South Carolina General Assembly
125th Session, 2023-2024

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S. 635

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Senator Bennett
Companion/Similar bill(s): 4938
Document Path: LC-0267CM23.docx

Introduced in the Senate on March 15, 2023
Transportation

Summary: DMV -change in vehicle registration period

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Date Body Action Description with journal page number
3/15/2023 Senate Introduced and read first time (Senate Journal-page 8)
3/15/2023 Senate Referred to Committee on Transportation (Senate Journal-page 8)

View the latest legislative information at the website

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

03/15/2023



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A bill

 

TO AMEND the south carolina code of laws by amending SECTIONS 56-3-253, 56-3-376, 56-3-377, AND 56-3-385, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BIENNIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERIODS, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ANNUAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERIODS; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-600 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL PAYMENT OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES; TO AMEND SECTIONS 56-3-610, 56-3-620, 56-3-640, 56-3-645, 56-3-660, 56-3-700, 56-3-710, 56-3-720, 56-3-740, 56-3-750, 56-3-760, 56-3-770, 56-3-840, 56-3-900, 56-3-1230, 56-3-1450, 56-3-1510, 56-3-1530, 56-3-1610, 56-3-1630, 56-3-2010, 56-3-2020, 56-3-2150, 56-3-2160, 56-3-2540, 56-3-2810, 56-3-2820, 56-3-3410, 56-3-3420, 56-3-3500, 56-3-3600, 56-3-3910, 56-3-3950, 56-3-4100, 56-3-4200, 56-3-4410, 56-3-4510, 56-3-4600, 56-3-4800, 56-3-5010, 56-3-5200, 56-3-5300, 56-3-5400, 56-3-6500, 56-3-7000, 56-3-7010, 56-3-7050, 56-3-7200, 56-3-7300, 56-3-7310, 56-3-7320, 56-3-7330, 56-3-7340, 56-3-7350, 56-3-7370, 56-3-7610, 56-3-7700, 56-3-7750, 56-3-7800, 56-3-7890, 56-3-7910, 56-3-7940, 56-3-7950, 56-3-8000, 56-3-8100, 56-3-8200, 56-3-8300, 56-3-8400, 56-3-8600, 56-3-8710, 56-3-8910, 56-3-9000, 56-3-9100, 56-3-9200, 56-3-9300, 56-3-9400, 56-3-9500, 56-3-9600, 56-3-9710, 56-3-9800, 56-3-10010, 56-3-10510, 56-3-10810, 56-3-10910, 56-3-11310, 56-3-11420, 56-3-11810, 56-3-12010, 56-3-12110, 56-3-12210, 56-3-12310, 56-3-12410, 56-3-12510, 56-3-12610, 56-3-12710, 56-3-12810, 56-3-13010, 56-3-13310, 56-3-13410, 56-3-13520, 56-3-13610, 56-3-13710, 56-3-13810, 56-3-13910, 56-3-14010, 56-3-14110, 56-3-14210, 56-3-14510, 56-3-14610, 56-3-14710, 56-3-14810, 56-3-14910, 56-3-14920, 56-3-14930, 56-3-14940, 56-3-14950, 56-3-14960, 56-3-14970, 56-3-14980, and 11-43-167, RELATING TO THE BIENNIAL PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION, LICENSE AND ROAD USE FEES FOR VARIOUS VEHICLES AND VARIOUS LICENSE PLATES, DELINQUENT REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PENALTIES, THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDS OF REGISTRATION AND LICENSE FEES, LICENSE PLATE SPECIFICATIONS AND THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION STICKERS, THE ISSUANCE OF "YEAR OF MANUFACTURE" LICENSE PLATES, "AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS" LICENSE PLATES, "EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL PERSONALIZED" LICENSE PLATES, LICENSE PLATES FOR VARIOUS ACTIVE AND RETIRED ELECTED OFFICIALS AND RETIRED JUDICIAL OFFICERS, "CONSERVE SOUTH CAROLINA" LICENSE PLATES, "VOLUNTEER FIREMEN" LICENSE PLATES, "NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION" LICENSE PLATES, "PENN CENTER" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA NURSES" LICENSE PLATES, "SHAG COMMEMORATIVE" LICENSE PLATES, "KEEP SOUTH CAROLINA BEAUTIFUL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA ELKs ASSOCIATION" LICENSE PLATES, "CAROLINA PANTHERS" LICENSE PLATES, "SHARE THE ROAD" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE" LICENSE PLATES, "HOMEOWNERSHIP: THE AMERICAN DREAM" LICENSE PLATES, "SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS" LICENSE PLATES, "PUBLIC EDUCATION: A GREAT INVESTMENT" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA: FIRST IN GOLF" LICENSE PLATES, "CHARTER LIMOUSINE" LICENSE PLATES, "FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY" LICENSE PLATES, "COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITEd STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY" LICENSE PLATES, "ARTS AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SALTWATER FISHING" LICENSE PLATES, "EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE" LICENSE PLATES, "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA" AND "EAGLE SCOUT" LICENSE PLATES, "NATIVE AMERICAN" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA PEACH COUNCIL" LICENSE PLATES, "CANCER RESEARCH CENTERS OF THE CAROLINAS" LICENSE PLATES, "SQUARE DANCE" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL OLYMPICS" LICENSE PLATES, "FRATERNITY AND SORORITY" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM" LICENSE PLATES, "OUR FARMS - OUR FUTURE" LICENSE PLATES, "H.L. HUNLEY SUBMARINE" LICENSE PLATES, "REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE" LICENSE