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HOT TOPICS
2015 GNYADA Membership Directory
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The original purpose of dealer plates was to allow a vehicle to be test driven by a potential customer. But over
time, permissible use has been extended to the operation of any vehicle owned or controlled by the dealer, with
the following exceptions.
Dealer plates may NOT be legally used on:
•
Vehicle(s) maintained primarily for towing or transporting property
•
Vehicle(s) rented to another person or entity
•
Vehicle(s) used to transport passengers for hire
•
Vehicles(s) owned by any of the dealer’s employees or family members
•
Service vehicle(s) used by the dealership in the course of conducting business
Using the plates in any of these unauthorized ways could result in police and/or administrative action against a
dealer’s business registration.
Registration Inspection Stickers
Dealers are not required to display a registration sticker or inspection sticker in a vehicle being operated with
dealer or transporter plates.
According to Section 79.1(f) of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations, “A motor vehicle owned or controlled
by a dealer or transporter and legally being operated with dealer or transporter plates is NOT a motor vehicle
registered in this state, and does not require inspection.”
Personal Use
Personal use of a vehicle with a dealer plate which is held for sale or demonstration does not violate section 415
of the Vehicle and Traffic law.
Single Plate Only
The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue only single plates to dealers and transporters. The new dealer and
transporter plate set will consist of a single plate and a plate sticker. This change is authorized under section
78.21(k) of the Commissioners Regulations.
License Plate Frames
Also remember that it is illegal to cover plates in a manner that obscures the letters, numbers or markings. Some
dealers issue license plate frames that cover enough of the plate to obscure some of the lettering. If you issue these
frames, please check them to make sure your customers won’t be at risk for a traffic ticket.
DEALER PLATE ISSUES