NEWS ALERT!
 

Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio felt it necessary to provide this information, it cannot be held responsible for it's content or accuracy. However there have been several reliable sources that Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio feels confident to bring you this important message.

 
 

News Update: March 15, 2011
MARCH 14, 2011 MEETING
WITH WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


Submitted by Curt Rymkus
 
The meeting was attended by the WisDOT Legislative Liaison, three representatives from WisDOT, a representative from Senator Glenn Grothman's office, a representative from State Representative Jerry Petrowski's office, two representatives from the military vehicle/import car interest group and myself.

At the outset of the meeting, WisDOT stated that, "we are not after your older vehicles".

The majority of the meeting involved discussion with WisDOT and the mv/ic guys. Titling
and registration problems were discussed at length. Although, specific military vehicle legislation, regarding titling and registration, was passed in 2010, refusals to register m/v's continues. Future meetings between the mv/ic group and WisDOT will be planned in an effort to correct the problems.

For the remainder of the meeting, I discussed with the WisDOT representatives, the WisDOT procedural changes in applying for "COLLECTOR" and "HOBBYIST" license plates. Also, I inquired as to the reasons for the Wisconsin State Patrol's increased involvement in the "street modified" and "replica" titling process. Time was short and a very brief discussion was held about 3 specific individuals and their titling problems.

Because time ran out, our questions, issues and concerns were not addressed, fully. The Legislative Liaison and I agreed to meet, in the near future to discuss our issues at length.

The Legislative Liaison did state, that "if, legislation is to be drafted that would affect your vehicles, we (WisDOT) will consult with the enthusiasts at the very start of the legislative drafting."

When, legislation is drafted, public hearings will be held, as required by Wisconsin Statute. General public statements and comments are heard at the public hearings.

You can ask your legislator to tell you when, WisDOT proposes legislation or ask them to assist you in accessing that part of the Wisconsin website that posts pending legislation. With a lot of people watching, we should be on top of things.

I will post as new developments occur.

Thanks to all those that contacted government officials before the March 14, 2011 meeting. Your voices were heard and your comments were effective.

For now, we must keep watch on WisDOT and stayed prepared.
_________________________________________________

News Update: February 26, 2011
ANTI OLD VEHICLE LEGISLATION IS STILL IN THE WORKS

Submitted by Curt Rymkus
 
I have been in contact with the Legislative Laison from the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles.
 
I received an email posted as “REGARDING REGISTRATION OF NONSTANDARD VEHICLES” from the Legislative Laison. The email states, “in absence of Trans 123, the Departments current process for reviewing title and registration applications for certain HOBBYIST VEHICLES has a number of shortcomings. It requires great deal of case by case involvement by DMV staff, and places a lot of discretion in the hands of department personnel. The rules are not sufficiently available or transparent to citizens. THE DEPARTMENT NEEDS TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION”.
 
Although Trans 123 has been withdrawn, the typically acceptable method for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation “TO REMEDY A SITUATION” is thru new legislation or create a new administrative rule.
 
The Legislative Laison’s email displays the attitude that WisDOT considers nonstandard vehicles and hobbyist vehicles as the same type of vehicle.
 
During my personal phone discussion with the Legislative Laison, it was stated that, although Trans 123 has been withdrawn, new legislation or new administrative rule is being considered by WisDOT, it just won’t be called Trans 123.  
        
On the premise that WisDOT is planning to create new legislation for the titling and registration of non-standard vehicles, I expect the legislation to be in conflict with the interests of owners of older vehicles.
 
I will be meeting with the Legislative Laison in the near future.

SO WHAT IS A NON-STANDARD VEHICLE AND HOW DOES IT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE?

Within WisDOT and based on their past proposed legislation, generally, a non-standard vehicle is a vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1968. These vehicles are termed non-standard because they did not have to meet  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards(FMVSS).

