341.31 When part-period fees payable for vehicles other than automobiles and certain motor trucks; computation of part-period fees. (1) The annual registration fee shall be paid in full on all vehicles registered pursuant to s. 341.29 or 341.295, the biennial registration fee shall be paid in full on all vehicles registered pursuant to s. 341.297 and the quarterly registration fee shall be paid in full on all vehicles registered pursuant to s. 341.30 unless the vehicle comes within one of the following categories, in which event the applicant is liable for the payment of only a part-period fee to be computed in accordance with sub. (2): (a) The vehicle has not previously been registered in this state; or (b) The vehicle previously was registered in this state but: 1. The vehicle in the meantime has been registered in another jurisdiction and such foreign registration was in effect during or subsequent to the expiration of the previous registration in this state; or 2. The vehicle was transferred or leased to the applicant after the expiration of the last registration in this state; or 3. At least 12 months have elapsed since the end of the period for which the vehicle previously was registered and the applicant files with the department a statement that the applicant did not, during such 12-month period, operate or consent to the operation of the vehicle under circumstances making the vehicle subject to registration in this state; or 5. The vehicle is a motorcycle which has been transferred or leased to the applicant and for which current registration plates had been issued to the previous owner; or 6. The vehicle that has been transferred to or leased by the applicant is a motor home or a dual purpose motor home or dual purpose farm truck that had been registered by the previous owner at a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less, other than a dual purpose motor home to be registered as a motor truck, or is a farm truck that had been registered by the previous owner at a gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less; or (c) The vehicle is a replacement for a registered vehicle which has been junked or is no longer used on the highway; or (cm) The vehicle is a replacement for a registered vehicle eligible for quarterly registration under s. 341.30 which has been traded, sold or removed from this state but for which the annual registration fee has been paid; or (d) The vehicle is owned by a person who has been in active military service or who is a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943 who has been in active service and less than 12 months of nonoperation have elapsed
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since the end of the period for which the vehicle was previously registered, provided the applicant files with the department a statement of such nonoperation. (2) Part-period registration fees shall be computed as follows: (a) For vehicles registered under the conditions in sub. (1) (a), (b) or (d), the fee for the current registration period shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twenty-fourth of the biennial registration fee prescribed for the vehicle multiplied by the number of months of the current registration period which have not fully expired on the date the vehicle first is operated by or with the consent of the applicant under circumstances making it subject to registration in this state plus, in case of a quarterly registration, $5. In the case of a vehicle which has not previously been registered or which has not been registered in this state by the present owner since the owner last acquired ownership of the vehicle, the department shall assume that the date of first operation is the date of the bill of sale evidencing transfer of ownership to the applicant or, with respect to a leased vehicle, the date of commencement of the lease by the applicant, unless he or she files with the department a statement that the vehicle was not so operated until a later date, specifying the date of such first operation. The department may refuse to accept any statement which projects the date of first operation into the future. (b) For the registration of a replacement vehicle under the conditions set forth in sub. (1) (c) or (cm), the fee shall be computed as for a vehicle not previously registered in this state but a credit shall be allowed for the unused portion of the fee paid for the vehicle being replaced. Such credit shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twentyfourth of the biennial registration fee prescribed for the vehicle being replaced multiplied by the number of months of registration which have not fully expired at the time the vehicle being replaced was junked, traded, sold or removed from the state. Except for a vehicle registered on a biennial basis, it is not necessary that the replacement vehicle be of the same type as the one being replaced in order for the applicant to take advantage of the credit but the credit may be applied toward registration of the replacement vehicle only up to the date when the registration of the vehicle being replaced would have expired. (4) (a) The transferee or lessee of a vehicle registered as provided in s. 341.29, 341.295 or 341.30 is not subject to the payment of any registration fee for the remainder of the period for which the vehicle is registered unless, by reason of his or her status or the use to which the vehicle is put, the fee prescribed by law is higher than that paid by the former owner. In such event, the fee shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the difference between the 2 annual fees multiplied by the number of months of the current registration period which have not fully expired on the date, after the vehicle is acquired by the applicant, when such vehicle is first operated by him or her or with his or her consent under circumstances making it subject to registration in this state. (b) A person retaining a set of plates removed from a vehicle under s. 342.15 (4) (a) or 342.34 (1) (c) or (2) (c) and which was junked or transferred, is no longer leased to the person or used on the highways or has been registered as a special interest vehicle under s. 341.266 (2) (a) or a reconstructed, replica, street modified or homemade vehicle under s. 341.268 (2) (a) may receive credit for the unused portion of the registration fee paid when registering a replacement vehicle of the same type and gross weight. (c) A person retaining a set of plates removed from a motorcycle may receive credit for the unused portion of the registration fee paid when registering a replacement motorcycle. (5) This section does not apply to vehicles registered at a fee
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of $5 under s. 341.26. Such vehicles, whether registered for a full period or part thereof and whether or not previously registered, shall be registered at the full fee. If a person authorized to register a vehicle at a fee of $5 under s. 341.26 transfers the vehicle to a person not so authorized or no longer leases the vehicle, the fee payable by the transferee shall be computed as for a vehicle not previously registered in this state. History: 1975 c. 32 s. 5; 1975 c. 297; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 129, 273, 418; 1983 a. 27, 126, 227, 270, 538; 1987 a. 216, 349; 1989 a. 31, 137; 1993 a. 165; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 80; 2015 a. 323; 2021 a. 154.
341.32 Vehicle to be reregistered if subject to a different fee. (1) Whenever the construction or the use of a registered vehicle is changed in a manner making the vehicle subject to a different registration fee than the fee for which the vehicle currently is registered, the owner shall immediately make application for reregistration. The fee payable upon such reregistration shall be computed as for a vehicle not previously registered in this state but a credit shall be allowed for the unused portion of the fee paid for the previous registration if the registration plates issued upon the previous registration are returned to the department. The credit shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twenty-fourth of the biennial registration fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered multiplied by the number of months of registration which have not fully expired on the date the vehicle became subject to the different fee. The credit may be applied toward the reregistration of the vehicle only up to the date when the previous registration would have expired. (2) Whenever the owner or other person responsible for registration of a vehicle required to be registered on the basis of gross weight desires to carry a greater load than that permitted under the current registration of such vehicle, he or she shall make application for reregistration of the vehicle at a higher gross weight. Whenever such person is convicted of carrying a greater load than that permitted under his or her current registration, the court, in addition to imposing the penalty prescribed by law, shall order such person to make application for reregistration of the vehicle at a gross weight sufficiently high to cover the load which he or she was convicted of carrying. The fee payable upon reregistration shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the difference between the annual fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered and the annual fee prescribed for the vehicle as reregistered or one twenty-fourth of the difference between the biennial fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered and the biennial fee prescribed for the vehicle as reregistered, multiplied by the number of months of the quarter or year for which the vehicle is being reregistered which had not fully expired when the vehicle became subject to the higher fee. This subsection does not apply under the circumstances stated in sub. (3). (3) A motor truck with a registered gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less and loaded exclusively with fluid milk or cream may, during the months of May, June and July, carry from the point of production of such milk to the primary market therefor 1,500 pounds or less in excess of the gross weight for which such motor truck is registered without a reregistration of such motor truck on account of such excess loading. History: 1977 c. 29 ss. 1443, 1654 (7) (a); 1989 a. 31.
