Michigan House Bill HB5160

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/29/25
• Refer: 10/29/25

Caption

Vehicles: registration plates; eligibility for personalized registration plate; modify. Amends sec. 803b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.803b).

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 5160 will directly impact the processes surrounding vehicle registration in Michigan, mainly by introducing a service fee structure. For obtaining an original personalized registration plate, an initial service fee of $8 is required for the first month, alongside a fee of $2 for each additional month of registration. These fees will contribute to the transportation administration collection fund and subsequently to the Michigan transportation fund, which facilitates various state transportation services and infrastructure maintenance.

Summary

House Bill 5160 aims to amend the Michigan Vehicle Code by updating provisions related to personalized vehicle registration plates. The bill allows for the issuance of a personalized registration plate that must be used on various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and trailers. It stipulates that these personalized plates can carry specific letters and numbers as prescribed by the Secretary of State and must not duplicate existing registration plates. This update is in line with an effort to modernize vehicle registration processes and enhance personalization options for vehicle owners.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 5160 involves the changes to how personalized plates are issued and renewed. The bill specifies the fees associated with these plates and establishes guidelines to prevent the reissuance of the same personalized sequence to different individuals in subsequent years. Critics may argue that the financial burdens introduced by these fees could deter individuals from opting for personalized plates, while proponents suggest that the revenue generated will support transportation initiatives within the state.