A non-standard vehicle also includes a vehicle that does not display a certification label from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA). Generally, most vehicles manufactured before 1967 do not display an NHTSA certification label.
 
I feel confident stating that, at least 75% of the people reading this article, own one or more vehicles that, meet the definition of nonstandard.

SO WHAT?

 For the people that, have title and license plates for your nonstandard vehicle, your title and license plates can be revoked by WisDMV, at anytime.
 
This titleing and registration issue started in 2007, because WisDMV pulled the title and license plates from a Wisconsin residents 1976 vehicle. The vehicle had been titled and licensed for two years. In 2007, WisDMV declared his vehicle as nonstandard. The vehicle owner took the matter to court. The court ruled that the WisDOT was wrong. Regardless of the court’s ruling, WisDMV attempted to pull registration from the owners of other alleged nonstandard vehicles. Subsequent court proceedings and appeals ruled in favor of the owners of the alleged nonstandard vehicles.
 
WisDOT’s lost the legal fights because of WisDOT’s misinterpretation, misapplication and ignoring Wisconsin State Statutes and Administrative Rule regarding vehicle registration. To remedy the situation, WisDOT then created Trans123.  That legislation, favorable to WisDOT, would have allowed WisDOT to refuse registration to nonstandard vehicles and avoid legal entanglements. 
 
Currently, WisDMV is continuing to hold up new registration applications for vehicles that WisDOT terms nonstandard. WisDMV has begun to hold up and refuse to register some applications for “HOBBYIST” license plates and applications for “street modified” and “replica vehicle titles.
 
For the people that are applying for a “street modified” or “replica” title, you will be subject to WisDMV’s continued incorrect interpretation and incorrect application of current Wisconsin State Statute and Administrative Rule, regarding the titleing and registration process.
 
For the people applying for “HOBBYIST” plates, you will be subject to WisDMV’s continued incorrect interpretation and incorrect application of current Wisconsin State Statute and Administrative Rule, regarding the titleing and registration process.
 
Prior to WisDMV’s incorrect application of Wisconsin’s State Statutes and Administrative Rules, regarding vehicle registration, there were minimal to no processing problems.

WHAT TO DO

 Contact your legislators and inform them that,  WisDOT and WisDMV are threatening your hobby and threatening your right to drive your special vehicle on the roads of Wisconsin. Also,inform your legislator that, WisDOT and WisDMV are not properly applying or interpreting Wisconsin State Statutes and the Administrative Rules, regarding the processing of vehicle title and registration applications.
 
Ask your legislator to look into the situation and inform you of his findings.
 
Also, request that, your legislator relay the same information to the Secretary of Transportation, Mark Gottlieb.

  _________________________________________________
 

TRANS 123 is DEAD!
The Trans 123 was an attempt by the Wisconsin DOT to limit or possibly eliminate registration of vintage foreign cars.

Representative Jeff Stone sent us the attached official Wisconsin DOT letter of intent to drop the Trans 123. Jeff had contacted Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio last week, but we wanted to be responsible and wait for the actual document to verify the closure.

Click here to download the official letter.
Click here to read SEMASANS annoucement.

Captn Bob and Arlo want to thank everyone for working so hard to keep this issue alive and persistently educating our representatives about the negative impact of this law.

We encourage everyone to keep monitoring what your legislators are doing with other laws that would affect our great driving industry.

For instance…currently we know of several people that have been turned down or having difficulty in getting their Wisconsin Hobby and Collector plates. It appears the Wi-DOT is interpreting the language differently than its original intent when it was passed years ago. 

So Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio will continue to monitor this and we respectfully ask you to stay on top of this too.

Jeff Stone is a great friend of the hot rodder. You can hear an interview with Jeff regarding his response to Trans 123 and other car issues.
Click here - October 16, 2010

GREAT JOB EVERYONE…LET’S KEEP IT GOING.