341.33 When fees refundable. (1) The department shall not refund a fee paid to it except when expressly authorized or directed by this section or some other provision of the statutes to do so. (2) The department shall refund the unused portion of a registration fee paid for the registration of a vehicle owned by a person who is entering active service in the naval or military forces of the
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United States or who is a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943 entering active service if the person makes application for such refund upon a form prescribed by the department, furnishes any proof that the department requires that the vehicle will not be operated in this or another state during the remainder of the period for which the vehicle is registered, and returns to the department the certificate of registration and registration plates. The refund shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twenty-fourth of the biennial registration fee paid for the vehicle, multiplied by the number of full months remaining in the period for which the vehicle is registered when the vehicle ceases to be operated. (3) Upon request, the department shall refund 50 percent of a registration fee paid for a vehicle registered on a biennial basis if the person who registered the vehicle furnishes such proof as the department requires that the person has transferred his or her interest in the vehicle or terminated leasing the vehicle before the beginning of the 2nd year of the period for which the vehicle is registered or that the vehicle will not be operated in this state after the beginning of the 2nd year of the period for which the vehicle is registered. The department may require the person to return the certificate of registration and registration plates for the vehicle to the department. Except as provided in sub. (1), the department may not refund more than 50 percent of the fee paid for the registration of a vehicle registered on a biennial basis. History: 1975 c. 32, 199; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1444, 1654 (7) (a), (e); 1989 a. 31; 1997 a. 27; 2015 a. 323.
341.335 Notice of change of address, name or vehicle color. (1) Whenever any person, after applying for and receiving registration plates, moves from the address named in the application for the registration plates or when the name of the licensee is changed by marriage or otherwise, the person shall within 10 days notify the department in writing of the old and new address or of such former and new names and of all registration plate numbers held. (1m) No person is required to notify the department before the next renewal of registration for the vehicle that a vehicle’s color has been changed from the color stated in the most recent application for registration of the vehicle. (2) Any person who fails to comply with any of the requirements of sub. (1) may be required to forfeit not more than $50. History: 1973 c. 129; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (4); 1999 a. 90.
341.35 Municipal or county vehicle registration fee. (1) ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE. In this section “municipality” means a town, village or city and “motor vehicle” means an automobile or motor truck registered under s. 341.25 (1) (c) at a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds. The governing body of a municipality or county may enact an ordinance imposing an annual flat municipal or county registration fee on all motor vehicles registered in this state which are customarily kept in the municipality or county. A registration fee imposed under this section shall be in addition to state registration fees. (1m) REGISTRATION PERIOD. A municipality or county shall establish the registration period provided by the department for the motor vehicle as the registration period for a motor vehicle registered by the municipality or county. (2) EXEMPTIONS. The following vehicles are exempt from any municipal or county vehicle registration fee: (a) All vehicles exempted by this chapter from payment of a state vehicle registration fee.
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(b) All vehicles registered by the state under s. 341.26 for a fee of $5. (3m) COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL FEES. If a municipality and the county in which the municipality is located enact ordinances under this section, a motor vehicle customarily kept in the municipality shall be subject to a municipal registration fee and a county registration fee. (4) NOTICE OF FEES. The governing body of a municipality or county which enacts a municipal or county vehicle registration fee shall notify the department that it has so elected and report the amount of such fee. The municipality or county shall report any change in such amount to the department. The notification shall be made at the time and in the form prescribed by the department. (5) PAYMENT OF FEES. At the time a motor vehicle is first registered or at the time of registration renewal, the applicant shall pay to the department any fee imposed by a county or municipality under this section in addition to fees required under this chapter. (6) DEPARTMENT TO REMIT FEES TO MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES. Beginning July 1, 1984, and annually thereafter, the department shall remit those moneys collected under this section, less administrative costs under sub. (6m), to any municipality or county which has imposed a fee under this section. The department may by rule provide that the moneys be remitted at more frequent intervals if the department deems it advisable. (6m) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. The department shall retain a portion of the moneys collected under this section equal to the actual administrative costs related to the collection of these fees. The department shall establish the method for computing the administrative costs by rule and review the methodology annually to ensure full reimbursement of its expenses. (6r) USE OF FEE PROCEEDS. Any municipality or county receiving moneys under sub. (6) shall use the moneys only for transportation related purposes. (7) REPLACEMENTS. No municipal or county vehicle registration fee may be imposed on a motor vehicle which is a replacement for a motor vehicle for which a current municipal or county vehicle registration fee has been paid. (8) RULES. The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. History: 1971 c. 125 s. 521; 1971 c. 164 s. 83; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1446, 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1979 c. 221; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 216; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 80; 2021 a. 154. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 126, Wis. adm. code.
341.36 Fee to reinstate suspended or revoked registration. (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), the department shall charge a fee of $25 to reinstate a registration previously suspended or revoked under this chapter. The fee under this subsection is in addition to any other fee required to complete the registration of the vehicle. (1m) Except as provided in sub. (2), the department shall charge a fee of $50 to reinstate a registration previously suspended or revoked under ch. 344. The fee under this subsection is in addition to any other fee required to complete the registration of the vehicle. (2) Subsections (1) and (1m) do not apply to the reinstatement of a registration suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c), (d) or (e) or to the reinstatement of a registration suspended or revoked as a result of an error by the department. (3) If the registrations of more than one vehicle owned by a person are suspended or revoked under ch. 344 as a result of the same occurrence, payment of one fee under sub. (1m) applies to the reinstatement of the registrations of all of those vehicles. History: 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 269.
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Updated 23-24 Wis. Stats. SUBCHAPTER III REGISTRATION, TAXATION AND EXEMPTION OF NONRESIDENTS
Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.