PLATES, "HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK" LICENSE PLATES, "NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION" LICENSE PLATES, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES, "ROTARY INTERNATIONAL" LICENSE PLATES, "LIONS CLUB" LICENSE PLATES, "DUCKS UNLIMITED" LICENSE PLATES, "NASCAR" LICENSE PLATES, "CHOOSE LIFE" LICENSE PLATES, "SERTOMA INTERNATIONAL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCE" LICENSE PLATES, "IN GOD WE TRUST" LICENSE PLATES, "UNITED WE STAND" LICENSE PLATES, "MORRIS ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE" LICENSE PLATES, "GOD BLESS AMERICA" LICENSE PLATES, "NO MORE HOMELESS PETS" LICENSE PLATES, "HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION" LICENSE PLATES, "BREAST CANCER AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "PARROT HEAD" LICENSE PLATES, "I BELIEVE" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA TENNIS PATRONS FOUNDATION" LICENSE PLATES, "TREE MY DOG" LICENSE PLATES, "SECOND AMENDMENT" LICENSE PLATES, "STATE FLAG" LICENSE PLATES, "I SUPPORT LIBRARIES" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA EDUCATOR" LICENSE PLATES, "BEACH MUSIC" LICENSE PLATES, CITADEL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION "BIG RED" LICENSE PLATES, "LARGEMOUTH BASS" LICENSE PLATES, "HIGH SCHOOL" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION" LICENSE PLATES, "DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE" LICENSE PLATES, "GADSDEN FLAG" LICENSE PLATES, "2010-11 BASEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA RIVERKEEPERS" LICENSE PLATES, "AUTISM AWARENESS" LICENSE PLATES, "SOUTH CAROLINA STANDS WITH ISRAEL" LICENSE PLATES, "AMERICAN RED CROSS" LICENSE PLATES, "CHASE AWAY CHILDHOOD CANCER" LICENSE PLATES, "SPECIAL PERSONALIZED MOTOR VEHICLE" LICENSE PLATES, "CLEMSON UNIVERSITY 2016 AND 2018 FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "2016 BASEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS" LICENSE PLATES, "VIRGINIA TECH" LICENSE PLATES, "POWERING THE PALMETTO STATE" LICENSE PLATES, "Drivers for a cure" special license plates, and "two hundred fifty year anniversary revolutionary war commemorative" special license plates, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF CERTAIN special license plates reflective of various awards, special license plates reflective of distinguished service awards, special license plates reflective of exemplary service awards, special license plates reflective of a service-connected disability, special license plates reflective of campaign medals, special license plates reflective of meritorious service, special license plates reflective of military service, and special license plates showing support for military-related private organizations, so as to provide for the annual registration and licensing of certain MOTOR VEHICLES, TO PROVIDE COUNTIES SHALL COLLECT CERTAIN FEES ASSESSED AGAINST VEHICLES POWERED BY ANY FUEL OTHER THAN MOTOR FUEL, and TO PROVIDE A COUNTY MAY COLLECT CERTAIN DELINQUENCY FEES ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT; by amending section 11-43-167, relating to fees and fines credited to the state highway fund, so as to provide the department of transportation shall reduce the allocation to the state-funded resurfacing program by a certain proportion, shall transfer nontax revenue to the infrastructure bank in an amount determined by the department, and the infrastructure bank shall transfer CERTAIN amounts of money to the department; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-117 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MUST REFUSE TO RENEW THE MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION OF A PERSON WHO HAS NOT PAID THE VEHICLE'S PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES, and PROVIDE A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY MUST NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONS VIOLATING THIS CHAPTER; BY ADDING SECTION 56-3-205 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE REVALIDATION DECALS AND ENTER INTO AND SUPERVISE CONTRACTS WITH CERTAIN ENTITIES TO ISSUE LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS, TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THAT ISSUE REVALIDATION DECALS MAY CHARGE A FEE TO DEFRAY THE COST OF ISSUING PLATES AND DECALS, AND PROVIDE A PLAN MUST BE DEVELOPED TO ALLOW EACH COUNTY TO ISSUE LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS; AND TO REPEAL SECTIONS 56-3-378, 56-3-905, AND 56-2-2740 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT of motor vehicles establishing a system of registering motor vehicles, REFUNDING A PORTION OF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE WHEN A LICENSE PLATE AND REGISTRATION IS SURRENDERED TO THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE ISSUANCE OF BIENNIAL LICENSE PLATES AND REVALIDATION DECALS.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Section 56-3-253 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-253(A) Vehicles required by Chapter 3 of Title 56 to be registered biennially annually must be assigned registration periods as provided in this section.