________________________________________________________

News Update: November 17th
Video of the Wis DOT Hearing on Trans 123

We would like to thank "Big John" from the Milwaukee Area Volkswagen Club for informing our listeners about the video recording of the September 22nd joint staff hearing on the Wisconsin DOT's recommendation to approve the bill Trans 123.

Big John contacted his state representative, Fred Kessler, who checked out our concerns and discovered there is a link to the meeting. It is the entire meeting which lasted over 2 hours. The first hour was with the DOT representative reading the bill and taking questions from the legislators. The second hour shows the response from many of this states great car lovers.

(Special comment...you would be proud of Representative Jeff Stone, whom we had on our show talking about Trans 123 on October 16th. You can hear his interview by going to our Past Shows listings)

You should take the time to watch the video. The link is:

Go to www.wiseye.org  Click on video archives Go to Joint Committees. Then scroll down to 9/22/10 Joint Committee on Transportation, Tourism & Natural resources. Click watch. You should be able to watch the entire session on trans 123

Then make sure you act!

You must contact your Representative and tell them you oppose TRANS 123. You might have to convince them that there is such a bill being proposed.

Stay informed...Stay active!

Click here to read recent news updates and valuable information submitted by Curt.

 WHO REPRESENTS ME?

Click here to read the RULE

Contact (email, call and visit) your own Legislators and ask them to advocate on behalf of you to the committee members.  


 

News Update: November 20
NSRA's Article on Wis DOT Trans 123

Click here to see NSRA Street Scene article regarding Wisconsin's DOT Trans 123 bill.

Even the national organizations are watching this. Are you? A vote is still pending in 2011.

Thanks Richie for the article.


News Update:
CHAPTER TRANS 123 NEWS


Submitted by Curt Rymkus
October 6, 2010

Back door politics

Sources state that, the Senate Transportation Committee members voted by ballot to send Ch. Trans 123, back to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for revisions.  

Supposedly, the Chairman of the Committee met with Department officials and they agreed that the rule would not be resubmitted, but rather would be dealt with this January during the next legislative session.

Unfortunately, at this point in the legislative process, the DOT or the Transportation Committee are not required to have any additional public hearings on Ch. Trans 123.

In January, Ch. Trans 123 can be resubmitted to the Trans Committee, approved by the Committee and become an Administrative Rule without any further public hearings.

Here is how you can help.

THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR FOR OUR STATE LEGISLATORS !!!!!!
To continue our opposition to Ch. Trans, we must send letters,  emails and make phone calls to the newly elected legislators, as soon as they are elected.

I will expect DOT to resubmit Ch. Trans 123 as soon as the new legislature convenes. DOT would be hoping that, the new legislators would be unaware of the opposition to Ch, Trans 123 and approve Ch. Trans 123.

VOTE IN NOVEMBER AND INFORM YOUR NEW LEGISLATOR THAT YOU OPPOSE CH. TRANS. 123.


Recent News Update:
CHAPTER TRANS 123 PUT ON HOLD
September 24, 2010


Submitted by Curt Rymkus

The September 22, 2010 public hearing held by the
Committee on Transportation has resulted in the
Committee postponing any decision on ch. TRANS
123 until the Committee has their executive hearing.

At the executive hearing, the Committee will meet
amongst themselves, discuss their opinions and the opinions presented by the public at the 9-22-2010 hearing.

Then, the Committee will decide to either return
ch TRANS 123 to the DOT for a rewrite, approve it
or suspend it.

Unfortunately, the hearing was sparsely attended but, the interested individuals that made a verbal presentation, to the Committee, were effective.

The Committee, itself, expressed that, ch. TRANS 123 was confusing and difficult to understand.

The presentation by the WIS DOT representative did not resolve the Committee's confusion or understanding issues. DOT's presentation failed to provide tangible grounds that the vehicles that, the DOT want to refuse registration, are un- safe or a safety hazard to other Wisconsin drivers.

At present, we are in "a wait and see what the Committee decides to do".