341.40 Exemption of nonresidents and foreign-registered vehicles. (1) Except as to foreign-owned vehicles required by s. 341.07 to be registered in this state, any vehicle that is registered in another jurisdiction is exempt from the laws of this state providing for the registration of the vehicles if all of the following apply: (a) The vehicle carries a registration plate indicating the registration in the other jurisdiction. (b) The vehicle is owned by a nonresident. (c) The jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered allows vehicles that are registered in Wisconsin to be operated tax free upon its highways under conditions substantially as favorable to residents of Wisconsin as to its own residents. (d) The vehicle is operated in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary based on the gross weight of the vehicle. The secretary may, by rule, determine the gross weight exemption, giving consideration to reciprocity privileges extended to Wisconsin residents in other jurisdictions. (1m) Foreign owned or operated vehicles entering Wisconsin to have special equipment or a body constructed or installed or for repair shall be exempt from the registration requirements of this section. (2) If the owner of any vehicle exempted under sub. (1) or (1m) moves to Wisconsin or if the vehicle is purchased by or leased to a Wisconsin resident, the vehicle immediately becomes subject to the laws of this state providing for the registration of vehicles. History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1987 a. 369; 1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 103. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code. The language referencing a single plate in sub. (1) (a) is the first of a list of criteria that vehicles registered in a jurisdiction other than Wisconsin must meet in order to be exempt from the registration laws of this state. Having been issued at least one plate is a condition precedent for exemption, not a display requirement. Since sub. (1) (a) does not address how nonresidents are to display license plates, there is no conflict with s. 341.15 (1). State v. Boyd, 2012 WI App 39, 340 Wis. 2d 168, 811 N.W.2d 853, 11-1056.
341.405 International registration plan. (1) The secretary of transportation, with approval of the governor, shall ratify and do all things necessary to effectuate the international registration plan adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, with such exceptions as are deemed advisable and such changes as are necessary. (2) In addition to any registration fees under s. 341.25 that are apportioned to this state under the international registration plan, the department shall charge a fee to cover the cost of issuance for each base plate and for each cab card issued under the international registration plan. Registrants for which this state is the base jurisdiction may elect to pay the registration fee apportioned to this state in 4 installments as specified by the department. Registrants shall pay an additional annual fee of not less than $10 for each vehicle under the installment option. The department may require the filing of an adequate bond or letter of credit to secure the payment of fees under the installment plan. Trip permits may be issued for 72-hour periods at a fee of not less than $15, under terms and conditions not inconsistent with the international registration plan. (2m) The department may register semitrailers under the international registration plan. The department may establish a fee for registration under this subsection based on administrative cost.
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(3) Any fee of $2 or less due under this section may be waived by the department. (3m) (a) If the registration of a motor vehicle registered under this section is suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (f), (1m), or (1r), or if an application for registration is refused under s. 341.10 (16) or (17), the motor vehicle may be registered, subject to all applicable requirements and fees, under any applicable provision of this chapter other than this section. (b) All of the following apply to a person who registers a motor vehicle under another applicable provision of this chapter as described in par. (a): 1. The person is not entitled to credit for any registration fee previously paid to register the motor vehicle under this section. 2. If the motor vehicle’s registration under this section is reinstated after this registration period has expired, in renewing the motor vehicle’s registration under this section the person is entitled to credit for the registration fee paid to register the motor vehicle as described in par. (a), calculated based upon the unused portion of that registration period. (c) Notwithstanding s. 341.10 (16) and (17), the department may refuse registration of a motor vehicle under this section if the department determines that the motor carrier identified on the motor vehicle’s registration application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle is the same or substantially the same business, or that elements of the motor carrier operation are the same or substantially the same business elements, as a motor carrier that has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. (4) The secretary of transportation, with the approval of the governor and the joint committee on finance, may withdraw from the international registration plan adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators if the secretary deems such action necessary and desirable. History: 1977 c. 29; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 42; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 369; 1989 a. 31; 1999 a. 80; 2011 a. 32. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code. A vehicle exempted from state registration requirements under this section is not exempted under s. 194.04 (2) from state permit requirements. State v. Yellow Freight System, Inc., 101 Wis. 2d 142, 303 N.W.2d 834 (1981). Registration under the international registration plan is in lieu of registration under Wisconsin law. Schneider Transport, Inc. v. Cattanach, 657 F.2d 128 (1981).
341.409 Reciprocal registration exemption agreements for federally recognized Indian tribes or bands. (1) The secretary with the approval of the joint committee on finance may enter into a reciprocal registration exemption agreement with the governing body of any federally recognized Indian tribe or band. The reciprocal agreement may exempt designated classes of vehicles registered by the Indian tribe or band from the registration requirements of this state if: (a) The vehicle carries a registration plate showing valid registration by the Indian tribe or band. (b) The Indian tribe or band registering the vehicle allows reciprocal privileges to similar classes of vehicles registered in this state under conditions substantially as favorable to this state as to the Indian tribe or band. (2) The reciprocal agreement may include restrictions, conditions and terms of reciprocal privileges relating to registration, including any proportional registration taxes or fees deemed advisable by the department. (3) The department may adopt rules to implement this section. History: 1983 a. 50.
