April 2021
|
"X"actly What Do You Call It? |
Call it by any name but just what would that be exactly? In 1925, the NC General Assembly enacted Chapter 50- a law which is described in the title “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION, SUPERVISION, AND CONTROL OF PERSONS, FIRMS, CORPORATIONS, AND ASSOCIATIONS OWNING, CONTROLLING, OPERATING OR MANAGING MOTOR VEHICLES USED IN THE BUSINESS OF TRANSPORTING PERSONS OR PROPERTY FOR COMPENSATION ON THE IMPROVED PUBLIC HIGHWAYS OF THE STATE WHICH ARE OR MAY HEREAFTER BE DECLARED TO BE PARTS OF THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM, OR ANY OF THE COUNTY HIGHWAYS AND PRESCRIBING AND IMPOSING LICENSE FEES AND PROVIDING FOR THE DISPOSITION OF THE REVENUE RAISED BY THE SAME.”
Now in some articles in reference found in other laws and in magazines, this plate was referred to as “Property Hauler” even though it is used for hauling people as well. And yet in a 1927 newspaper, an article on driver permits noted “No taxicab, bus or common carrier truck corporation will be issued “X" license plates this year until each driver in their employ has made application for a driver's permit.”
Even in recent years, we collectors had no idea of the use for this plate until I came across the “property hauler” reference. But here is what I have learned about the regulation of the motor vehicles used.
First, the plates were issued to companies or corporations that hired drivers requiring a chauffeurs license as well as the requirement of being bonded. Second the vehicles described ranged from a taxicab to trailers pulled by trucks and could be no wider than 86 inches. Maximum weight was 15,000 lbs. for vehicles carry people and 9 tons for hauling property. Third, permits were issued that were good for 3 years that described the company, vehicle, the routes taken when used, and a list of drivers. Now this act mentions “improved state highways” and “county highways” which I’m guessing is referring to what is referred today as “numbered highways”.
I do know that the first year for these “X” plates is 1926 and the latest I have seen is 1934. The earliest year I have seen for a taxi “T” plate is 1936 so now raises the question as to whether 1935 could be the last year for the “X” plates. Still the question remains as to exactly what would be the name for these plates? Since they are used on vehicles for transport, I suggest they be called “Transporter” plates but along with the reference of “property hauler” as mentioned elsewhere.
Now in some articles in reference found in other laws and in magazines, this plate was referred to as “Property Hauler” even though it is used for hauling people as well. And yet in a 1927 newspaper, an article on driver permits noted “No taxicab, bus or common carrier truck corporation will be issued “X" license plates this year until each driver in their employ has made application for a driver's permit.”
Even in recent years, we collectors had no idea of the use for this plate until I came across the “property hauler” reference. But here is what I have learned about the regulation of the motor vehicles used.
First, the plates were issued to companies or corporations that hired drivers requiring a chauffeurs license as well as the requirement of being bonded. Second the vehicles described ranged from a taxicab to trailers pulled by trucks and could be no wider than 86 inches. Maximum weight was 15,000 lbs. for vehicles carry people and 9 tons for hauling property. Third, permits were issued that were good for 3 years that described the company, vehicle, the routes taken when used, and a list of drivers. Now this act mentions “improved state highways” and “county highways” which I’m guessing is referring to what is referred today as “numbered highways”.
I do know that the first year for these “X” plates is 1926 and the latest I have seen is 1934. The earliest year I have seen for a taxi “T” plate is 1936 so now raises the question as to whether 1935 could be the last year for the “X” plates. Still the question remains as to exactly what would be the name for these plates? Since they are used on vehicles for transport, I suggest they be called “Transporter” plates but along with the reference of “property hauler” as mentioned elsewhere.
NC General Statute of the Month - Loaner Dealer Plates
§ 20-79.02. Loaner/Dealer "LD" license plate for franchised dealer loaner vehicles.
