Oklahoma residents, especially car owners, have reason to take notice of a new legislative measure aimed at streamlining vehicle ownership processes. Senate Bill 2035, championed by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, recently cleared the Oklahoma House of Representatives with an overwhelming vote of 89-2. This bill was inspired by a personal incident involving Pro Tem Treat’s son, Mason, who endured significant injuries in an accident due to complications stemming from current vehicle tagging laws.
Under existing laws, private sellers retain the physical car tag, which led to Mason being pulled over legally without a tag, despite having all necessary documentation. Senate Bill 2035 aims to amend this by allowing motor vehicle license plates to remain with the vehicle rather than the seller, effective July 1, 2024. This change is designed to prevent unnecessary traffic stops and ensure safer roads.
Additional provisions of the bill include:
- Enabling dealers to electronically submit purchaser details to Service Oklahoma within 24 hours.
- Requiring vehicle pre-registration by sellers within two days of purchase.
- Allowing buyers in private sales to print temporary tags when needed.
Pro Tem Treat expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, emphasizing that the bill transcends politics and prioritizes family safety. “I nearly lost my son due to no fault of his own,” he stated, underscoring the importance of the legislation.
The bill awaits a perfunctory amendment in the Senate before proceeding to the governor for signature. Importantly, tribal tags remain unaffected by this legislative change.
This initiative represents a significant step toward more logical and citizen-friendly vehicle registration practices in Oklahoma, ensuring safer experiences for all motorists.
New Car Tag Rules for Oklahoma Drivers
Starting now, Oklahoma has new rules to help streamline the car registration process and keep roads safer. If you’re buying a new or used car, here’s what you need to know:
Key Changes:
- Quick Pre-Registration:
- All vehicles bought from dealerships or private sellers must be pre-registered with the state within two business days.
- Temporary Tags:
- Temporary paper tags are now only valid for 10 days post-purchase. Previously, this could be up to 30 days.
- Metal License Plates:
- You have 10 days from your purchase to get a metal license plate along with two pre-registration decals.
- Title and Taxes:
- You still have two months to get the vehicle fully titled, pay taxes, and complete registration.
These changes, part of the Mason Treat Act, were introduced to ensure safer roads by reducing the time temporary tags are displayed on vehicles. Jay Doyle, CEO of Service Oklahoma, highlighted the importance of understanding how these changes will affect buying or transferring vehicles in Oklahoma.
Time for Change: Improving Vehicle Tag Laws in Oklahoma
Imagine driving down Interstate 40, following the rules of the road, when suddenly your vehicle is hit by a truck whose driver fell asleep at the wheel. This was the unfortunate experience of Mason Treat, a 16-year-old who found himself in a precarious situation when stopped by a deputy for not having a license plate on his newly purchased car. Although he had all the necessary paperwork, the law required the seller to keep the tag, leaving him vulnerable in that moment.
Mason Treat’s story highlights a critical flaw in Oklahoma’s current vehicle tag laws. It’s a stark reminder of how legislative loopholes can lead to serious consequences, affecting not just drivers but also our law enforcement officers on duty. Deputy Jose Tayahua-Mendoza was also severely injured in the incident, underscoring the need for urgent reform.
For Oklahoma residents, car owners, and local car buyers, this is an issue we can no longer ignore. We must advocate for changes that ensure all vehicles on the road are safely tagged, protecting both drivers and law enforcement officers. Let’s push for laws that reflect the realities of car ownership today—where buying a car should be straightforward, not layered with unnecessary risks.
Join the call to action. Speak with your local representatives about the importance of updating our vehicle tag requirements. Together, we can drive change that keeps our roads safer for everyone.