341.41 Reciprocity agreements authorized. (1) The secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the responsible officers of other
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jurisdictions as to licenses, mileage and flat taxes under which motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers properly licensed or registered in other jurisdictions may be operated in interstate commerce in this state without a Wisconsin registration or the payment of mileage or flat taxes, provided like privileges are accorded to vehicles owned by Wisconsin residents when operated in such other jurisdictions. Such agreement may include such restrictions, conditions and privileges as are deemed advisable. Such agreement shall provide that a resident of this state when using the highways of such other jurisdiction shall receive exemptions of a similar kind to a like degree. (1a) The secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the responsible officers of other jurisdictions as to licenses, mileage and flat taxes under which motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers properly licensed or registered in either jurisdiction, may be operated in intrastate commerce in either jurisdiction without additional base plate registration or the payment of mileage or flat taxes, providing like privileges are accorded Wisconsin licensed vehicles when operated in such other jurisdictions, and that this state will obtain a fair and equitable share of license registrations. Such agreement may include such restrictions, conditions and privileges as are deemed advisable. (1b) Vehicles operated in intrastate commerce in this state are not exempt by virtue of any reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to sub. (1a) unless: (a) The vehicle has conspicuously displayed upon it a valid registration plate; (b) The operator of the vehicle has in his or her possession a valid registration certificate or other evidence that the vehicle is properly registered; and (c) The vehicle displays some form of Wisconsin authorization unless operated in accordance with rules adopted under s. 341.40 (1) (d). (2) A nonresident operating a vehicle in this state is not exempt by virtue of any reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to sub. (1) unless all of the following requirements are met: (a) The vehicle is properly registered in the jurisdiction of the residence of its owner, its domicile, or the principal place of business of its owner or is registered on a proportional registration basis pursuant to an interstate compact. (b) The vehicle has conspicuously displayed upon it a valid registration plate. (c) The operator of the vehicle has in his or her possession a valid registration certificate or other evidence that the vehicle is properly registered. (3) If the laws of another jurisdiction impose upon the vehicles of residents of this state any taxes, fees, charges, penalties, obligations, restrictions, prohibitions or limitations of any kind additional to those imposed by this state upon the vehicles of residents of such other jurisdiction the secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to impose and collect fees or charges in like amount and to provide for similar obligations, prohibitions or limitations upon the owner or operator of a vehicle registered in such other jurisdiction so long as the laws of such other jurisdiction requiring such imposition remain in effect. (4) Trailers and semitrailers may be operated in Wisconsin without the payment of fees or ton mile or flat taxes when such trailers or semitrailers are operated in exchange for trailers or semitrailers or are operated in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary respecting the interchange of equipment. When used in railroad trailer-on-flat-car service, foreign licensed trailers or semitrailers may be operated in commerce in Wisconsin without the payment of permit or registration fees. (7) Except as to foreign owned vehicles required by s. 341.07
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to be registered in this state, vehicles owned or operated by a nonresident in interstate or intrastate movement may be qualified by advance purchase of a trip permit which authorizes operation for a 72-hour period when the vehicle is not eligible for reciprocal privileges. Unless waived by the secretary, the fee for the trip permit shall be not less than $15. The secretary may, upon determining that a special transportation need exists, waive the fee for the trip permit. The secretary shall make rules and regulations for the issuance and use of the permits. No permit may be issued under this subsection for any motor vehicle for which the motor carrier identified on the permit application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle has been issued a federal outof-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. History: 1977 c. 29 ss. 1448, 1654 (7) (a), (c); 1977 c. 273, 418; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 27; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (29); 1983 a. 192; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (4); 1987 a. 369; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 85; 2011 a. 32, 262. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.
341.43 Audits and appeals. (1) The department may conduct such audits as it deems necessary to determine the adequacy of fees paid under the international registration plan or other proportional registration law or agreement and taxes and fees paid under s. 341.45. Audits shall be conducted during normal business hours. Credits shall be given for overpayments and deficiencies shall be assessed, with interest. Actual and necessary expenses incurred by an auditor, plus wages, may be assessed against the person audited. (2) Any person feeling aggrieved by a notice under this section of additional assessment, refund or denial of refund may, within 30 days after the receipt of the notice, petition the department for a redetermination. A person feeling aggrieved by a redetermination may appeal to the tax appeals commission in the manner provided for appeals of tax determinations under s. 73.01 (5). If an appeal of a redetermination is not filed within the time period provided under s. 73.01 (5), the redetermination is final and conclusive. History: 1977 c. 29; 1987 a. 27; 1995 a. 113; 1999 a. 145. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.
341.45 Importation in vehicle tanks regulated; taxes; fee; permits. (1) In this section: (a) “Alternate fuels” has the meaning given in s. 78.39 (1). (ag) “Motor vehicle fuel” has the meaning given in s. 78.005 (13). (am) “Qualified motor vehicle” means a qualified motor vehicle as defined in the international fuel tax agreement or any of the following motor vehicles used, designed or maintained for the transportation of persons or property: 1. A motor vehicle having 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. 2. A motor vehicle having 2 axles and registered at a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. 3. A motor vehicle having 3 or more axles, regardless of weight. 4. A motor vehicle used in combination with another vehicle when the combined registered weight or gross vehicle weight of the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds. (1g) (a) Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4g), every person who purchases or obtains motor vehicle fuel or an alternate fuel outside of this state and operates any qualified motor vehicle into this state upon a highway and transports that fuel in an attached or unattached fuel supply tank for the sole purpose of operating the qualified motor vehicle shall pay the Wisconsin motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels tax and the oil inspection fee under s. 168.12 on the gallons consumed by the qualified motor vehicle while operated on the highways of this state. The person shall
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pay the tax and fee by purchasing motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels within this state in an amount that is equivalent to the gallonage consumed while operating the qualified motor vehicle on the highways of this state, or by remitting the tax and fee directly to the department or to another jurisdiction that is a party to the international fuel tax agreement. (b) The department may require any person required to pay under par. (a) to report on forms prescribed by it, to display evidence of compliance with par. (a) and to pay taxes and the fee in the manner specified by the department. (c) The department shall require any person convicted of evading the tax or fee due under par. (a) to report on forms and in the manner prescribed by the department. (2) Every person regularly or habitually operating qualified motor vehicles upon the highways of any other state and using in those qualified motor vehicles motor vehicle fuel or an alternate fuel purchased or obtained in this state shall be allowed a credit or refund equal to the oil inspection fee and the tax on the motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuel actually paid to the state in which it is used, but not to exceed the tax and fee imposed on motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels by this state. (3) The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with the appropriate officials of any other state under which it may waive all or any part of the requirements imposed by this section upon those who use motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels upon which the tax and fee have been paid to another state if the officials of the other state grant equivalent privileges with respect to motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels used in that state but upon which the tax and fee have been paid to Wisconsin. (4) The secretary may ratify and effectuate the international fuel tax agreement or other fuel tax agreement. (4g) The department may issue trip permits for 72-hour periods to persons who would otherwise be required to pay the Wisconsin motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels tax under sub. (1g). The department shall charge a fee of not less than $15 for each permit issued under this subsection. A person who has obtained a permit under this subsection is exempt from the purchasing requirement of sub. (1g) (a). (4m) All oil inspection fees paid to the department of transportation under sub. (1g) (a) in excess of oil inspection fee credits or refunds under sub. (2) shall be deposited in the petroleum inspection fund. All oil inspection fees credited or refunded by the department of transportation under sub. (2) in excess of oil inspection fees paid to the department of transportation under sub. (1g) (a) shall be paid from the petroleum inspection fund. (5) The department shall promulgate rules under ch. 227 necessary to administer this section. The rules shall include provisions relating to the issuance and use of the permits authorized under sub. (4g). The rules may include provisions relating to the payment of interest on late payments of motor vehicle fuel and alternate fuels taxes and oil inspection fees, and fees for the late payment or underpayment of motor vehicle fuel and alternate fuels taxes and oil inspection fees. (5g) The department may issue and require the display of a decal or other identification to indicate compliance with sub. (1g). The department may charge a fee to cover the cost of issuing the decal or other identification. (5m) The department may suspend or refuse any registration, certificate or permit issued under the authority of the department of a person who fails to report under sub. (1g) (b) when required to do so or who fails to pay in full the taxes under sub. (1g) (a) as specified by the department. A registration, certificate or permit suspended or refused under this subsection shall remain suspended or refused until the reason for the suspension or refusal has been removed.
