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FeedATV/UTV plates needed by July 1, 2012
A formal notice was issued by the WDNR this week reminding ATV and UTV users, but only those whose machines are registered as public use machines, that the machines are required to have a back “license” plate by July 1, 2012.
This requirement does not apply to machines used on private property or farm use machines. But if someone takes the machine, even occasionally, onto public trails, lands, etc., they’ll need a plate.
The plate does not replace the registration decal and registering a machine does not get you a plate.
This is one of the few instances when a plate is required and is not issued by an agency, so users will have to make or purchase from a supplier, a plate having a minimum size of 4.0 inches by 7.5 inches.
The background should be white, the four numbers and two letters must be black, be 1.5 inches tall and have a 3/16 inch stroke (width of the ink making the letter).
A good place to start searching for a plate is the Wisconsin ATV Association. More outlets are likely to crop up in the future. The associate estimates the cost for a single plate will be $8 to $15.
One sign maker suggested a plate this size it too big to last on the back of an ATV, plus there is not a good place to attach one, he said.
The numbers on the plate will remain the same throughout the life of the machine and include the four numbers and last two letters on the registration decal.
Apparently most folks thought ATVs and UTVs should be able to be identified in case the driver acted in an irresponsible way, just as is the case with cars, trucks and people in a foot or bicycle race.
Minnesota requires similar plates, so this idea cannot be all bad, right?
I would think this would be a good case for retaining the backtag on an archer or gun deer hunter.
Does anyone remember when turkey hunters use to have backtags, too?
Another way that Wi is behind all other states. That includes the stuped back tag. We just got a good govener, and he started making things right for all in the state, including the concealed cary and the no case law, and even made state workers start to pay a small share of there benefits that I have been paying for them for so many years, and then he let this one slide by.
We do not need it, it will most likely be covered in mud, it will fall off, and will just be a large pain in the neck as is the back tag.
Except for WI deer hunters there is no other group of people required to wear a government I.D. number on their person while participating in a chosen activity. WI deer hunters apparently have no spine to stand up to demeaning regulations.
Not sure who, or what group pushed this one through, but it rates right up beside back tags (out dated and not at all effective).
What about the snowmobiles? I find it hard to believe the ATV is required to have a back plate, should only be right to have those machines plated as well.
Hopefully govenor Walker will relaize this is very poor judgement on showones's part anf throw it out with back tags.