Special interest license plates allowed for car collectors

Senators passed a bill March 1 that allows owners of collector vehicles to use a special motor vehicle interest plate.

LB216, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash, creates a special interest license plate that will be available to car club members who own motor vehicles that are unaltered from original specifications and are collected, preserved, restored or maintained for leisure. The plates must be attached to the rear of the vehicle.

The fee for special interest license plates is $50. Of the fee collected, $25 will be remitted to the state treasurer for credit to the Department of Motor Vehicles Cash Fund and the other $25 to the state treasurer for credit to the Highway Trust Fund.

Under the bill, the special interest vehicle can be driven only on public streets and roads for occasional transportation, public displays, parades and related pleasure or hobby activities. Violations will be a Class V misdemeanor.

The bill passed on a 44-1 vote.