STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) providing better services to Bureau of Motor Vehicle customers could soon be signed into law by the governor.
Under the legislation, the BMV would alert vehicle owners of manufacturer-issued safety recalls while registering their vehicle. Car manufacturers are currently required to alert vehicle owners of any recalls. However, Soliday said if a vehicle changes owners, it can be difficult to contact the correct person.
“Through this program, we can help alert Hoosier motorists of recalls more quickly,” Soliday said. “This would allow them to take the necessary steps to fix their vehicle sooner, ultimately keeping themselves and others safe on the road.”
This bill also addresses the excise tax for owners of collector cars. Soliday said under current law, if a car collector wants to renew the registration for a vehicle that has not been driven for an extended period of time, the owner must back-pay the excise tax for the time passed.
Under Soliday’s proposal, collector vehicles would be exempt from the motor vehicle excise tax if the owner submits an affidavit agreeing not to drive the vehicle on the road. Should a car collector wish to register their vehicle and drive it, they would only be taxed for the previous registration year and current registration year. Soliday said if the cars are not being driven and do not cause wear and tear on local roads, it is unfair for them to pay excise taxes that can be used to improve local roads and bridges.
“The law currently in place is unfair to owners of collector vehicles whose vehicles often never leave the driveway,” Soliday said. “This commonsense change would ensure they are not burdened with unreasonable fees if they ever decide to register their vehicle and drive it on the road again.”
House Enrolled Act 1506 is now eligible for action by the governor. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