       (1) Upon the first reregistration of the vehicles by the Department of Motor Vehicles after the effective date of the implementation of biennial licensure, a biennial registration period must be implemented as follows:

           (a) Vehicles whose license plates end in:

               (i) an even number and expire between July 1, 1993, and December 31, 1993, shall obtain a biennial registration;

               (ii) an even number and expire between January 1, 1994, and June 30, 1994, shall reregister their vehicles for one year. At the end of this time they shall reregister their vehicles for two years and biennially after that time;

               (iii) an odd number and expire between July 1, 1993, and December 31, 1993, shall register their vehicles for one year. At the end of that time they shall reregister their vehicles for two years and biennially after that time;

               (iv) an odd number and expire between January 1, 1994, and June 30, 1994, shall obtain a biennial registration;

               (v) All special license plates must obtain a biennial an annual registration upon renewal, except that official plates such as Legislative, Judicial, Commission, and Congressional must be renewed annually for one-half the biennial fee unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

       (2) Registrations are valid until the last day of the month in which the registration expires.

    (B) After June 30, 1994, Vehicles must be registered and licensed for twenty-four twelve consecutive months, and registrations expire the last day of the month. The registration and license must be renewed biennially annually upon application by the owner and payment of fees required by law to take effect on the first day of the month following the expiration of the registration and license to be renewed. This section does not prevent the department from refusing to license a vehicle.

    (C) The department shall not issue a refund of the biennial annual registration fee to a person who has paid the fee and moves out of the State during the biennial registration period, unless the vehicle has a property-carrying license plate. Upon application to the department, unused portions of the registration fees for vehicles with a property-carrying license plate shall be prorated on a monthly basis.

 

SECTION 2.  Section 56-3-376(A)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (1) Classification (1). Vehicles for which the biennial annual registration fee is one-hundred sixty eighty dollars or more. The Department of Motor Vehicles may register and license a vehicle for which the biennial annual registration fee is one-hundred sixty eighty dollars or more or for a semiannual or one-half year upon application to the department by the owner and the payment of one-fourth one-half of the specified biennial annual fee. Biennial Annual registrations and licenses expire at midnight on the last day of the twenty-fourth twelfth month for the period for which they were issued. Semiannual or half-year registrations and licenses expire at midnight of the sixth month for the period for which they were issued and no person shall drive, move, or operate a vehicle upon a highway after the expiration of the registration and license until the vehicle is registered and licensed for the then current period. Trucks, truck tractors, or road tractors with an empty or unloaded weight of over five thousand pounds or less, or gross vehicle weight of eight thousand pounds or less also must be placed in this classification but may not be registered for less than a full biennial annual period.

 

SECTION 3.  Section 56-3-377 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-377.  All vehicles described in Section 56-3-210 Sections 56-3-110, 56-3-210, and 56-3-253 must be assigned a biennial an annual registration period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month in which the registration first was issued.

 

SECTION 4.  Section 56-3-385 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-385.  When the last day of a month on which a person may obtain his biennial annual motor vehicle license plate or renewal sticker without penalty falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday, the person has until the end of the next working day immediately following that Saturday, Sunday, or state holiday to obtain his license plate or renewal sticker without penalty.

 

SECTION 5.  Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 56-3-600.  Every motor vehicle required to be registered and licensed under this chapter shall pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles, at the time of registering and licensing the vehicle and annually after that time, registration and license fees as set forth in this article.

 

SECTION 6.  Section 56-3-610(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) Except as provided in subsection (B), The owner of every a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and special mobile equipment vehicle required to be registered and licensed under this chapter shall pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of registering and licensing the vehicle and biennially annually after that time registration and license fees as set forth in this article.

 

SECTION 7.  Section 56-3-620 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-620(A) For persons sixty-five years of age or older or persons who are handicapped, as defined in Section 56-3-1950, the biennial annual registration fee for every private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is thirty-six eighteen dollars.

    (B) For persons under the age of sixty-five years the biennial annual registration fee for every private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is forty twenty dollars.

    (C) For persons sixty-five years of age or older, the biennial annual registration fee for a property-carrying vehicle with a gross weight of six thousand pounds or less is forty-six twenty-three dollars.

    (D) For persons who are sixty-four years of age, the biennial annual registration fee for a private passenger motor vehicle, excluding trucks, is thirty-eight nineteen dollars.

    (E) Applicable truck fees, established by Section 56-3-660, are not negated by this section.

    (F) Annual license plate validation stickers which are issued for nonpermanent license plates on certified South Carolina public law enforcement vehicles must be issued without charge.

    (G) From each biennial annual registration and license fee collected, sixteen eight dollars must be credited to the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund.

 

SECTION 8.  Section 56-3-640(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) For every common carrier passenger vehicle the biennial annual registration and license fee is according to weight:

       (1) not over 2000 pounds: $18.00 $9.00;

       (2) 2001 to 2500 pounds: $24.00 $12.00;

       (3) 2501 to 3000 pounds: $30.00 $15.00;

       (4) 3001 to 3500 pounds: $36.00 $18.00;

       (5) 3501 to 4000 pounds: $42.00 $21.00;

       (6) 4001 to 4500 pounds: $48.00 $24.00;

       (7) 4501 to 5000 pounds: $54.00 $27.00;

       (8) over 5000 pounds: $54.00 $27.00 plus $6.00 $3.00 for each 500 pounds' weight or fraction over 5000 pounds.