(a) Application; Fee. – A franchised motor vehicle dealer, as defined in G.S. 20-286(8b) and licensed in accordance with Article 12 of this Chapter, who agrees to loan, with or without charge, a new motor vehicle owned by the dealer to a customer of the dealer who is having his or her vehicle serviced by the dealer, may obtain a Loaner/Dealer "LD" license plate for the vehicle by filing an application with the Division and paying the required fee. Receipt by a franchised motor vehicle dealer of compensation or other consideration from a manufacturer, distributor, manufacturer branch, distributor branch, third-party warranty, maintenance or service contract company, or other third-party source related to a vehicle, including, but not limited to, incentive compensation or reimbursement for maintenance, repairs, or other work performed on the vehicle, does not prevent the franchised motor vehicle dealer from receiving an LD license plate for the vehicle. An application must be filed on a form provided by the Division and contain the information required by the Division. The annual fee for an LD license plate is two hundred dollars ($200.00) per 12 calendar months.
(b) Number of Plates. – There is no limit on the number of LD license plates that a franchised motor vehicle dealer may be issued, provided that the applicable annual fee for each plate is paid.
(c) Form and Duration. – An LD license plate is subject to G.S. 20-63, except for the requirement that the plate display the registration number of a motor vehicle and the requirement that the plate be a "First in Flight" plate, "First in Freedom" plate, or a "National/State Mottos" plate. An LD license plate must have a distinguishing symbol identifying the plate as an LD license plate. Subject to the limitations in this section, an LD license plate may continue in existence perpetually and may be transferred to other vehicles in the dealer's loaner fleet when the vehicle on which the LD license plate is displayed has been sold or leased to a third party or otherwise removed from the dealer's loaner fleet.
(d) Restrictions on Use. – The following restrictions apply with regard to the use and display of an LD license plate:
(1) An LD license plate may be displayed only on a motor vehicle that meets all of the following requirements: a. Is part of the inventory of a franchised motor vehicle dealer. b. Is not consigned to the franchised motor vehicle dealer or affiliate. c. Is covered by liability insurance that meets the requirements of Article 9A of this Chapter; provided, however, that nothing herein prevents or prohibits a franchised motor vehicle dealer from contractually shifting the risk of loss and insurance requirements contained in Article 9A of this Chapter to an individual or entity to which a vehicle is loaned. d. Is not used by the franchised motor vehicle dealer in another business in which the dealer is engaged. e. Is driven on a highway by a customer of the franchised motor vehicle dealer who is having a vehicle serviced or repaired by the dealer.
(2) The person operating the motor vehicle must carry a copy of the assignment by the franchised motor vehicle dealer and a copy of the registration card for the LD license plate issued to the franchised motor vehicle dealer, or, if the person is operating the motor vehicle in this State, the registration card must be maintained on file at the franchised motor vehicle dealer's address listed on the registration card, and the registration card must be able to be produced within 24 hours upon request of a law enforcement officer.
(3) A vehicle displaying an LD license plate may be driven only by a person who is licensed to drive the type of motor vehicle for which the plate is issued.
(4) An LD license plate may be displayed only on the motor vehicle for which it has been assigned by the franchised motor vehicle dealer.
(5) The franchised motor vehicle dealer to whom an LD license plate is issued is responsible for completing and maintaining documentation prescribed by the Division relating to the assignment of each motor vehicle on which an LD license plate is displayed to a customer of the franchised dealer.
(e) Penalties. – A driver of a motor vehicle or a franchised motor vehicle dealer who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate as set out in subsection (d) of this section is subject to the penalties listed in this subsection. The clear proceeds of all civil penalties, civil forfeitures, and civil fines that are collected pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2. The penalties are as follows:
(1) The driver of the motor vehicle who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate is responsible for an infraction and is subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(2) A franchised motor vehicle dealer to whom the plate is issued who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate is subject to an infraction and is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). The Division may rescind all LD license plates issued to the franchised motor vehicle dealer for knowing repeated violations of subsection (d) of this section.
(f) Transfer of Dealer Registration. – A change in the name of a firm, partnership, or corporation is not considered a new business, and the franchised motor vehicle dealer's LD license plates may continue to be used.
