Support Wisconsin YOM plates? Write to Rep. Weatherston!

YOM license plates could be a reality in Wisconsin

Anyone who has read this blog before is probably aware that I've been begging for year-of-manufacture (YOM) license plates in Wisconsin for at least a decade. Now State Representative Thomas Weatherston, himself the owner of a 1966 Chevy pickup and 2001 Corvette, is trying to gauge support for a bill that would allow YOM plates in Wisconsin. What I like about Representative Weatherston's bill is that it would allow owners to actually register their cars with YOM plates, not just display them.

If a bill were to pass, Wisconsin collector car owners could display 1985-and-older year-of-manufacture license plates.

If you would support such a bill, read Representative Weatherston's note below.

Dear Car Club Enthusiasts,
Would you like to legally display a period correct license plate on your vehicle manufactured in 1985 or earlier?
If so, I wanted to let you know that I have written a bill that your group might be interested in. As you know, vehicles 20 years or older may qualify to use collector or hobbyist plates. A recent provision in the law allows vehicles of model year 1979 and earlier to use period correct historical plates, but only when traveling to a parade or car show.
My new bill would open up the use of period correct plates for any vehicle manufactured in 1985 or earlier. 1985 was chosen because it was the last year the state issued the black and yellow plates. Owners would first obtain original Wisconsin plates, and then register them with the Department of Transportation. As long as the plates were legible and the number was not already in use, the owner could then use them permanently on the vehicle. The one-time fee would be $15 to cover administrative costs.
I’d like to hear back from your organization to gauge the level of support this proposal has. If you would send me an email letting me know your thoughts on this issue by next Wednesday, I would be very grateful. And, of course, my office would be happy to answer any questions you may have on this bill.
Respectfully,
Thomas Weatherston
State Representative, 62nd District
(608) 266-0731
rep.weatherston@legis.wisconsin.gov

bill Representative Thomas Weatherston Wisconsin year of manufacture YOM plates

Angelo Van BogartAuthor

Angelo Van Bogart is the editor of Old Cars magazine and wrote the column "Hot Wheels Hunting" for Toy Cars & Models magazine for several years. He has authored several books including "Hot Wheels 40 Years," "Hot Wheels Classics: The Redline Era" and "Cadillac: 100 Years of Innovation." His 2023 book "Inside the Duesenberg SSJ" is his latest. He can be reached at avanbogart@aimmedia.com