Chapter 341

341.40(1) (1) Except as to foreign-owned vehicles required by s. 341.07 to be registered in this state, any vehicle that is registered in another jurisdiction is exempt from the laws of this state providing for the registration of the vehicles if all of the following apply:

341.40(1)(a) (a) The vehicle carries a registration plate indicating the registration in the other jurisdiction.

341.40(1)(b) (b) The vehicle is owned by a nonresident.

341.40(1)(c) (c) The jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered allows vehicles that are registered in Wisconsin to be operated tax free upon its highways under conditions substantially as favorable to residents of Wisconsin as to its own residents.

341.40(1)(d) (d) The vehicle is operated in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary based on the gross weight of the vehicle. The secretary may, by rule, determine the gross weight exemption, giving consideration to reciprocity privileges extended to Wisconsin residents in other jurisdictions.

341.40(1m) (1m) Foreign owned or operated vehicles entering Wisconsin to have special equipment or a body constructed or installed or for repair shall be exempt from the registration requirements of this section.

341.40(2) (2) If the owner of any vehicle exempted under sub. (1) or (1m) moves to Wisconsin or if the vehicle is purchased by or leased to a Wisconsin resident, the vehicle immediately becomes subject to the laws of this state providing for the registration of vehicles.

341.40 History History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1987 a. 369; 1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 103.

341.40 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.

341.40 Annotation The language referencing a single plate in sub. (1) (a) is the first of a list of criteria that vehicles registered in a jurisdiction other than Wisconsin must meet in order to be exempt from the registration laws of this state. Having been issued at least one plate is a condition precedent for exemption, not a display requirement. Since sub. (1) (a) does not address how nonresidents are to display license plates, there is no conflict with s. 341.15 (1). State v. Boyd, 2012 WI App 39, 340 Wis. 2d 168, 811 N.W.2d 853, 11-1056.

341.405 341.405 International registration plan.

341.405(1) (1) The secretary of transportation, with approval of the governor, shall ratify and do all things necessary to effectuate the international registration plan adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, with such exceptions as are deemed advisable and such changes as are necessary.

341.405(2) (2) In addition to any registration fees under s. 341.25 that are apportioned to this state under the international registration plan, the department shall charge a fee to cover the cost of issuance for each base plate and for each cab card issued under the international registration plan. Registrants for which this state is the base jurisdiction may elect to pay the registration fee apportioned to this state in 4 installments as specified by the department. Registrants shall pay an additional annual fee of not less than $10 for each vehicle under the installment option. The department may require the filing of an adequate bond or letter of credit to secure the payment of fees under the installment plan. Trip permits may be issued for 72-hour periods at a fee of not less than $15, under terms and conditions not inconsistent with the international registration plan.

341.405(2m) (2m) The department may register semitrailers under the international registration plan. The department may establish a fee for registration under this subsection based on administrative cost.

341.405(3) (3) Any fee of $2 or less due under this section may be waived by the department.

341.405(3m) (3m) 

341.405(3m)(a) (a) If the registration of a motor vehicle registered under this section is suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (f), (1m), or (1r), or if an application for registration is refused under s. 341.10 (16) or (17), the motor vehicle may be registered, subject to all applicable requirements and fees, under any applicable provision of this chapter other than this section.

341.405(3m)(b) (b) All of the following apply to a person who registers a motor vehicle under another applicable provision of this chapter as described in par. (a):

341.405(3m)(b)1. 1. The person is not entitled to credit for any registration fee previously paid to register the motor vehicle under this section.

341.405(3m)(b)2. 2. If the motor vehicle’s registration under this section is reinstated after this registration period has expired, in renewing the motor vehicle’s registration under this section the person is entitled to credit for the registration fee paid to register the motor vehicle as described in par. (a), calculated based upon the unused portion of that registration period.

341.405(3m)(c) (c) Notwithstanding s. 341.10 (16) and (17), the department may refuse registration of a motor vehicle under this section if the department determines that the motor carrier identified on the motor vehicle’s registration application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle is the same or substantially the same business, or that elements of the motor carrier operation are the same or substantially the same business elements, as a motor carrier that has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance.

341.405(4) (4) The secretary of transportation, with the approval of the governor and the joint committee on finance, may withdraw from the international registration plan adopted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators if the secretary deems such action necessary and desirable.

341.405 History History: 1977 c. 29; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 42; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 369; 1989 a. 31; 1999 a. 80; 2011 a. 32.