(g) Applicability. – Prior to January 1, 2025, a new motor vehicle dealer may, but is not required to, display an LD license plate on a service loaner vehicle. Beginning on or after January 1, 2025, a new motor vehicle dealer shall display an LD license plate on any new motor vehicle placed into service as a loaner vehicle if either of the following circumstances exists:
(1) The new motor vehicle dealer is receiving incentive or warranty compensation from a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch for the use of the vehicle as a service loaner.
(2) The new motor vehicle dealer is receiving a fee or other compensation from the dealer's customers for the use of the vehicle as a service loaner.
(2015-232, s. 1.3(a); 2018-5, s. 34.27(c); 2018-27, s. 4.5(a); 2018-42, s. 3(a); 2020-51, s. 1(a).)
(a) Application; Fee. – A franchised motor vehicle dealer, as defined in G.S. 20-286(8b) and licensed in accordance with Article 12 of this Chapter, who agrees to loan, with or without charge, a new motor vehicle owned by the dealer to a customer of the dealer who is having his or her vehicle serviced by the dealer, may obtain a Loaner/Dealer "LD" license plate for the vehicle by filing an application with the Division and paying the required fee. Receipt by a franchised motor vehicle dealer of compensation or other consideration from a manufacturer, distributor, manufacturer branch, distributor branch, third-party warranty, maintenance or service contract company, or other third-party source related to a vehicle, including, but not limited to, incentive compensation or reimbursement for maintenance, repairs, or other work performed on the vehicle, does not prevent the franchised motor vehicle dealer from receiving an LD license plate for the vehicle. An application must be filed on a form provided by the Division and contain the information required by the Division. The annual fee for an LD license plate is two hundred dollars ($200.00) per 12 calendar months.
(b) Number of Plates. – There is no limit on the number of LD license plates that a franchised motor vehicle dealer may be issued, provided that the applicable annual fee for each plate is paid.
(c) Form and Duration. – An LD license plate is subject to G.S. 20-63, except for the requirement that the plate display the registration number of a motor vehicle and the requirement that the plate be a "First in Flight" plate, "First in Freedom" plate, or a "National/State Mottos" plate. An LD license plate must have a distinguishing symbol identifying the plate as an LD license plate. Subject to the limitations in this section, an LD license plate may continue in existence perpetually and may be transferred to other vehicles in the dealer's loaner fleet when the vehicle on which the LD license plate is displayed has been sold or leased to a third party or otherwise removed from the dealer's loaner fleet.
(d) Restrictions on Use. – The following restrictions apply with regard to the use and display of an LD license plate:
(1) An LD license plate may be displayed only on a motor vehicle that meets all of the following requirements: a. Is part of the inventory of a franchised motor vehicle dealer. b. Is not consigned to the franchised motor vehicle dealer or affiliate. c. Is covered by liability insurance that meets the requirements of Article 9A of this Chapter; provided, however, that nothing herein prevents or prohibits a franchised motor vehicle dealer from contractually shifting the risk of loss and insurance requirements contained in Article 9A of this Chapter to an individual or entity to which a vehicle is loaned. d. Is not used by the franchised motor vehicle dealer in another business in which the dealer is engaged. e. Is driven on a highway by a customer of the franchised motor vehicle dealer who is having a vehicle serviced or repaired by the dealer.
(2) The person operating the motor vehicle must carry a copy of the assignment by the franchised motor vehicle dealer and a copy of the registration card for the LD license plate issued to the franchised motor vehicle dealer, or, if the person is operating the motor vehicle in this State, the registration card must be maintained on file at the franchised motor vehicle dealer's address listed on the registration card, and the registration card must be able to be produced within 24 hours upon request of a law enforcement officer.
(3) A vehicle displaying an LD license plate may be driven only by a person who is licensed to drive the type of motor vehicle for which the plate is issued.
(4) An LD license plate may be displayed only on the motor vehicle for which it has been assigned by the franchised motor vehicle dealer.
(5) The franchised motor vehicle dealer to whom an LD license plate is issued is responsible for completing and maintaining documentation prescribed by the Division relating to the assignment of each motor vehicle on which an LD license plate is displayed to a customer of the franchised dealer.
