this section, “mini-truck” means a foreign-manufactured import or domestic-manufactured vehicle designed primarily for off-road use and powered by an engine ranging in size from 550cc to 660cc and weighing approximately 1,800 pounds;
  • Any vehicle exempted herein may not use the highways between sunset and sunrise unless the vehicle is classified as a Class A motor vehicle with a farm-use exemption under the provisions of §17A-10-1 and has a valid and current inspection sticker as required by the provisions of §17C-16-1 et seq. and is traveling from one tract of land to another over a distance of 35 miles or less;
  • Any vehicle exempted herein may use the highways as provided herein whether the exempt vehicle is self-propelled, towed by another exempt vehicle or towed by another vehicle required to be registered;
  • Any vehicle used as an implement of husbandry exempt herein must have the words “farm use” affixed to both sides of the implement in 10-inch letters. Any vehicle which would be subject to registration as a Class A or B vehicle if not exempted herein shall display a farm-use exemption certificate on the lower driver’s side of the windshield:
    • The farm-use exemption certificate is provided by the commissioner and shall be issued annually by the assessor of the applicant’s county of residence. The assessor will issue a farm-use exemption certificate to the applicant upon his or her determination pursuant to an examination of the property books or documentation provided by the applicant that the vehicle has been properly assessed as Class I personal property;
    • A farm-use exemption certificate does not exempt the applicant from maintaining the security required by §17D-1-1 et seq. on any vehicle being operated on the roads or highways of this state;
    • No person charged with the offense of operating a vehicle without a farm-use exemption certificate, may be convicted of the offense if he or she produces in court, or in the office of the arresting officer, a valid farm-use exemption certificate for the vehicle in question within five days;
• Any vehicle which is propelled exclusively by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires though not operated upon rails;
• Any vehicle of a type subject to registration which is owned by the government of the United States;
• Any wrecked or disabled vehicle towed by a licensed wrecker or dealer on the public highways of West Virginia;
• The following recreational vehicles are exempt from the requirements of annual registration, license plates and fees, unless otherwise specified by law, but are subject to the certificate of title provisions regardless of highway use:
  • Motorboats,
  • All-terrain vehicles,
  • Utility terrain vehicles, and
  • Snowmobiles;
• Any special mobile equipment as defined in §17A-1-1(r) of this code.
  • “Special mobile equipment” means every self-propelled vehicle not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including, but not limited to, road construction or maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus, stone crushers, air compressors, power shovels, graders, rollers, well drillers, wood-sawing equipment, asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth-moving carryalls, scrapers, drag lines, rock-drilling equipment, and earth-moving equipment.
• Mobile homes or manufactured homes are exempt from the requirements of annual registration, license plates and fees; However:
  • House trailers may be registered and licensed; and
  • Factory-built homes are subject to the certificate of title requirements; and
• Low-speed vehicles will be titled and registered if the manufacturer’s certificate of origin clearly identifies the vehicle as a low-speed vehicle.
  • A “low-speed vehicle” is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle whose attainable speed in one mile on a paved level surface is more than 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour.
  • Homemade low-speed vehicles or retrofitted golf carts and such vehicles do not qualify as low-speed vehicles and will not be titled or registered.
  • In addition to all other motor vehicle laws and regulations, except as specifically exempted below, low-speed vehicles are subject to the following restrictions and requirements:
    • Low-speed vehicles must only be operated on private roads and on public roads and streets within the corporate limits of a municipality where the speed limit is not more than 25 miles per hour;
    • Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, low-speed vehicles shall meet the requirements of 49 C.F.R. §571.500 (2003);
    • In lieu of periodic inspection, the owner of a low-speed vehicle must, upon initial application for registration and each renewal, certify that all lights, brakes, tires, and seat belts are in good working condition; and
    • Any person operating a low-speed vehicle must hold a valid driver’s license, not an instruction permit.

Wisconsin

A vehicle, even though operated upon a highway of Wisconsin, is exempt from registration if:

• The vehicle is operated according to the registration provisions of dealers, distributors, manufacturers, transporters or finance companies.
• The vehicle is operated in accordance with the provisions exempting nonresident or foreign-registered vehicles from registration.
• The vehicle is operated in accordance with the International Registration Plan, s. 341.405.
• The vehicle is operated exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
• The vehicle is a farm tractor used:
  • Exclusively in agricultural operations, including threshing, or used exclusively to provide power to drive other machinery, or to transport from job to job machinery driven by a farm tractor;
  • Used for special occasions such as display and parade purposes or for participation in tractor or antique vehicle clubs, including traveling to and from such events; or
  • Used for testing, maintenance, and storage purposes.
• The vehicle is a trailer or semitrailer used exclusively for the transportation of farm machinery, implements, produce or supplies on a farm or between farms.
• The vehicle is a trailer or semitrailer permanently equipped with a well-drilling outfit or designed for moving pea viners and used exclusively for either of those purposes.
• The vehicle is a fork-lift truck, a specially constructed road or truck tractor used for shunting trailers or semitrailers in terminal areas or a trailer that is used principally off the highway.
• The vehicle is a trailer, semitrailer or camping trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less and not used for hire or rental.
• The vehicle is a trailer or semitrailer not operated in conjunction with a motor vehicle.
• The vehicle is a new motor vehicle being operated only across a highway from its point of manufacture or assembly.
• The vehicle is a motor vehicle being towed, except that when the person operating the vehicle supplying the motive power is a transporter, that person must be registered as a transporter.
• The vehicle is a piece of road machinery.
• The vehicle is an implement of husbandry or an agricultural commercial motor vehicle.
• The vehicle is a motor truck operated on a highway only when directly crossing it.
• The vehicle is a repaired salvage vehicle operated to or from a location where it is to be inspected as required by s. 342.07, or is an unregistered vehicle operated to or from a location where it is to be inspected as required by s. 110.20.
• The vehicle is owned by a technical college district board, used exclusively to instruct students in techniques of automotive repair and maintenance and is operated only within 5 miles of the technical college to transport the vehicle to or from a technical college. The operator of the vehicle shall, when operating the vehicle upon a highway, carry in the vehicle a letter from the district director of the technical college stating that the vehicle is exempt from registration.
• The vehicle is an amphibious motor vehicle capable of carrying 10 or more passengers when used for sight-seeing purposes, registered as a boat with the department of natural resources and operated upon a highway for a distance not to exceed 5 miles.
• The vehicle is owned by the United States.
• The vehicle is registered by a federally recognized Indian band or tribe and is exempt under a reciprocal registration exemption agreement under s. 341.409.
• The vehicle is a wood harvesting slasher, as defined by the department by rule, that is used principally off the highway.
• The vehicle is an off-road utility vehicle being operated in accordance with s. 346.94 (19).
• The vehicle is a lightweight utility vehicle, as defined in s. 346.94 (21) (a) 2.
• Notwithstanding s. 341.26 (3) (ar) (Special registration fees for certain vehicles – Agricultural vehicles – Farm truck tractors), the vehicle is a farm truck tractor being operated solely in intrastate transportation and is transporting manure, grains, silage, haylage, or equipment between fields or between a farm and a field at the time of operation or is being operated from its point of purchase to the operator’s farm. This exemption does not apply to transportation by a common motor carrier or contract motor carrier.

Wyoming

Except as specifically exempted in W.S. 31-2-224 (see below) and in W.S. 31-2-201(q) (90-day registration grace period for returning deployed military), every owner, or if applicable, operator or lessee, of a “vehicle” which will be operated or driven upon any highway in Wyoming, must be registered.

Wyoming defines a “vehicle” as a device in, upon or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except:

• Devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon rails or tracks,
• Implements of husbandry,
• Machinery used in construction work not mainly used for the transportation of property over highways, and
• Pedestrian vehicles while operated by a person who by reason of a physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian.

Wyoming

The following vehicles are specifically exempted by statute from registration:

• Transportable homes and the empty frame or frames used to haul transportable homes;
• Passenger automobiles or trailers owned by a full-time member of the armed forces of the United States, whether in regular service, organized reserves or national guard, if a registration from another state is in effect when the vehicle entered Wyoming and the vehicle is properly registered in accordance with the laws of that state;
• Commercial vehicles displaying the registration numbers or plates required by W.S. 31-18-201 and whose operator produces a certificate of registration indicating the vehicle is validly registered pursuant to W.S. 31-18-201;
• Vehicles granted reciprocity pursuant to W.S. 31-2-203;
• Vehicles owned by a nonresident, validly registered in another state or country, displaying registration numbers or plates in accordance with the laws of that state or country and:
  • Not operated for gain or profit in Wyoming nor used for transportation to or from employment in Wyoming; and
  • Not owned or operated by a person employed in Wyoming, unless that person is a daily commuter from another jurisdiction which exempts vehicles of daily commuters from Wyoming from registration under a reciprocity agreement;
  • Not operated primarily by a resident found to be in control of a vehicle under W.S. 31-2-201(o).
• Vehicles owned by a nonresident, validly registered in another state or country, displaying registration numbers or plates in accordance with the laws of that state or country and:
  • Operated primarily by a full-time student at the University of Wyoming, a Wyoming community college or a school licensed in this state offering post-secondary education;
  • Used for transportation of nonresident seasonally employed agricultural workers unless the owner of the vehicle becomes a resident under W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxi)(A); or
  • Operated primarily by a student enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution accredited by a recognized and accepted accrediting agency, or in a parochial, church or religious school as defined by W.S. 21-4-101(a)(iv) offering post-secondary education programs, if the institution or school owns or operates an educational program or facility in Wyoming and the student is employed on a temporary basis in that program or facility as part of his educational curriculum.
• The following vehicles if validly registered in states contiguous to Wyoming if the contiguous states grant similar exemptions to Wyoming owners of like vehicles:
  • Trucks, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 3,500 pounds; and
  • Passenger cars while operated by salesmen who make no deliveries.
• Rental vehicles rented in another state or country and validly registered in another state or country, displaying registration numbers or plates in accordance with the laws of that state or country and not being operated for gain or profit in Wyoming nor used for daily transportation to or from employment in Wyoming for a continuous period of more than 14 days;
• Rental vehicles rented in Wyoming from a licensed rental vehicle agency, provided the surcharge is paid pursuant to W.S. 31-3-104 and the vehicle is validly registered in another jurisdiction and displays valid registration or license plates in accordance with the laws of that jurisdiction.
• Off-road recreational vehicles are not required to be registered. Off-road recreational vehicles as defined by W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xv)(K)(II) shall be registered as provided by W.S. 31-2-232 if they are to be operated on public roadways.