 

SECTION 9.  Section 56-3-645 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-645(A) In addition to the registration fees imposed by this chapter, the owner of motor vehicles that are powered:

       (1) exclusively by electricity, hydrogen, or any fuel other than motor fuel, as defined in Section 12-28-110(39), that are not subject to motor fuel user fees imposed by Chapter 28, Title 12 shall pay a biennial an annual road use fee of one hundred twenty sixty dollars; and

       (2) by a combination of motor fuel subject to motor fuel user fees imposed by Chapter 28, Title 12 and electricity, hydrogen, or any fuel other than motor fuel that is not subject to motor fuel user fees imposed by Chapter 28, Title 12 shall pay a biennial an annual road use fee of sixty thirty dollars.

    (B) All of the fees collected pursuant to this section must be credited to the Infrastructure Maintenance Trust Fund.

    (C) The Department of Motor Vehicles Counties shall collect this fee at the same time as the vehicle subject to the fee is titled or registered due for a registration renewal. The Department of Motor Vehicles also may collect this fee if a customer presents proof that it was not paid to the county or during a vehicle's initial registration in this State.

 

SECTION 10. Section 56-3-660(A) and (B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The determination of gross vehicle weight to register and license self-propelled property carrying vehicles is the empty weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles and the heaviest load to be transported by the vehicle or combination of vehicles as declared by the registered owner. All determinations of weight must be made in units of one thousand pounds or major fraction of one thousand pounds. The declared gross vehicle weight applies to all self-propelled property carrying vehicles operating in tandem with trailers or semitrailers except that the gross weight of a trailer or semitrailer is not required to be included when the operation is to be in tandem with a self-propelled property carrying vehicle licensed for six thousand pounds or less gross weight, and the gross vehicle weight of the combination does not exceed nine thousand pounds. Upon application, the Department of Motor Vehicles may register and license a small commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 16,000 or more pounds, as defined in Section 12-37-2810, for which the biennial annual registration and license fee is one-hundred and sixty eighty dollars or more for an annual or one-year period. beginning on April first and ending on March thirty-first of the next year Upon application to the department by the owner and the payment of one-half the specified biennial fee or for a semiannual or one-half year annual fee, the department may issue a registration and license plate valid for six months beginning on April first and ending on September thirtieth of the same year upon application to the department by the owner and the payment of the appropriate fees or beginning on October first and ending March thirty-first of the following year. The registration and license fee for small commercial motor vehicles which are registered for the remaining twenty-four months or less of the twenty-four month biennial period or for the eleven months or less of the twelve-month year ending on March thirty-first or the remaining five months or less for the one-half period ending on September thirtieth is the proportionate part of the specified biennial fee for the remainder of the twenty-four month period or year or one-half year based on one twenty-fourth of the specified twenty-four-month fee for each month or part of a month remaining in the biennial registration period or license year or one-half year plate will be issued for up to a six-month period, expiring on March thirty-first or September thirtieth, whichever occurs first. For a new registration, a proportionate fee may not be reduced lower than based off of the remaining months of validity will be assessed on the vehicle. The minimum fee is ten dollars. A person making application for a registration and license plate for a motor vehicle of this classification shall declare both the true unloaded or empty weight of the vehicle and the gross vehicle weight.

    (B) The biennial annual fees for the gross vehicle weight are:

       (1) not over 4,000 pounds:           $     30.00    15.00;

       (2) 4,001 to 5,000 pounds:           $     40.00    20.00;

       (3) 5,001 to 6,000 pounds:           $     60.00    30.00;

       (4) 6,001 to 7,000 pounds:           $     70.00    35.00;

       (5) 7,001 to 8,000 pounds:           $     80.00    40.00;

       (6) 8,001 to 9,000 pounds:           $     90.00    45.00;

       (7) 9,001 to 10,000 pounds:         $     100.00   50.00;

       (8) 10,001 to 11,000 pounds:       $     110.00   55.00;

       (9) 11,001 to 12,000 pounds:       $     120.00   60.00;

       (10) 12,001 to 13,000 pounds:     $     130.00   65.00;

       (11) 13,001 to 14,000 pounds:     $     140.00   70.00;

       (12) 14,001 to 15,000 pounds:         $     150.00   75.00;

       (13) 15,001 to 16,000 pounds:         $     184.00   92.00;

       (14) 16,001 to 17,000 pounds:         $     195.50   97.75;

       (15) 17,001 to 18,000 pounds:         $     207.00 103.50;

       (16) 18,001 to 19,000 pounds:         $     218.50 109.25;

       (17) 19,001 to 20,000 pounds:         $     260.00 130.00;

       (18) 20,001 to 21,000 pounds:         $     273.00 136.50;

       (19) 21,001 to 22,000 pounds:         $     308.00 154.00;

       (20) 22,001 to 23,000 pounds:         $     322.00 161.00;

       (21) 23,001 to 24,000 pounds:         $     360.00 180.00;

       (22) 24,001 to 25,000 pounds:         $     375.00 187.50;