(e) Penalties. – A driver of a motor vehicle or a franchised motor vehicle dealer who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate as set out in subsection (d) of this section is subject to the penalties listed in this subsection. The clear proceeds of all civil penalties, civil forfeitures, and civil fines that are collected pursuant to this section shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C-457.2. The penalties are as follows:
(1) The driver of the motor vehicle who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate is responsible for an infraction and is subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(2) A franchised motor vehicle dealer to whom the plate is issued who violates a restriction on the use or display of an LD license plate is subject to an infraction and is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). The Division may rescind all LD license plates issued to the franchised motor vehicle dealer for knowing repeated violations of subsection (d) of this section.
(f) Transfer of Dealer Registration. – A change in the name of a firm, partnership, or corporation is not considered a new business, and the franchised motor vehicle dealer's LD license plates may continue to be used.
(g) Applicability. – Prior to January 1, 2025, a new motor vehicle dealer may, but is not required to, display an LD license plate on a service loaner vehicle. Beginning on or after January 1, 2025, a new motor vehicle dealer shall display an LD license plate on any new motor vehicle placed into service as a loaner vehicle if either of the following circumstances exists:
(1) The new motor vehicle dealer is receiving incentive or warranty compensation from a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or distributor branch for the use of the vehicle as a service loaner.
(2) The new motor vehicle dealer is receiving a fee or other compensation from the dealer's customers for the use of the vehicle as a service loaner.
(2015-232, s. 1.3(a); 2018-5, s. 34.27(c); 2018-27, s. 4.5(a); 2018-42, s. 3(a); 2020-51, s. 1(a).)
Top 10 Rarest First In Flight plates
#1) Steel BaseEver seen a First in Flight with rust around the bolt holes? As far as I know, this is the only one known found in the Charlotte area.
|
|
#2) Blue Letter 08 Sheeting with Standard (3/4") DashPlates changed to a long (1") dash sometime when red letter plates were being issued with 08 dated sheeting. Note the regular dash on the plate shown is worn on the ends. So far, this is the only plate found with blue letters, 08 sheeting and the regular dash. Most blue letter 08s have the long dash which has been the "new norm".
|
|
#3) 3M 99 Dated Sheeting With Long (1") DashSome of the NZV series plates were made with the long (1") dash and 3M 99 watermark sheeting. Most other long dash plates used the "00" dated 3M sheeting during this time around the NZW-NZX series. Plate shown is the only one found.
|
|
#4) MVM Series No DashBest I can tell, there were about 1000 of these plates issued in the MVM series around the early 6000 numbers issued in the Charlotte area. The picture was taken in 2000 and is one of 3 that I have seen during that time.
|
|
#5) Early 97 Dated Avery Sheeting With Short (1/2") DashNumbers range from at least KWS-7462 through at least KWS-7539 (shown) having early "97" dated Avery sheeting and short (1/2" long) dash. That's about 77 plates issued.
|
|
#6) 99 Dated Avery Sheeting With Long (1") DashNumbers range from at least MXA-9775 (shown) through at least MXB-1429 having "99" dated Avery sheeting and long (1") dash. That's about 653 plates issued.
|
|
#7) 98 Dated Avery Sheeting With Short (1/2" long) DashNumbers range from at least MWW-8293 (shown) through at least MWW-9634 having "98" dated Avery sheeting and short (1/2" long) dash. That's about 1341 plates issued.
|
|
#8) WTF SeriesWhile issued at the point where blue letters changed to red letters, all of the WTF series were recalled by NCDMV. Assuming most of these plates were turned in, both red and blue letter plates that have survived would be a rarity today. The entire run consisted of 8998 plates
|
|
#9) XXX seriesJust like the WTF series, the XXX series was recalled by NCDMV. The entire run again was 8998 plates so how many have survived compared to the WTF plates is questioned.
|
|
#10) 3M "00" Watermark Sheeting With Long (1") DashNumbers range from at least NZW-4748 (shown) through at least NZX-5895 having 3M "00" watermark sheeting and long (1") dash. That's about 11,146 plates issued.
|
|
1961 Farm Trailer Surfaces
|
No knowledge of the owner but this 1961 Farm Trailer popped up on Facebook in March.
|