WE AS CONSTITUANTS
MUST CALL OUR LEGISLATORS NOW
AND ASK OUR LEGISLATORS TO CONTACT THE
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION  AND INFORM THE COMMITTEE TO SUSPEND CH. TRANS 123
 WHO REPRESENTS ME?

SPECIAL NOTE OF APPRECIATION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the individuals that contacted their legislators about ch. TRANS 123, prior to the 9-22-2010 hearing. you were effective !!!!!!!!!!
Many of the Committee members commented "I had numerous constituant
contacts about ch. TRANS 123".

SPECIAL THANKS TO CAP'N BOB, ARLO AND WHRR FOR POSTING THIS INFO


Past News Update:
There are indications that, the federal government wants ALL COLLECTOR TYPE VEHICLES off the road.
September 17, 2010


Submitted by Curt Rymkus

We need as much opposition to this legislation as possible.
There are indications that, the federal government wants ALL COLLECTOR TYPE VEHICLES off the road.

Supposedly, ch. TRANS 123 is directed at post 1968 non standard vehicles. In Wisconsin, your 1990 and earlier vehicle can qualify for a "COLLECTOR" license plate. How many vehicles in the 1968 to 1990 range are or can become COLLECTOR TYPE VEHICLES?"

Wisconsin DOT has successfully legislated vintage ex-military vehicles off  the road for daily use.

Read the info from Senator Grothman's office and then, read the following stories about what is happening in California. 

 Senator Grothman along with others requested that the Senate Transportation Committee hold a public hearing on TRANS 123.  As you may know the Assembly and Senate Transportation Committees WILL hold a public hearing next week.  The details are below!!!

  1. Please attend the public hearing and share your testimony with the committee.  Bring 20 written copies of your testimony for the committee members.   If you do not like this CLEARINGHOUSE RULE (CHR 09-044 - TRANS 123 is a rule not legislation) then you want the committee to reject the rule. 
    1. Click here to read the RULE
  1. If you can’t make it to the hearing please submit written testimony to committee members prior to the meeting and ask that it be part of the official committee record.    
    1. Assembly Transportation Committee Members
    2. Senate Transportation Committee Members
  1. Contact (email, call and visit) your own Legislators and ask them to advocate on behalf of you to the committee members.  

 

This is your last chance to act!  If the committee does not ask for changes or reject this rule it will become law.

Sincerely,

Regina Kolbow
Legislative Aide
Office of Senator Grothman
608-266-7513

 ********
Stories from California

Hot Rod Gloom? We should maybe come to the party, Boys. On one hand, there is a disconnect between the intent of Law and individual gov’t employees’ enforcement of it. The laws are bad enough, right? Witch hunts. Chicken Little. Gestapo. Are some of them actually zealously over-enforcing in order to ‘justify’
and pay for their gov’t jobs? Tsk.Tsk.  The fall guys are individual groups like motorsports aficionados- easy targets - who appear to be gross violators, criminals, in the victimless crime of driving old cars. But it’s worse when the legislator discriminates against t our community.  There’s an elected female State official down San Diego way who has been quoted saying she wants us off the highway, and want us to pay for the privilege of trailering them to whatever show or parade we take them to.
 
Here’s what we read:
 
“In speaking with Senator Christine Kehoe from the San Diego area she flat out said,
WE WANT YOUR CARS REGULATED, WE WANT A MILEAGE CAP ON YOUR CARS, WE WANT YOU TO HAVE TO PURCHASE A PERMIT TO DRIVE THEM AND WE WANT YOU TO TRAILER YOUR CARS TO AND FROM YOUR EVENTS. When she was asked, “What about a guy that wants to drive the Route 66 to Chicago and back?’ Senator Kehoe’s response was, THEY BETTER HAVE A TRAILER WAITING FOR THEM WHEN THEY RE-ENTER CALIFORNIA.”
 
