PURPOSE: This rule clarifies when a motor vehicle or trailer owner may transfer license plates to a newly acquired motor vehicle or trailer and operate the vehicle for thirty days.

1. (1) Whenever a motor vehicle or trailer owner purchases a replacement motor vehicle or trailer from an individual or a dealership, the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer may operate the newly acquired motor vehicle or trailer with the transferred license plates for no more than thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, until making proper application for title and transfer of license plates with an office of the Department of Revenue.
2. (2) The license plates may only be transferred if the vehicle acquired is of the same vehicle category as the vehicle being replaced. Example: A passenger vehicle must be replaced by another passenger vehicle in order to attach passenger license plates. The vehicle owner may not use commercial vehicle (truck) license plates on a newly acquired passenger vehicle.

AUTHORITY: section 301.140, RSMo Supp. 1990.* Original rule filed Feb. 2, 1990, effective May 11, 1990.

*Original authority: 301.140, RSMo 1939, amended 1947, 1951, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1987.