Dealership license plates also called D-tags are special plates given to car dealers. Customers of these dealers use these plates to test drive on highways and public streets.
Laws On Dealership License Plates
Although the laws on dealership plates vary from one state to another, they are generally used by customers on test drives, owners of dealerships, officers, and employees working at the dealership units. A lot of states prohibit the use of these plates on rented and leased cars. They are also never to be used by persons who are not affiliated to car dealers.
You can only place the plate on cars that have been held for resale by a dealer. If the vehicle has already been sold, some states prohibit you from putting the plate on it. Loaded trailers and trucks that are pulling other vehicles are usually not allowed to bear this type of plate.
For the sake of convenience, it will be better to buy a ¾ ton truck and then place this type of plate on it. You can use this truck to transport your vehicles to and from an auction. Although this is a good option, you should check if it is allowed in your state. The truck that you will use in transporting your vehicles should be in the dealer’s name and your name. You will be required to pay taxes, license, and title fees on this truck. You cannot use a vehicle to transport several other vehicles to your dealership unless it is licensed in the dealer’s name.
There are limitations on the period for which you can use a dealership plate after purchasing the car. On the whole, you cannot use a dealership license plate for more than 72 hours post purchase. Some states allow you to use the plate for a more extended period post purchase, but you should apply for your vehicle registration within that period. You may be asked to present proof of your registration while driving a car with the dealership plate.
You should note that you cannot drive vehicles bearing D-tags as personal vehicles. You can only use them in parades, charity events, and private events.
When you register a dealership plate under your name, you cannot loan it out to anyone. It is unlawful to allow someone to put a D-tag registered under your name on a vehicle that is not part of your inventory. When you do that, your dealership status can be suspended or even revoked in some States.
Safety of D-tags
It is also crucial that you know where your D-tag is located at all times. Sometimes, the dealership bureau in your state may decide to conduct a surprise inspection. When they do, you are required to account for all the D-tags in your name. Failure to do so will attract fines.
You should also be aware that people steal D-tags a lot. When you attach your D-tag using the D-tag magnet, thieves can easily steal it. You can use plastic screw tabs instead. To ensure that your tags are always safe, remove them and keep them at a safe place when the vehicle is not in use. For more information, explore MBR Marketing, Inc.