See, Chuck went to the ‘California Association of Car Clubs’ meeting, which was attended by CHP, a state Senator or two, a CARB rep or something, and he came away knowing that...if we don’t mobilize now...it’s over. The stated goal of the politicos and their over-reacting self-interested state employees is to eliminate collector cars from the road. Period!

“On Sept. 1, 2010, a law was passed requiring all automobile service providers to check the tire pressures of every vehicle being maintained or repaired at their facility. The regulation, issued by the California Air Resources Board, applies to auto maintenance/repair providers but not to auto parts distributers/retailers, auto body/paint facilities, auto glass installers or wreckers/dismantlers, according to a press release from SEMA. (SEMA – Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association is a trade organization representing auto service providers. They notified their membership of this new law by way of this press release. CK)

 


 

Past News Update:
Wisconsin Proposes to Restrict Registration of Imported Collector Cars
September 11, 2010


Submitted by Curt Rymkus

There will be a public hearing on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation NEW VERSION of ch. TRANS 123.

Beginning in July, 2009, Wisconsin auto enthusiasts have opposed ch. TRANS 123. At that time, the DOT presented TRANS 123 as a set of regulations that would restrict the REGISTRATION and DAILY operation of  EX-MILITARY VEHICLES, owned by Wisconsin residents. Realistically, the DOT's TRANS 123 was a thinly veiled attempt, by the DOT, to give them the authority to refuse or cancel the registration or licensing of any NON-STANDARD automobile. The definition of NON-STANDARD, as presented 
by the DOT in the initial TRANS 123 was vague. As a result of the opposition by Wisconsin auto enthusiasts, many of the vague and poorly defined areas of TRANS 123 were clarified.

Unfortunately, new regulations were created that limit the operation of vintage ex-military vehicles to PARADE AND SPECIFIC EVENT USE, ONLY! They gave up their right to operate their vehicles on a daily basis! 

The Wis DOT continues to propose new regulations to restrict the registration and operation of specific types or groups of vehicles. The DOT's current version of ch. TRANS 123 is directed at "motor vehicles manufactured 1968 and after and made for the U.S. market", commonly known as "import" or "grey market" vehicles. Collectors or enthusiasts of exotic or desirable foreign vehicles should have a definite interest in AND oppose the current proposed ch. TRANS 123.

Of concern to all auto enthusiasts is the fact that the DOT continues to propose direct regulation of specific types and groups of vehicles. What group will be DOT's next target? Collector vehicles?  Hobbyist vehicles? Modified vehicles? 50's vehicles?

What to do? What to do? What to do?

At minimum, call your legislative representative in Madison and voice your opposition to ch. TRANS 123. Phone calls have more affect than an email.

Click here for call list.

Most importantly, come to the hearing!!! A large representative group that opposes ch. TRANS 123 can be very effective. You don't have to speak to the committee or make a presentation. At the hearing, you can register as "OPPOSED" to ch. TRANS 123. A spokesperson or presentation that rants "Are you guys crazy?", "What am I going to do with my cars? Cut em up?", "You’re ruining my hobby!!!", "Don't you guys have any thing better to do?" can be counter productive and can have negative impact on the committee. 

JUST SHOW UP AND REPRESENT

Senate PUBLIC HEARING

Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.  The committee will hold a public hearing on the following items at the time specified below:
 

Wednesday, September 22, 2010
10:00 AM
412 East
State Capitol

This will be a joint public hearing with the Assembly Committee on Transportation.
Clearinghouse Rule 09-044
Relating to registration of non-standard vehicles.