341.405 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.

341.405 Annotation A vehicle exempted from state registration requirements under this section is not exempted under s. 194.04 (2) from state permit requirements. State v. Yellow Freight System, Inc., 101 Wis. 2d 142, 303 N.W.2d 834 (1981).

341.405 Annotation Registration under the international registration plan is in lieu of registration under Wisconsin law. Schneider Transport, Inc. v. Cattanach, 657 F.2d 128 (1981).

341.409 341.409 Reciprocal registration exemption agreements for federally recognized Indian tribes or bands.

341.409(1) (1) The secretary with the approval of the joint committee on finance may enter into a reciprocal registration exemption agreement with the governing body of any federally recognized Indian tribe or band. The reciprocal agreement may exempt designated classes of vehicles registered by the Indian tribe or band from the registration requirements of this state if:

341.409(1)(a) (a) The vehicle carries a registration plate showing valid registration by the Indian tribe or band.

341.409(1)(b) (b) The Indian tribe or band registering the vehicle allows reciprocal privileges to similar classes of vehicles registered in this state under conditions substantially as favorable to this state as to the Indian tribe or band.

341.409(2) (2) The reciprocal agreement may include restrictions, conditions and terms of reciprocal privileges relating to registration, including any proportional registration taxes or fees deemed advisable by the department.

341.409(3) (3) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.

341.409 History History: 1983 a. 50.

341.41 341.41 Reciprocity agreements authorized.

341.41(1) (1) The secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the responsible officers of other jurisdictions as to licenses, mileage and flat taxes under which motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers properly licensed or registered in other jurisdictions may be operated in interstate commerce in this state without a Wisconsin registration or the payment of mileage or flat taxes, provided like privileges are accorded to vehicles owned by Wisconsin residents when operated in such other jurisdictions. Such agreement may include such restrictions, conditions and privileges as are deemed advisable. Such agreement shall provide that a resident of this state when using the highways of such other jurisdiction shall receive exemptions of a similar kind to a like degree.

341.41(1a) (1a) The secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with the responsible officers of other jurisdictions as to licenses, mileage and flat taxes under which motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers properly licensed or registered in either jurisdiction, may be operated in intrastate commerce in either jurisdiction without additional base plate registration or the payment of mileage or flat taxes, providing like privileges are accorded Wisconsin licensed vehicles when operated in such other jurisdictions, and that this state will obtain a fair and equitable share of license registrations. Such agreement may include such restrictions, conditions and privileges as are deemed advisable.

341.41(1b) (1b) Vehicles operated in intrastate commerce in this state are not exempt by virtue of any reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to sub. (1a) unless:

341.41(1b)(a) (a) The vehicle has conspicuously displayed upon it a valid registration plate;

341.41(1b)(b) (b) The operator of the vehicle has in his or her possession a valid registration certificate or other evidence that the vehicle is properly registered; and

341.41(1b)(c) (c) The vehicle displays some form of Wisconsin authorization unless operated in accordance with rules adopted under s. 341.40 (1) (d).

341.41(2) (2) A nonresident operating a vehicle in this state is not exempt by virtue of any reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to sub. (1) unless all of the following requirements are met:

341.41(2)(a) (a) The vehicle is properly registered in the jurisdiction of the residence of its owner, its domicile, or the principal place of business of its owner or is registered on a proportional registration basis pursuant to an interstate compact.

341.41(2)(b) (b) The vehicle has conspicuously displayed upon it a valid registration plate.

341.41(2)(c) (c) The operator of the vehicle has in his or her possession a valid registration certificate or other evidence that the vehicle is properly registered.

341.41(3) (3) If the laws of another jurisdiction impose upon the vehicles of residents of this state any taxes, fees, charges, penalties, obligations, restrictions, prohibitions or limitations of any kind additional to those imposed by this state upon the vehicles of residents of such other jurisdiction the secretary with the approval of the governor is authorized to impose and collect fees or charges in like amount and to provide for similar obligations, prohibitions or limitations upon the owner or operator of a vehicle registered in such other jurisdiction so long as the laws of such other jurisdiction requiring such imposition remain in effect.

341.41(4) (4) Trailers and semitrailers may be operated in Wisconsin without the payment of fees or ton mile or flat taxes when such trailers or semitrailers are operated in exchange for trailers or semitrailers or are operated in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary respecting the interchange of equipment. When used in railroad trailer-on-flat-car service, foreign licensed trailers or semitrailers may be operated in commerce in Wisconsin without the payment of permit or registration fees.