       (23) 25,001 to 26,000 pounds:         $     392.00 196.00;

       (24) 26,001 to 27,000 pounds:         $     408.00 204.00;

       (25) 27,001 to 28,000 pounds:         $     424.00 212.00;

       (26) 28,001 to 29,000 pounds:         $     438.00 219.00;

       (27) 29,001 to 30,000 pounds:         $     452.00 226.00;

       (28) 30,001 to 31,000 pounds:         $     468.00 234.00;

       (29) 31,001 to 32,000 pounds:         $     482.00 241.00;

       (30) 32,001 to 33,000 pounds:         $     498.00 249.00;

       (31) 33,001 to 34,000 pounds:         $     514.00 257.00;

       (32) 34,001 to 35,000 pounds:         $     528.00 264.00;

       (33) 35,001 to 36,000 pounds:         $     544.00 272.00;

       (34) 36,001 to 37,000 pounds:         $     558.00 279.00;

       (35) 37,001 to 38,000 pounds:         $     572.00 286.00;

       (36) 38,001 to 39,000 pounds:         $     588.00 294.00;

       (37) 39,001 to 40,000 pounds:         $     604.00 302.00;

       (38) 40,001 to 41,000 pounds:         $     616.00 308.00;

       (39) 41,001 to 42,000 pounds:         $     634.00 317.00;

       (40) 42,001 to 43,000 pounds:         $     650.00 325.00;

       (41) 43,001 to 44,000 pounds:         $     664.00 332.00;

       (42) 44,001 to 45,000 pounds:         $     680.00 340.00;

       (43) 45,001 to 46,000 pounds;         $     694.00 347.00;

       (44) 46,001 to 47,000 pounds:         $     708.00 354.00;

       (45) 47,001 to 48,000 pounds:         $     724.00 362.00;

       (46) 48,001 to 49,000 pounds:         $     740.00 370.00;

       (47) 49,001 to 50,000 pounds:         $     754.00 377.00;

       (48) 50,001 to 51,000 pounds:         $     770.00 385.00;

       (49) 51,001 to 52,000 pounds:         $     784.00 392.00;

       (50) 52,001 to 53,000 pounds:         $     800.00 400.00;

       (51) 53,001 to 54,000 pounds:         $     814.00 407.00;

       (52) 54,001 to 55,000 pounds:         $     830.00 415.00;

       (53) 55,001 to 56,000 pounds:         $     844.00 422.00;

       (54) 56,001 to 57,000 pounds:         $     860.00 430.00;

       (55) 57,001 to 58,000 pounds:         $     876.00 438.00;

       (56) 58,001 to 59,000 pounds:         $     890.00 445.00;

       (57) 59,001 to 60,000 pounds:         $     906.00 453.00;

       (58) 60,001 to 61,000 pounds:         $     920.00 460.00;

       (59) 61,001 to 62,000 pounds:         $     934.00 467.00;

       (60) 62,001 to 63,000 pounds:         $     950.00 475.00;

       (61) 63,001 to 64,000 pounds:         $      964.00 482.00;

       (62) 64,001 to 65,000 pounds:         $  1,132.00  566.00;

       (63) 65,001 to 66,000 pounds:         $  1,148.00  574.00;

       (64) 66,001 to 67,000 pounds:         $  1,166.00  583.00;

       (65) 67,001 to 68,000 pounds:         $  1,182.00  591.00;

       (66) 68,001 to 69,000 pounds:         $  1,200.00  600.00;

       (67) 69,001 to 70,000 pounds:         $  1,218.00  609.00;

       (68) 70,001 to 71,000 pounds:         $  1,236.00  618.00;

       (69) 71,001 to 72,000 pounds:         $  1,336.00  668.00;

       (70) 72,001 to 72,000 pounds:         $  1,354.00  677.00;

       (71) 73,001 to 74,000 pounds:         $  1,374.00  687.00;

       (72) 74,001 to 75,000 pounds:         $  1,392.00  696.00;

       (73) 75,001 to 76,000 pounds:         $  1,410.00  705.00;

       (74) 76,001 to 77,000 pounds:         $  1,516.00  758.00;

       (75) 77,001 to 78,000 pounds:         $  1,538.00  769.00;

       (76) 78,001 to 79,000 pounds:         $  1,558.00  779.00; and

       (77) 79,001 to 80,000 pounds:         $  1,600.00  800.00;.

    No vehicle in excess of 80,000 pounds will be registered.

 

SECTION 11. Section 56-3-700 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-700.  For every trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer, not exempted by Section 56-3-120(5), the biennial annual registration fee is twenty ten dollars. The Department of Motor Vehicles must include in this classification every trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer designed for carrying property, except house trailers, utility trailers, those trailers and semitrailers exempted by Section 56-3-120(5), and boat trailers as otherwise provided in this article. Semitrailers or pole trailers weighing less than five hundred pounds with load capacity of less than one thousand pounds and trailers and semitrailers with an actual unloaded weight of fifteen hundred pounds or less and carrying a load capacity not exceeding twenty-five hundred pounds and which are designed, adapted, and used exclusively for agriculture, horticulture, or livestock-raising operations or for lifting or carrying an implement of husbandry need not be registered or licensed.