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341.47
(6) (a) Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application or form required by this section or otherwise commits a fraud in any application, record, report or claim for refund under this section may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both. (b) Any person who fails or refuses to make a report or payment as provided in this section may be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than one year or both. (c) A person who fails to display the decal or other identification under sub. (5g) as prescribed by the department may be required to forfeit not more than $500. (d) Whenever a person is convicted of evading the tax required to be paid under sub. (1g), the clerk of the court shall, as provided in s. 345.48 for traffic violations, forward to the department the record of conviction and notice of any appeal. History: 1981 c. 347; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 27 ss. 1610m to 1612m, 1986bk to 1986bp; Stats. 1987 s. 341.45; 1987 a. 369; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 113. Cross-reference: See also chs. Trans 146 and 152, Wis. adm. code. Sub. (1g) (a) imposes a tax on fuel consumed while operating on a highway. That the fuel is consumed while the vehicle is idling and not while it is being propelled does not render the fuel tax exempt. Roehl Transport, Inc. v. Division of Hearings & Appeals, 213 Wis. 2d 452, 570 N.W.2d 864 (Ct. App. 1997), 97-0211.
SUBCHAPTER IV REGISTRATION OF DEALERS, DISTRIBUTORS, MANUFACTURERS, TRANSPORTERS, AND FINANCE COMPANIES 341.47 When vehicles of dealers, distributors, manufacturers and transporters exempt from general registration requirements. (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is owned or repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, a dealer, distributor or manufacturer may be operated on the highways of this state for either private or business purposes without being registered if the vehicle has displayed upon it valid registration plates issued under s. 341.51 to the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and the vehicle: (a) Is actually offered for sale by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer, including for sale on consignment; or (b) Is in transit from the factory to a distributor or dealer or from the dealer to the purchaser; or (c) Is being used by a manufacturer primarily for trial tests; or (d) Is being repossessed, being reconditioned for resale or being foreclosed or resold. (2) A tow truck, service truck or pickup truck owned by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer must be registered in the same manner as similar vehicles owned by other persons, except that a service or pickup truck actually for sale and only incidentally used for business purposes may be operated under the conditions specified in sub. (1). (3) A vehicle that is being transported in tow on its own wheels or under its own power from a distributor, a dealer, the manufacturer, or a branch of the manufacturer to the purchaser, or from any location to a distributor, a dealer, the manufacturer, or a branch of the manufacturer, by a transporter of vehicles who is a 3rd party with no ownership interest in the vehicle, need not be registered if such vehicle has displayed upon it valid registration plates issued to the transporter pursuant to s. 341.51. The requirement under this subsection that the vehicle be transported in tow on its own wheels or under its own power does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or truck tractors. History: 1993 a. 23; 1999 a. 9, 91, 186; 2007 a. 175; 2009 a. 180.
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)
341.51
REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
341.51 When department to register dealer, distributor, manufacturer or transporter; application. (1) The department shall register a person as a dealer, distributor or manufacturer of motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers or as a transporter of vehicles upon receipt of a properly completed application form together with a fee of $75 and upon being satisfied that the applicant is by law entitled to be registered. The department shall register a person as a dealer, distributor or manufacturer of recreational vehicles upon receipt of a properly completed application form together with a fee of $75 and upon being satisfied that the applicant is by law entitled to be so registered. The department shall assign to each person registered under this section a distinctive registration number and shall issue a certificate of registration bearing the registration number assigned. (2) Upon registering a dealer, distributor, manufacturer or transporter the department also shall issue 2 registration plates. The department, upon receiving a fee of $5 for each additional plate desired by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer of motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers, $5 for each additional plate desired by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer of recreational vehicles and $5 for each additional plate desired by a transporter, shall issue to the registered dealer, distributor, manufacturer or transporter the additional plates as ordered. The department may charge a fee of $2 per plate for replacing lost, damaged or illegible plates issued under this subsection. (2m) A motor vehicle dealer, distributor or manufacturer, in case of trucks and truck tractors over 8,000 pounds, may purchase a license for demonstration purposes under s. 341.25 to determine the gross weight. Such license is a transferable license for demonstration purposes and shall be 20 percent of the registration fee set forth in s. 341.25. In case of trailers and semitrailer demonstrations, the license fee is $10 and shall belong to the demonstrator. Such demonstration vehicles shall carry insurance on behalf of the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and the prospective purchaser as provided in s. 194.41. Such vehicle need not obtain for-hire permits as provided in ch. 194. Such vehicle shall not be used by the prospective purchaser for more than 10 days. When the vehicle is obtained from a dealer the prospective purchaser shall sign a receipt showing the date, time and place the vehicle was obtained from the dealer. The dealer shall retain the original of such receipt for demonstration records and shall furnish a copy and the demonstration plate certificate to the prospective purchaser. The prospective purchaser shall carry such receipt and certificate in the vehicle during operation on the highways, and the dealer shall keep a record of such demonstrations and such record shall be open to inspection by the department. A dealer, distributor or manufacturer may operate on the highways under such a demonstration license a truck, trailer or semitrailer on which is loaded a machine or special equipment if the entire unit is owned by, or consigned for sale to, the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and offered for sale, including for sale on consignment, by the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and if the operation on the highways involves delivery of the vehicle to or from a prospective purchaser. The department may promulgate any further rules to accomplish the intent of this subsection. (3) When a dealer, distributor, manufacturer or transporter has an established place of business in more than one Wisconsin municipality, he or she shall make separate applications for each such municipality. The department shall assign a different registration number, issue a separate certificate of registration and charge a separate registration fee for each such municipality. (4) Except as provided in sub. (6), every dealer, distributor and manufacturer shall file with the department and every transporter may file with the department a duly acknowledged application for registration which shall contain:
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(a) The name under which the applicant is transacting business within the state. (am) Except as provided in par. (an), if the applicant is an individual, the social security number of the individual. (an) If the applicant is an individual who does not have a social security number, a statement made or subscribed under oath or affirmation that the applicant does not have a social security number. The form of the statement shall be prescribed by the department of children and families. A registration that is issued under this section in reliance on a statement submitted under this paragraph is invalid if the statement is false. (ar) If the applicant is not an individual, the person’s federal employer identification number. (b) If the applicant is a partnership, the names and addresses of the several persons constituting the partnership. (bL) If the applicant is a limited liability company, the names and addresses of the members. (c) If the applicant is a corporation, the corporate name under which it is authorized to transact business and the names and addresses of its principal officers, resident general agent and attorney in fact. (d) The place or places of business of the applicant which, in the case of a dealer, distributor or manufacturer, must be an established place of business. (e) If the applicant is a dealer, distributor or manufacturer, whether engaged in wholesale or retail selling or both. (4g) (a) The department shall deny an application for the issuance or renewal of registration if an individual has not included the information required under sub. (4) (am) or (ar) in the application. (b) The department of transportation may not disclose any information obtained under sub. (4) (am) or (ar) to any person except to the department of children and families for the sole purpose of administering s. 49.22, the department of revenue for the sole purpose of requesting certifications under s. 73.0301, and the department of workforce development for the sole purposes of enforcing or administering s. 108.22 and requesting certifications under s. 108.227. (4m) (a) A registration shall be denied, restricted, limited or suspended if the applicant or licensee is an individual who is delinquent in making court-ordered payments of child or family support, maintenance, birth expenses, medical expenses or other expenses related to the support of a child or former spouse, or who fails to comply, after appropriate notice, with a subpoena or warrant issued by the department of children and families or a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and related to paternity or child support proceedings, as provided in a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857. (b) A registration shall be suspended or revoked if the department of revenue certifies under s. 73.0301 that the registrant is liable for delinquent taxes. A registrant whose registration is suspended or revoked under this paragraph for delinquent taxes is entitled to a notice under s. 73.0301 (2) (b) 1. b. and hearing under s. 73.0301 (5) (a) but is not entitled to any other notice or hearing under this section. (c) A registration shall be suspended or revoked if the department of workforce development certifies under s. 108.227 that the registrant is liable for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions. A registrant whose registration is suspended or revoked under this paragraph for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions is entitled to a notice under s. 108.227 (2) (b) 1. b. and hearing under s. 108.227 (5) (a) but is not entitled to any other notice or hearing under this section. (5) Except as provided in sub. (6), any dealer, distributor or
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manufacturer engaged in business in this state who fails to apply for registration or fails to apply for separate registrations for each Wisconsin municipality in which the dealer, distributor or manufacturer has an established place of business may be required to forfeit not more than $200. (6) (a) A person licensed under ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 or 218.41 as a dealer, distributor or manufacturer of only mopeds may, but need not, apply for registration under this section. (b) Notwithstanding sub. (1), a motor vehicle salvage pool licensed as a wholesaler under ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 may, but need not, apply for registration under this section. History: 1971 c. 319; 1973 c. 218; 1975 c. 39, 199; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1450, 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 288; 1979 c. 32; 1983 a. 243; 1985 a. 29, 202; 1993 a. 112; 1997 a. 191, 237; 1999 a. 9, 31, 91, 137; 2001 a. 38; 2007 a. 20; 2013 a. 36; 2013 a. 173 s. 33. Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 138, Wis. adm. code.
341.52 Design of registration plates. Registration plates for dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and transporters are subject to the provisions of s. 341.12 (2) and (3) except s. 341.12 (3) (c). In addition, each plate may have displayed upon it a decal or sticker displaying letters that is approved by the department and that is capable of distinguishing the plate from any other plate which may be issued to the same dealer, distributor, manufacturer, or transporter. If such a decal or sticker is displayed on a plate, the decal or sticker shall be affixed on the right side of the plate directly to the right of, and in line with, the numbers or letters or both composing the registration number required under s. 341.12 (3) (a). History: 1989 a. 31; 2011 a. 32, 90.
341.53 Expiration of registration; transferability of plates. Certificates of registration and registration plates issued to dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or transporters shall be issued for the calendar year and are valid only during the calendar year for which issued. Notwithstanding s. 341.13 (3), the department may renew registration plates issued to dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or transporters without issuing new plates or insert tags, decals, or other evidence of registration. Registration plates are transferable from one motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer to another motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer and from one recreational vehicle to another. History: 1999 a. 9; 2011 a. 32.
341.55 Penalty for misuse of plates. Any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $200: (1) A dealer, distributor or manufacturer or an employee of any of them who operates or consents to the operation of a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to the dealer, distributor or manufacturer pursuant to s. 341.51 when such vehicle is not owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, the dealer, distributor or manufacturer or, even though owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, the dealer, distributor or manufacturer, does not come within any of the exceptions listed in s. 341.47 (1) (a) to (d) or is not in compliance with s. 341.51 (2m); (2) Any person who operates a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to a dealer, distributor or manufacturer under s. 341.51, knowing that the vehicle is not owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, a dealer, distributor or manufacturer or does not come within any of the exceptions listed in s. 341.47 (1) (a) to (d) or is not in compliance with s. 341.51 (2m); (3) Any transporter who operates a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to the transporter pursuant to s. 341.51 for any purpose other than that authorized by s. 341.47 (3); (4) Any person not registered as a transporter who operates a
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vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued pursuant to s. 341.51 to a transporter. History: 1971 c. 278, 319; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 91.
341.57 Registration of finance companies and financial institutions. (1) Any motor vehicle owned or being repossessed by a finance company licensed under ss. 138.09 or 218.0101 to 218.0163, by a credit union licensed under ch. 186, by a savings bank organized under ch. 214, by a savings and loan association organized under ch. 215 or by a state bank or a national bank with offices in this state, may be operated on the highways of this state for any necessary purpose in repossessing, reconditioning or reselling such vehicle without such vehicle being registered if the vehicle has displayed upon it a valid registration plate issued to such licensee pursuant to this section. (2) A finance company licensed under ss. 138.09 or 218.0101 to 218.0163, a credit union licensed under ch. 186, a savings bank organized under ch. 214, a savings and loan association organized under ch. 215 or a state bank or a national bank with offices in this state may apply to the department for registration on such form as the department provides. Upon receipt of the application together with a registration fee of $75, the department shall register the applicant and shall issue one registration plate containing the registration number assigned to the applicant. The department, upon receiving a fee of $5 for each additional plate desired by the applicant, shall issue additional plates as the applicant orders. Section 341.52 applies to the design of the plates. The registration and plates are valid only during the calendar year for which issued. Notwithstanding s. 341.13 (3), the department may renew registration plates issued under this subsection without issuing new plates or insert tags, decals, or other evidence of registration. A plate is transferable from one motor vehicle to another. The department may charge a fee of $2 per plate for replacing lost, damaged or illegible plates issued under this subsection. (3) Any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $200: (a) Any person who makes a false statement in an application for registration under this section. (b) Any person who uses a plate issued pursuant to this section otherwise than as authorized by this section. (c) Any person other than the registered owner thereof who uses a plate issued pursuant to this section. (4) Upon conviction of a licensee under sub. (3), the department may revoke or suspend the registration of the licensee and require surrender of the licensee’s registration plates issued pursuant to this section. History: 1971 c. 278; 1973 c. 246; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1979 c. 221; 1983 a. 156; 1985 a. 29; 1991 a. 221; 1999 a. 31; 2011 a. 32.