341.41(7) (7) Except as to foreign owned vehicles required by s. 341.07 to be registered in this state, vehicles owned or operated by a nonresident in interstate or intrastate movement may be qualified by advance purchase of a trip permit which authorizes operation for a 72-hour period when the vehicle is not eligible for reciprocal privileges. Unless waived by the secretary, the fee for the trip permit shall be not less than $15. The secretary may, upon determining that a special transportation need exists, waive the fee for the trip permit. The secretary shall make rules and regulations for the issuance and use of the permits. No permit may be issued under this subsection for any motor vehicle for which the motor carrier identified on the permit application as the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle has been issued a federal out-of-service order for unsatisfactory safety compliance.

341.41 History History: 1977 c. 29 ss. 1448, 1654 (7) (a), (c); 1977 c. 273, 418; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 27; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (29); 1983 a. 192; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (4); 1987 a. 369; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 85; 2011 a. 32, 262.

341.41 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.

341.43 341.43 Audits and appeals.

341.43(1) (1) The department may conduct such audits as it deems necessary to determine the adequacy of fees paid under the international registration plan or other proportional registration law or agreement and taxes and fees paid under s. 341.45. Audits shall be conducted during normal business hours. Credits shall be given for overpayments and deficiencies shall be assessed, with interest. Actual and necessary expenses incurred by an auditor, plus wages, may be assessed against the person audited.

341.43(2) (2) Any person feeling aggrieved by a notice under this section of additional assessment, refund or denial of refund may, within 30 days after the receipt of the notice, petition the department for a redetermination. A person feeling aggrieved by a redetermination may appeal to the tax appeals commission in the manner provided for appeals of tax determinations under s. 73.01 (5). If an appeal of a redetermination is not filed within the time period provided under s. 73.01 (5), the redetermination is final and conclusive.

341.43 History History: 1977 c. 29; 1987 a. 27; 1995 a. 113; 1999 a. 145.

341.43 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 146, Wis. adm. code.

341.45 341.45 Importation in vehicle tanks regulated; taxes; fee; permits.

341.45(1) (1) In this section:

341.45(1)(a) (a) “Alternate fuels” has the meaning given in s. 78.39 (1).

341.45(1)(ag) (ag) “Motor vehicle fuel” has the meaning given in s. 78.005 (13).

341.45(1)(am) (am) “Qualified motor vehicle” means a qualified motor vehicle as defined in the international fuel tax agreement or any of the following motor vehicles used, designed or maintained for the transportation of persons or property:

341.45(1)(am)1. 1. A motor vehicle having 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.

341.45(1)(am)2. 2. A motor vehicle having 2 axles and registered at a gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.

341.45(1)(am)3. 3. A motor vehicle having 3 or more axles, regardless of weight.

341.45(1)(am)4. 4. A motor vehicle used in combination with another vehicle when the combined registered weight or gross vehicle weight of the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds.

341.45(1g) (1g) 

341.45(1g)(a) (a) Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4g), every person who purchases or obtains motor vehicle fuel or an alternate fuel outside of this state and operates any qualified motor vehicle into this state upon a highway and transports that fuel in an attached or unattached fuel supply tank for the sole purpose of operating the qualified motor vehicle shall pay the Wisconsin motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels tax and the oil inspection fee under s. 168.12 on the gallons consumed by the qualified motor vehicle while operated on the highways of this state. The person shall pay the tax and fee by purchasing motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels within this state in an amount that is equivalent to the gallonage consumed while operating the qualified motor vehicle on the highways of this state, or by remitting the tax and fee directly to the department or to another jurisdiction that is a party to the international fuel tax agreement.

341.45(1g)(b) (b) The department may require any person required to pay under par. (a) to report on forms prescribed by it, to display evidence of compliance with par. (a) and to pay taxes and the fee in the manner specified by the department.

341.45(1g)(c) (c) The department shall require any person convicted of evading the tax or fee due under par. (a) to report on forms and in the manner prescribed by the department.

341.45(2) (2) Every person regularly or habitually operating qualified motor vehicles upon the highways of any other state and using in those qualified motor vehicles motor vehicle fuel or an alternate fuel purchased or obtained in this state shall be allowed a credit or refund equal to the oil inspection fee and the tax on the motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuel actually paid to the state in which it is used, but not to exceed the tax and fee imposed on motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels by this state.