 

SECTION 12. Section 56-3-710 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-710.  For every house trailer the biennial annual fee is twelve six dollars. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall classify as a "house trailer" every trailer or semitrailer which is designed, constructed, and equipped as a dwelling, living abode, or sleeping place, permanently or temporarily, and is equipped for use as a conveyance on streets or highways or a trailer or semitrailer of similar nature whose chassis and exterior shell is designed and constructed for use permanently or temporarily for advertising, sales, display, or promotion of merchandise or services or for another commercial purpose, except the transportation of property for hire or the transportation of property for distribution by a private carrier. The department may not license and register a house trailer which exceeds the permissible size limitations prescribed in Sections 56-5-4030, 56-5-4060, and 56-5-4070, but the house trailers permitted to be moved over the highways by the department under special permits issued pursuant to Sections 57-3-130 to 57-3-190 shall pay to the Department of Transportation a fee of five dollars a trip.

 

SECTION 13. Section 56-3-720 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-720.  For every camper or travel trailer the biennial annual registration fee is ten five dollars. The Department of Motor Vehicles must include in this classification every trailer not more than thirty-five feet long and eight feet wide primarily equipped, designed, converted, or used for private living quarters and towed by a motor vehicle. The department shall design a distinctive tag which must be displayed on the exterior of the rear of the trailer in a conspicuous place.

 

SECTION 14. Section 56-3-740 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-740.  For every trackless trolley bus the biennial annual registration fee is four two hundred dollars for each bus weighing not over fifteen thousand pounds, exclusive of passengers, and for each bus weighing more than fifteen thousand pounds, exclusive of passengers, an additional forty twenty dollars for each additional one thousand pounds of weight or fraction. the department of motor vehicles must include under this classification every bus propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated upon rails.

 

SECTION 15. Section 56-3-750 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-750.  For every special mobile equipment vehicle not exempt from the payment of a biennial registration and license fee under Section 56-3-120 the biennial annual registration fee is ten five dollars for each vehicle having a gross weight of not more than four thousand pounds, and for every vehicle having a gross weight of more than four thousand pounds, an additional eight four dollars for each additional one thousand pounds of weight or fraction over four thousand pounds.

 

SECTION 16. Section 56-3-760 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-760.  For every motorcycle, motorcycle three-wheel vehicle, or moped the biennial annual registration fee is ten five dollars.

 

SECTION 17. Section 56-3-770 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-770.  The biennial annual registration and license fee for every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or special mobile equipment vehicle equipped with solid tires is double the biennial annual fee otherwise specified in this article.

 

SECTION 18. Section 56-3-840 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-840The owner of every vehicle required to be registered and licensed under the provisions of this chapter who fails to register and license the vehicle and pay the specified fees or renewal, when and as required, upon registering the vehicle shall pay to the county in which he resides if that county participates in the issuance of revalidation decals or the Department of Motor Vehicles a delinquency penalty fee of ten dollars, if the owner is delinquent less than fifteen days. If the owner is delinquent by fifteen days but less than thirty days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty of twenty-five dollars. If the owner is delinquent by more than thirty days but less than ninety days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty fee of fifty dollars to the department. If the owner is delinquent by more than ninety days, he shall pay a delinquency penalty fee of seventy-five dollars to the department. However, there is no delinquency penalty fee for campers and travel trailers subject to the registration fee under Section 56-3-720.

    A person who drives, moves, or operates on a highway a vehicle for which a registration and license are required but have not been obtained within thirty days of the date when required is guilty of a misdemeanor.

    The counties must remit to the department all monies collected pursuant to this section, not to exceed the actual revenues collected in Fiscal Year 1999-2000, must be annually deposited to a separate account and held in reserve for the Department of Public Safety. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, these monies must be deposited to the credit of the department into a special fund in the office of the State Treasurer designated as the "Department of Public Safety Building Fund". The Department of Public Safety must use these monies and other unobligated monies for the purpose of issuing revenue bonds or for entering into a lease purchase agreement for a headquarters facility, including the renovation of existing facilities. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to initiate and direct a capital project to purchase or construct a new headquarters facility. Projects funded under this section other than for the construction or purchase of a new headquarters facility, including but not limited to, the expansion or renovation of an existing facility, must be approved by a joint resolution provided that if the Department of Public Safety employs a lease purchase agreement to build or purchase a new headquarters facility, the lease purchase agreement must be approved by the State Department of Administration or State Fiscal Accountability Authority, as appropriate. The cost of a headquarters facility must not exceed thirty million dollars unless a parking facility or garage is required.

 

SECTION 19. Section 56-3-900(A) and (B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) When a vehicle is registered and licensed under this chapter and the required fee is paid but it has not been operated in this State or elsewhere as a vehicle registered and licensed under the laws of this State since the beginning of the registration and license period for which the registration and license fee was paid and a claim is filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles for a refund within ninety days after the date of the registration and license and the claim is supported by evidence of nonoperation satisfactory to the department and is accompanied by the return of the registration card and license plates, or satisfactory proof that the card or plates have been lost, the department may make refund to the original payer of the full amount of the biennial annual registration and license fee.

