M151A2/M416 - Texas "Former Military Vehicle" Registration

[A45WV]

Hello!

I've looked all over these forums and found lots of info related to my subject. Does an M416 trailer need a SEPARATE FMV registration--or can I drive both together under the M151A2 FMV registration?

[rickf]

Welcome to the g838. The answer to that question is going to lie in the laws of the particular state you live in. Here in NJ, (It is a communist state after all) we need a separate registration for everything on the road. Trailers included. In Texas I know that the vehicle can go by the registration number on the hood. Not sure on the trailer but we do have an active member here who was in law enforcement so he may be able to shed a little more light on this subject.

[Redlight]

In Massachusetts, Trailers need to be registered and should have a plate displayed. However, most times insurance for the trailer is part of the towing vehicle. Trailers are registered annually in November of each year.

[1SGCAV77]

A 416 trailer requires separate registration, same as any trailer in TEXAS. Following is short version how to get started. I know some don’t go through registration process. No proof trailer belongs to you. A bill of sale only states you purchased from someone. A title can be obtained with a bill of sale…..then the process begins at county DMV. I got a title for my trailer with bill of sale and lots of paper work. Not cheap either. Fees, title bond, and liability insurance cost just over $500. Bottom line is, the State of TEXAS provided the title proving it belongs to me.

For the State of TEXAS, Transportation Code, Title 7, starting with sec. 504.502 for registration and license plates for “former military vehicle”.
This section explains the necessary requirements. Sec. 548.052 VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION paragraph 5-a former military vehicle as described by Section 504.502.

I highly recommend printing these out. Read and understanding what is required. The clerk at county DMV doesn't do these on a routine basis.
More likely they will get their supervisor who will call Austin. Be patient. Do not except what route and plate “they” want to sale to you. They will chose easiest path for them.

Does require a stamped Data plate with 4 digit vehicle Serial number and ID number like 6P 1234 along with manufactured by company.

Patience and perseverance.

Good luck.

[A45WV]

1SGCAV77, Redlight & rickf: Thanks for your replies! I have titles to both the truck and the trailer, so other than having to pay sales tax on the truck transfer from CA to TX (UGH!!!), the title problem--isn't a problem. I had registered the trailer as a normal utility trailer in the past, but let that lapse for several years as I wasn't using it regularly. I believe, however, that I will register both the truck and trailer as FMVs when the time comes.

I was just stymied for a bit as some folks seemed to be saying that the trailer would be covered under the M151A2 FMV registration. This kind of went against my understanding of TX rules, but many here have much more experience with these issues than I do. Thus my question.

Here's another question for you 1SGCAV77: My trailer was previously titled/registered with the CEMSCO data plate Vehicle ID No (497). I have since discovered it's actual Army Reg No (6P5136). Thinking for the Former Military Vehicle Reg, I'd prefer to go with the Reg No, than the Vehicle ID. Assume that once it's painted like I want with the required prominently visible Reg No, there shouldn't really be any issue getting it registered with that number (vs the Vehicle ID Number), right? I don't believe the ID number and Reg Number have to match--any more than a normal TX vehicle plate and VIN have to match. But we are talking about Williamson County tax bureaucrats--so who knows?

Thanks again!

[1SGCAV77]

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Pictures of my trailer with registration number. The number on the calif title will be on TEXAS title when transferred. As a FMV the license plate was $50 for 5 years when I registered mine two years ago. The 416 does not require insurance when being towed. It does fall under the motorized towing vehicle.

I strongly recommend copies of the chapter 504 sections mentioned in pervious posting. I carry mine in a small three ring binder along with insurance, and title applicant receipt. The binder includes the info for Jeep and trailer. I carry in Jeep anytime I am driving. Primary reason is for law enforcement in case you are stopped. I have been twice in two years. Once just wanted to talk about Jeep and trailer. Once because I did not have sticker on windshield. I had sect 504 to show why was not required on windshield. He was unaware. He told me “they” use sect 800 for autos.
He asked lots of questions and thanked me.

On this forum Ken “the mutt guru” is a tremendous resource on vehicle registration numbers. I’m sure he would be happy for information you would share on the Cemsco 6P5136. I have had many message exchanges with Ken on trailer data plates and registration numbers.

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In my binder. Not on windshield.

Patience and perseverance. You are miles ahead of the game by having the title.

Good luck