341.45(3) (3) The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with the appropriate officials of any other state under which it may waive all or any part of the requirements imposed by this section upon those who use motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels upon which the tax and fee have been paid to another state if the officials of the other state grant equivalent privileges with respect to motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels used in that state but upon which the tax and fee have been paid to Wisconsin.

341.45(4) (4) The secretary may ratify and effectuate the international fuel tax agreement or other fuel tax agreement.

341.45(4g) (4g) The department may issue trip permits for 72-hour periods to persons who would otherwise be required to pay the Wisconsin motor vehicle fuel or alternate fuels tax under sub. (1g). The department shall charge a fee of not less than $15 for each permit issued under this subsection. A person who has obtained a permit under this subsection is exempt from the purchasing requirement of sub. (1g) (a).

341.45(4m) (4m) All oil inspection fees paid to the department of transportation under sub. (1g) (a) in excess of oil inspection fee credits or refunds under sub. (2) shall be deposited in the petroleum inspection fund. All oil inspection fees credited or refunded by the department of transportation under sub. (2) in excess of oil inspection fees paid to the department of transportation under sub. (1g) (a) shall be paid from the petroleum inspection fund.

341.45(5) (5) The department shall promulgate rules under ch. 227 necessary to administer this section. The rules shall include provisions relating to the issuance and use of the permits authorized under sub. (4g). The rules may include provisions relating to the payment of interest on late payments of motor vehicle fuel and alternate fuels taxes and oil inspection fees, and fees for the late payment or underpayment of motor vehicle fuel and alternate fuels taxes and oil inspection fees.

341.45(5g) (5g) The department may issue and require the display of a decal or other identification to indicate compliance with sub. (1g). The department may charge a fee to cover the cost of issuing the decal or other identification.

341.45(5m) (5m) The department may suspend or refuse any registration, certificate or permit issued under the authority of the department of a person who fails to report under sub. (1g) (b) when required to do so or who fails to pay in full the taxes under sub. (1g) (a) as specified by the department. A registration, certificate or permit suspended or refused under this subsection shall remain suspended or refused until the reason for the suspension or refusal has been removed.

341.45(6) (6) 

341.45(6)(a) (a) Any person who uses a false or fictitious name or gives a false or fictitious address in any application or form required by this section or otherwise commits a fraud in any application, record, report or claim for refund under this section may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both.

341.45(6)(b) (b) Any person who fails or refuses to make a report or payment as provided in this section may be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than one year or both.

341.45(6)(c) (c) A person who fails to display the decal or other identification under sub. (5g) as prescribed by the department may be required to forfeit not more than $500.

341.45(6)(d) (d) Whenever a person is convicted of evading the tax required to be paid under sub. (1g), the clerk of the court shall, as provided in s. 345.48 for traffic violations, forward to the department the record of conviction and notice of any appeal.

341.45 History History: 1981 c. 347; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 27 ss. 1610m to 1612m, 1986bk to 1986bp; Stats. 1987 s. 341.45; 1987 a. 369; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 113.

341.45 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also chs. Trans 146 and 152, Wis. adm. code.

341.45 Annotation Sub. (1g) (a) imposes a tax on fuel consumed while operating on a highway. That the fuel is consumed while the vehicle is idling and not while it is being propelled does not render the fuel tax exempt. Roehl Transport, Inc. v. Division of Hearings & Appeals, 213 Wis. 2d 452, 570 N.W.2d 864 (Ct. App. 1997), 97-0211.

subch. IV of ch. 341 SUBCHAPTER IV

REGISTRATION OF DEALERS, DISTRIBUTORS, MANUFACTURERS, TRANSPORTERS, AND
FINANCE COMPANIES

341.47 341.47 When vehicles of dealers, distributors, manufacturers and transporters exempt from general registration requirements.

341.47(1) (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is owned or repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, a dealer, distributor or manufacturer may be operated on the highways of this state for either private or business purposes without being registered if the vehicle has displayed upon it valid registration plates issued under s. 341.51 to the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and the vehicle:

341.47(1)(a) (a) Is actually offered for sale by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer, including for sale on consignment; or

341.47(1)(b) (b) Is in transit from the factory to a distributor or dealer or from the dealer to the purchaser; or