    (B) When a vehicle is registered and licensed under this chapter and the required fee is paid and the vehicle is junked or totally destroyed during the registration and license period for which the fee was paid and a claim is filed with the department for refund within ninety days after the date the vehicle was junked or destroyed and the claim is supported by evidence satisfactory to the department and is accompanied by the return of the registration card and license plates or sufficient proof that the card or plates have been lost, the department may refund the proportionate part of the license and registration fee paid, based on one twelfth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining if the vehicle received an annual registration, one twenty-fourth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining if the vehicle received a biennial registration, and one-sixth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining if the vehicle received a six-month registration in the registration and license period. However, no refund of less than ten dollars may be made under this section.

 

SECTION 20. Section 56-3-1230(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) License plates must be at least six inches wide and not less than twelve inches in length and must show in bold characters the year of registration, the serial number, the full name or the abbreviation of the name of the state, and other distinctive markings the department may consider advisable to indicate the class of the weight of the vehicle for which the license plate was issued. The plate must be of a strength and quality to provide a minimum service of five years. A new license plate including personalized and special plates, but excluding license plates provided in Sections 56-3-660 and 56-3-670, must be provided by the department at intervals the department considers appropriate, but at least every ten years. A new license plate for vehicles contained in Sections 56-3-660 and 56-3-670, must be provided by the department at intervals the department considers appropriate. Beginning with the vehicle registration and license fees required by this title which are collected after July 1, 2002, except for the fees collected pursuant to Sections 56-3-660 and 56-3-670, two dollars of each biennial fee and one dollar of each annual fee collected from the vehicle owner must be placed by the Comptroller General in a special restricted account to be used solely by the Department of Motor Vehicles for the costs associated with the production and issuance of new license plates. The department is not authorized to use this set aside money for any other purpose. License plates issued for vehicles in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds must be issued biennially annually, and no revalidation sticker may be issued for the plates. License plates issued as permanent may be revalidated and replaced at intervals determined by the department.

 

SECTION 21. Section 56-3-1450(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) An owner of a motor vehicle that is thirty years old or older, may apply to the department to use a license plate issued by this State in the year corresponding to the model year of the vehicle, if the license plate is legible and serviceable, as determined by the department. If the department determines that the plate is legible and serviceable, the applicant must submit the regular vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title, and the special license plate fee required by Section 56-3-2020. The biennial annual renewal fee for these plates shall be the regular vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title, and the special license plate fee required by Section 56-3-2020.

 

SECTION 22. Section 56-3-1510 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-1510. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to persons who hold unrevoked and unexpired amateur radio licenses of a renewable nature issued by the Federal Communications Commission for private passenger motor vehicles registered in the same name. The biennial annual fee for the special license plates is two dollars one dollar in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee prescribed by Article 5 of this chapter. Only one set of the special plates may be issued to a person.

 

SECTION 23. Section 56-3-1530 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-1530. The special license plates must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, upon which must be imprinted the official amateur radio call letters of the persons assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. The special plates are for biennial annual periods which expire twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 24. Section 56-3-1610 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-1610. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to emergency medical technicians for private passenger motor vehicles registered in the name of the technicians. The biennial annual fee for the special license plates is thirty fifteen dollars in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee prescribed by Article 5 of this chapter. Only one special plate may be issued to a person.

 

SECTION 25. Section 56-3-1630 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-1630. The special license plates must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates upon which must be imprinted the letters "EMT" and numbers the Department of Motor Vehicles may determine. The special plates are for biennial annual periods which expire twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 26. Section 56-3-2010(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) Private passenger motor vehicles must be assigned a biennial an annual registration which expires on a staggered monthly basis. Where a current vehicle license plate currently is displayed, the owner of the vehicle may make application for personalized license plates two months in advance of the current registration expiration. A sticker reflecting the month of expiration of registration must be issued and affixed in the space provided on the license plate assigned to the vehicle. A personalized license plate issued to a motorcycle must be assigned a biennial an annual registration which expires on a staggered monthly basis. Every personalized license plate issued to members of the General Assembly and members of licensed state or federal commissions and boards expires on January thirty-first each year. Every vehicle registration must be renewed biennially annually upon application by the owner and by payment of the fee required by law to take effect the first day of the month following the expiration of the registration to be renewed.

 

SECTION 27. Section 56-3-2020 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2020. The fee for the issue of special personalized motor vehicle license plates is thirty dollars biennially fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This revenue must be deposited to the state general fund. The fee is due and payable upon application. The Department of Motor Vehicles may not refund the fee if the personalized plate has been manufactured.