 

Wisconsin Senate Transportation Committee

Senator Jim Holperin - Chair
Phone: 608/266-2509
 
Senator Jim Sullivan
Phone: 608/266-2512
 
Senator Jeffrey Plale
Phone: 608/266-7505
 
Senator David Hansen
Phone: 608/266-5670
 
Senator Joseph Leibham
Phone: 608/266-2056
 
Senator Neal Kedzie
Phone: 608/266-2635
 
Senator Glenn Grothman
Phone: 608/266-7513

 

Wisconsin Assembly Transportation Committee

Representative John Steinbrink - Chair
Phone: 608/266-0455
 
Representative Ted Zigmunt - Vice-Chair
Phone: 608/266-9870
 
Representative Amy Sue Vruwink
Phone: 608/266-8366
 
Representative Phil Garthwaite
Phone: 608/266-1170
 
Representative Jason Fields
Phone: 608/266-3756
 
Representative Penny Bernard Schaber
Phone: 608/266-3070
 
Representative Christine Sinicki
Phone: 608/266-8588
 
Representative Jerry Petrowski
Phone: 608/266-1182
 
Representative Alvin Ott
Phone: 608/266-5831
 
Representative Jeff Stone
Phone: 608/266-8590
 
Representative Garey Bies
Phone: 608/266-5350
 
Representative Keith Ripp
Phone: 608/266-3404
   
 
 

Past News Alert:
August 27th, 2010


Submitted by Curt Rymkus

URGENT REGULATORY ALERT  

Requires Immediate Action

Wisconsin Proposes to Restrict Registration of Imported Collector Cars

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has proposed a new regulation (Chapter Trans 123) to prohibit the registration of imported vehicles manufactured after 1967 that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).  U.S. law specifically exempts imported vehicles that are 25 years old and older from these safety standards.  Trans 123 offers no such reasonable exemption.  The regulation permits the continued registration of subject vehicles that are already legally registered in Wisconsin, but only until they are transferred to a new owner.  The rule is currently under review by the Senate and Assembly Transportation Committees, which have until September 10, 2010 to raise an objection.           

We Urge You to Contact the Wisconsin Senate and House Transportation Committee Members in Opposition to Trans 123

·         Imported vehicles 25 years old or older are usually brought into this country by hobbyists as unique collector vehicles.

·         Trans 123 fails to recognize the fact that collector vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven. 

·         Trans 123 is inconsistent with Federal law and would prohibit the registration of vehicles coming in from other states that have already been proven safe on U.S. roads.

·         Trans 123 provides no way for vehicle owners to prove that a vehicle is safe other than conforming exclusively to the FMVSS.

·         Trans 123 would deny legal registration to these imported vehicles once sold or transferred to a different owner.

DON’T DELAY!  Please contact members of the Wisconsin Senate and House Transportation Committees to request their opposition to Trans 123.  Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.
 
 

Wisconsin Senate Transportation Committee

Senator Jim Holperin - Chair
Phone: 608/266-2509
 
Senator Jim Sullivan
Phone: 608/266-2512
 
Senator Jeffrey Plale
Phone: 608/266-7505
 
Senator David Hansen
Phone: 608/266-5670
 
Senator Joseph Leibham
Phone: 608/266-2056
 
Senator Neal Kedzie
Phone: 608/266-2635
 
Senator Glenn Grothman
Phone: 608/266-7513

 

Wisconsin Assembly Transportation Committee

Representative John Steinbrink - Chair
Phone: 608/266-0455
 
Representative Ted Zigmunt - Vice-Chair
Phone: 608/266-9870
 
Representative Amy Sue Vruwink
Phone: 608/266-8366
 
Representative Phil Garthwaite
Phone: 608/266-1170
 
Representative Jason Fields
Phone: 608/266-3756
 
Representative Penny Bernard Schaber
Phone: 608/266-3070
 
Representative Christine Sinicki
Phone: 608/266-8588
 
Representative Jerry Petrowski
Phone: 608/266-1182
 
Representative Alvin Ott
Phone: 608/266-5831
 
Representative Jeff Stone
Phone: 608/266-8590
 
Representative Garey Bies
Phone: 608/266-5350
 
Representative Keith Ripp
Phone: 608/266-3404
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
   
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