SUMMARY

This bill makes the following changes to the motor vehicle laws.

1. It requires manufacturers and distributors of motor vehicles to apply for a license for each franchise.

2. It requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules establishing fees for records of databases pertaining to applications, registrations and certificates of vehicles and driver's licenses, including convictions, adjudications, accidents, suspensions and revocations. The changes also require the adoption of rules establishing fees for the electronic transmittal of records.

3. It makes sensitive records and information concerning information technology systems confidential.

4. It permits a for hire passenger carrier who operates a vehicle such as a taxi or limousine to temporarily replace a disabled vehicle with another vehicle without having to have hire plates on the substitute vehicle. The substitute vehicle must be covered by adequate insurance. The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement this option.

5. It allows the Secretary of State to restrict the issuance of certain vanity plate configurations.

6. It provides that a licensed recycler is exempt from additional licensing fees if already licensed as a used or new vehicle or equipment dealer. Current law has a provision only for a used vehicle dealer.

7. It allows a dealer that purchases truck tractors, trailers or semitrailers to move units on dealer plates provided they are not hauling a load.

8. It provides that a fee can not be charged to a customer for the use of a loaner plate. If a fee is charged the vehicle must be registered pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 501, subsection 3 as a short-term rental vehicle.

9. It clarifies that a conflict between federal and state law, rule or regulation concerning the implementation and