SUBCHAPTER V PENALTY FOR FRAUDULENT PRACTICES 341.60 Fraudulent application for registration or license. Any person who does any of the following may be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both: (1) Provides a false or fictitious name, address, or location where a vehicle is customarily kept in an application for license or registration. (2) Applies for a license or registration in the name of a person other than the true owner, or true owner and lessee. (3) Submits in an application for registration evidence of inspection under s. 110.20 (6) from an inspection that involved a violation of s. 110.20 (11) (c) if the person was aware of the viola-
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)
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REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
tion at the time the person submitted evidence of the inspection in an application for registration. History: 1983 a. 180; 2013 a. 368.
341.605 Unlawful transfer of evidence of registration. (1) Except as authorized by the department, no person may transfer to another person or offer for sale a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration issued by the department. This subsection does not apply to transfers of vehicles under s. 342.15 (4) (c). (2) No person may transfer to another person or offer for sale a counterfeit, forged or fictitious registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration. (3) Whoever violates sub. (1) or (2) is guilty of a Class H felony. History: 1995 a. 128; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.
341.61 Improper use of evidence of registration. Any person who does any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $500: (1) Lends to another a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration for display upon a vehicle for which the plate, tag, decal or other evidence of registration has not been issued. (2) Displays upon a vehicle a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration not issued for such vehicle or not otherwise authorized by law to be used thereon. (3) Willfully twists, paints, alters or adds to or cuts off any portion of a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration; or who places or deposits, or causes to be placed or deposited on such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration any substance to hinder the normal reading of such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration; or who defaces, disfigures, covers, obstructs, changes or attempts to change any letter or figure thereon; or who causes such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration to appear to be a different color. (4) Possesses a fraudulently or unlawfully obtained registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration. (5) Possesses a counterfeit registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration. History: 1973 c. 218; 1993 a. 470; 1995 a. 128.
341.615 Reproducing evidence of registration prohibited. Except as authorized by the department, any person who reproduces, by any means whatever, a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration shall forfeit not less than $200 nor more than $500. History: 1995 a. 128.
341.62 False evidence of registration. Whoever operates or possesses a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semitrailer having attached thereto any plate or similar device fashioned in imitation or facsimile of or altered so as to resemble a registration plate issued by the department may be required to forfeit not more than $500. History: 1973 c. 218; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1993 a. 470; 1999 a. 9.
341.625 Special registration plates. (1) Any person who fraudulently procures or uses special registration plates issued under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1e), (1m), or (1q) shall forfeit not less than $200 nor more than $500. (2) (b) A member of a disabled parking enforcement assistance council under s. 349.145 who observes a violation of this section may prepare a written report indicating that a violation has occurred. The report shall contain, if applicable, the time and
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location at which the violation occurred, and any other relevant information relating to the violation. (c) Within 24 hours after observing the violation, the member may deliver the report to a traffic officer of the political subdivision in which the violation occurred. A report which does not contain all of the information in par. (b) shall nevertheless be delivered and shall be maintained by the political subdivision for statistical purposes. (d) 1. Within 48 hours after receiving a report containing all of the information in par. (b) and after conducting an investigation, the traffic officer may prepare a uniform traffic citation under s. 345.11 for the violation and may personally serve it upon the person. 2. If with reasonable diligence the person cannot be served under subd. 1. or if the person lives outside of the jurisdiction of the issuing authority, service may be made by certified mail addressed to the person’s last-known address. History: 1993 a. 256; 2009 a. 246.
341.63 When registration to be suspended. (1) The department shall suspend the registration of a vehicle when: (a) The registration was completed through fraud or error and the person who registered the vehicle does not or cannot register the vehicle properly. (b) The required fee has not been paid and the same is not paid upon reasonable notice and demand. (c) Suspension of registration is specified by an authority under s. 345.28 (4) (a) 2. (d) The applicant fails, upon reasonable notice and demand, to furnish proof of payment, in the form prescribed by the U.S. secretary of the treasury, that the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed by section 4481 of the internal revenue code has been paid. (e) The licensee of a vehicle registered in a county identified under s. 110.20 (5) has not complied with the inspection requirements of s. 110.20 (6). (f) The motor vehicle is registered under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405 and the motor vehicle has been identified by the federal motor carrier safety administration as having been assigned for safety to a motor carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person that has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. (1m) Upon receiving notice that a motor carrier has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance, the department shall suspend the registration of each motor vehicle to which all of the following apply: (a) The motor carrier is identified on the motor vehicle’s registration application as the motor carrier responsible for the safety of the vehicle. (b) The motor vehicle is registered under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405. (1r) The department may suspend the registration of a motor vehicle registered under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405 if the department determines that the motor carrier identified on the motor vehicle’s registration application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle is the same or substantially the same business, or that elements of the motor carrier operation are the same or substantially the same business elements, as a motor carrier that has been issued a federal out-ofservice order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. (2) Any registration suspended under this section or ch. 344 continues to be suspended until reinstated by the department. The department shall reinstate the registration when the reason for the suspension has been removed.
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(3) (a) Whenever the registration of a vehicle is suspended under this section or ch. 344, the department may order the owner or person in possession of the registration plates to return them to the department. Any person who fails to return the plates when ordered to do so by the department may be required to forfeit not more than $200. (b) In addition to or in lieu of ordering the return of registration plates under par. (a), the department may seize and destroy the registration plates of any motor vehicle for which all of the following apply: 1. The motor carrier identified on the motor vehicle’s registration application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance. 2. The motor vehicle is registered under the international registration plan specified in s. 341.405 or under a similar international registration plan under the law of another jurisdiction. History: 1971 c. 278; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1451, 1654 (7) (a), (e); 1981 c. 165; 1983 a. 78, 180, 330, 538; 1985 a. 29; 1987 a. 27, 369; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 64, 288, 491; 1997 a. 84; 2011 a. 32.
341.64 Transfer of vehicle ownership while registration is suspended. (1) No owner may transfer the ownership or registration of any vehicle whose registration is suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c) until the registration is reinstated under s. 341.63 (2) or until the secretary is satisfied that such transfer is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purposes of s. 341.63 (1) (c). (2) Any person violating this section may be required to forfeit not more than $200. (3) This section does not apply to or affect the registration of any vehicle sold by a person who, pursuant to the terms or conditions of any written instrument giving a right of repossession, has exercised such right and has repossessed such vehicle from a person whose registration has been suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c). History: 1981 c. 165.
