MTAC members testify in support of dealer registration bill

This week, MTAC members Jim Rizzo from Gabrielli Trucks and Luis Tejeda from Freightliner of Hartford testified in support of HB 6771, which would “permit motor vehicle dealers to register large commercial motor vehicles online and thereby create efficiencies and make the process more convenient.”

Jim Rizzo said, in part, “Currently, we are only allowed to issue registrations and transfer plates for commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to and including 26,000 lbs. which are vehicles exempt from Commercial Driver License requirements. Vehicles above this capacity rating require the same documentation. What dealers are seeking, through the passage of this bill, is the ability to issue registrations and transfer plates for commercial vehicles above the 26,000 lb. GVWR and up to the maximum GVWR of 80,000 lbs. which would include straight trucks and tractors. This would apply only to vehicles involved in INTRASTATE transport (travel within the State of Connecticut) and NOT interstate transport (travel over state lines).”

Luis Tejada said, in part, “Since the bulk of our sales involve vehicles over this weight class, all of our current Motor Vehicle transactions must be done in person at any of the Connecticut DMV branches. I can’t tell you the man hours this task requires on a regular basis.

The Connecticut ORS has checks and balances that ensure the necessary information is entered in order to generate an accurate transaction. A registration cannot be completed unless all required documentation is entered. I see no reason why this service cannot be expanded to cover vehicles over 26,000 lbs. GVWR and up to a maximum GVWR of 80,000 lbs. involved in INTRASTATE transport (travel within the state of Connecticut). The required documentation is no different than those allowed under the current restrictions.”

MTAC thanks Representative Stephen Meskers (D-Greenwich) for introducing this legislation.