341.65 Unregistered motor vehicles prohibited; immobilization; removal; disposal. (1) In this section: (a) “Immobilization device” means a device or mechanism that immobilizes a motor vehicle by doing any of the following: 1. Locking around a wheel, thereby making the motor vehicle inoperable. 2. Being placed upon the front windshield to obstruct the driver’s view through the windshield. (am) “Owner” has the meaning given in s. 340.01 (42) and, with respect to a vehicle that is registered, or required to be registered, by a lessee of the vehicle under this chapter, includes the lessee of the vehicle. (ar) “Parking enforcer” means a person who enforces nonmoving traffic violations and who is employed by any municipality or county or by the state. (b) “Unregistered motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle that is located upon a highway and that is not displaying valid registration plates, a temporary operation plate, or other evidence of registration as provided under s. 341.18 (1) for the vehicle’s current registration period or for a registration period for the vehicle that expired within the immediately preceding 31 days. (2) (a) Any municipality or county may enact ordinances prohibiting any unregistered motor vehicle from being located upon a highway and governing the immobilization, removal and disposal of unregistered motor vehicles and provide a forfeiture in addition to providing for the recovery by the municipality or county of the cost of immobilizing the motor vehicle with an immobilization device or impounding and disposing of the motor
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vehicle or both. Any ordinance permitting immobilization of a motor vehicle may prohibit any person from removing, disconnecting, tampering with or otherwise circumventing the operation of an immobilization device except upon release of the motor vehicle to the owner or to make necessary repairs to a malfunctioning immobilization device. (b) Any municipal or university police officer, sheriff’s deputy, county traffic patrolman, state traffic officer, conservation warden, parking enforcer, or other person authorized under par. (c) who discovers any unregistered motor vehicle located upon any highway may cause the motor vehicle to be immobilized with an immobilization device or removed to a suitable place of impoundment. Upon immobilization or removal of the motor vehicle, the officer, warden, parking enforcer, or authorized person shall notify the sheriff or chief of police of the location of the immobilized or impounded motor vehicle and the reason for the immobilization or impoundment. Upon causing the removal of the motor vehicle by a towing service, the officer, warden, parking enforcer, or authorized person shall, within 24 hours of ordering the removal, notify the towing service of the name and last-known address of the registered owner and all lienholders of record of the vehicle, unless the officer or parking enforcer is employed by a municipality or county that has entered into a towing services agreement which requires the municipality or county to provide notice to such owner and lienholders of the towing. (c) A county, municipality, or university may enter into a contract with a person that authorizes the person to conduct placement and removal of immobilization devices as provided in par. (b). A contract entered into under this paragraph may allow for remote unlocking and removal of an immobilization device. (d) The owner of any unregistered motor vehicle is responsible for all costs of immobilizing, impounding and disposing of the motor vehicle. Costs not recovered from the sale of the motor vehicle may be recovered in a civil action by the municipality against the owner. Whether or not the municipality recovers the cost of towing and enforcement, the municipality shall be responsible to the towing service for requisitional towing service and reasonable charges for impoundment. (e) Notwithstanding par. (g), the owner of an unregistered motor vehicle that is immobilized with an immobilization device or impounded under this subsection may secure release of the motor vehicle by paying any forfeiture imposed for violation of the municipal or county ordinance and the reasonable costs of immobilizing or impounding the motor vehicle or both, and providing satisfactory evidence of one of the following: 1m. That the motor vehicle is currently registered in this state. 2m. That a complete application for registration for the motor vehicle, including evidence of inspection under s. 110.20 when required, accompanied by the required fee has been delivered to the department or deposited in the mail properly addressed with postage prepaid. 3m. That the motor vehicle is exempt from registration under this chapter. (f) Any motor vehicle in violation of this section may be immobilized with an immobilization device or impounded until lawfully claimed or disposed of under par. (g) except that if it is deemed by a duly authorized municipal or county representative that the cost of towing and storage charges for the impoundment would exceed the value of the vehicle, the motor vehicle may be junked or sold by the municipality or county prior to expiration of the impoundment period upon determination by the chief of police or sheriff having jurisdiction that the motor vehicle is not stolen or otherwise wanted for evidence or other reason. All sub-
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)
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stantially complete motor vehicles in excess of 19 model years of age shall be disposed of in accordance with par. (g). (g) Any motor vehicle which is impounded and not disposed of under par. (f) shall be retained in storage for a minimum period of 10 days after certified mail notice has been sent to the owner and lienholders of record, if known or readily ascertainable, to permit reclamation of the motor vehicle after payment of accrued charges and, for reclamation of the motor vehicle by the owner, compliance with par. (e). Such notice shall set forth the year, make, model, and serial number of the motor vehicle and the place where the motor vehicle is being held, and shall inform the owner and any lienholders of their right to reclaim the motor vehicle. The notice shall state that the failure of the owner or lienholders to exercise their rights to reclaim the motor vehicle under this section shall be considered a waiver of all right, title and interest in the motor vehicle and a consent to the sale of the motor vehicle. Each retained motor vehicle not reclaimed by its owner or lienholder may be sold. The municipality or county may dispose of the motor vehicle by sealed bid or auction sale as provided by ordinance. At such sale the highest bid for any such motor vehicle shall be accepted unless the same is considered inadequate by a duly authorized municipal or county representative, in which event all bids may be rejected. If all bids are rejected or no bid is received, the municipality or county may either readvertise the sale, adjourn the sale to a definite date, sell the motor vehicle at a private sale or junk the motor vehicle. Any interested person
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may offer bids on each motor vehicle to be sold. If municipal or county ordinances do not state the procedure to be followed in advertising or providing public notice of the sale, a public notice shall be posted at the office of the municipal police department or the office of the county sheriff. The posting of the notice at the police or sheriff’s department shall be in the same form as the certified mail notice sent to the owner or lienholders of record. Upon sale of a motor vehicle, the municipality or county shall supply the purchaser with a completed form designed by the department enabling the purchaser to obtain a regular certificate of title for the motor vehicle. The purchaser shall have 10 days to remove the motor vehicle from the storage area, but shall pay a reasonable storage fee established by the municipality or county for each day that the motor vehicle remains in storage after the 2nd business day subsequent to the sale date. Ten days after the sale, the purchaser shall forfeit all interest in the motor vehicle and the motor vehicle shall be considered to be abandoned and may be sold again. Any listing of motor vehicles to be sold by any municipality or county shall be made available to any interested person or organization which makes a written request for such list. The municipality or county may charge a fee for the list. (h) Within 5 days after the sale or disposal of a motor vehicle as provided in this subsection, the municipality or county shall advise the department of the sale or disposition on a form supplied by the department. History: 1991 a. 233; 1997 a. 27; 2003 a. 142, 321; 2005 a. 185; 2019 a. 5.
May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)