 

SECTION 28. Section 56-3-2150 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2150. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to former members of the South Carolina Delegation of the United States Congress, retired judicial officers elected by the General Assembly or confirmed by the United States Senate, respectively, members of municipal and county councils, county coroners, and mayors of this State for private passenger motor vehicles owned by them. The department also may issue special motor vehicle license plates to former members of the General Assembly for private passenger motor vehicles and vehicles classified as private passenger motor vehicles in Section 56-3-630 owned by them. The biennial annual fee for these special license plates is the same as the fee provided in Section 56-3-2020, and only one plate may be issued to former members of the South Carolina Delegation of the United States Congress, retired judicial officers elected by the General Assembly or confirmed by the United States Senate, respectively, a councilman or a mayor. A coroner and a former member of the General Assembly may be issued two license plates. These license plates must be issued or revalidated biennially annually for the regular registration and licensing period. A person who has been investigated by state or local authorities resulting in a resignation or convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, or another crime punishable by imprisonment for at least one year may not apply for special motor vehicle license plates issued pursuant to this section. A person convicted of an offense contained in this section subsequent to issuance of a special motor vehicle license plate shall surrender the special license plate to the Department of Motor Vehicles within three days of the date of the conviction.

 

SECTION 29. Section 56-3-2160 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2160. The special plates must be of the same size as regular motor vehicle license plates, but must be of a distinctive design and bear letters and numerals the Department of Motor Vehicles prescribes. The plates must be issued or revalidated biennially annually for the regular registration and licensing period.

 

SECTION 30. Section 56-3-2540 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2540. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate "Conserve South Carolina" and which may have an emblem, a seal, logo, or other symbol of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. The South Carolina Conservation Bank shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The South Carolina Conservation Bank may request a change in the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is forty-eight dollars every two years twenty-four dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 31. Section 56-3-2810 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2810. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue special motor vehicle license plates to "volunteer" firemen who request them in the manner provided in this article and who are residents of the State for private passenger motor vehicles registered in their respective names. For the purposes of this article "volunteer firemen" means members of organized units providing fire protection without compensation being paid to the members of the units for the service provided and whose membership is certified to the municipal clerk or chairman of the council of the municipality or county in which their unit is based by the chief officer of the unit concerned. The cost of the special license plate as determined by the department must be paid biennially annually by the requesting volunteer fireman, and only one license plate may be issued to a volunteer fireman. The plate must be issued upon application in a manner and upon forms prescribed by the department and upon approval of the application by the department.

 

SECTION 32. Section 56-3-2820 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-2820. The special license plates must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and imprinted with the words "Volunteer Fireman" with numbers the Department of Motor Vehicles may determine. The plates are for biennial annual periods as provided by law.

 

SECTION 33. Section 56-3-3410(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to members of the National Wild Turkey Federation for private motor vehicles registered in their names. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5. The license plates issued pursuant to this section must conform to a design agreed to by the department and the chief executive officer of the organization. The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 34. Section 56-3-3420(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) If the department receives fewer than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 35. Section 56-3-3500(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Penn Center" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol of the Penn Center. Penn Center, Inc. shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. Penn Center, Inc. may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of thirty fifteen dollars.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 36. Section 56-3-3600(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Nurses" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is forty-six dollars every two years twenty-three dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 37. Section 56-3-3910 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-3910. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative motor vehicle license plate commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the State Dance, the Shag, in 1988 for use by owners on their private passenger motor vehicles. The biennial annual fee for the commemorative license plate is fifty twenty-five dollars in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee prescribed by Article 5 of this chapter. This license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it was issued. License "number one" for the Shag license plate is reserved for the president of the Columbia Shag Club in Richland County.

 

SECTION 38. Section 56-3-3950 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-3950. The department may issue a special commemorative "Keep It Beautiful" motor vehicle license plate for use by owners on their private passenger motor vehicles to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Transportation for the purposes of enhancing the state's roads and highways. These enhancements may include landscaping, wildflower plantings, scenic easements, or other highway enhancement projects. The Department of Transportation, in implementing this program, may not expend beautification funds for wildflowers without prior approval of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture shall ensure, before granting approval, that the varieties of wildflowers used in beautification are not harmful to agriculture at or near a proposed project. The biennial annual fee for the commemorative license plate is fifty-four twenty-seven dollars. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the fees collected for this special license plate, the Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the department's expenses in producing and administering this special license plate. Any remaining funds must be placed in a special "Highway Beautification Fund" established within and administered by the Department of Transportation. This biennial annual fee is in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 7 of this title. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "Keep It Beautiful". The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 39. Section 56-3-4100(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate the words "South Carolina Elks Association". The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and the special fee required by Section 56-3-2020. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the "South Carolina Elks Association" special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 40. Section 56-3-4200(A) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Carolina Panthers" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plates an emblem, seal, or symbol of the National Football League's Carolina Panthers. The National Football League's Carolina Panthers shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or symbol it desires to be used for the plates. The National Football League's Carolina Panthers shall submit to the department written authorization for the use of any copyrighted or registered logos, trademarks, or designs. The National Football League may request a change in the emblem, seal, or symbol not more than once every five years. The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued. The fee for the plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of seventy thirty-five dollars.

 

    (E) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the plate, it may not produce additional plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 41. Section 56-3-4410(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Share the Road" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Inc. may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of thirty fifteen dollars.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 42. Section 56-3-4510(A) and (B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue a series of special commemorative motor vehicle license plates for use by the owner on his private passenger motor vehicle for the purposes of the "Nongame Wildlife and Natural Areas Fund" provided in Section 50-1-280. The special fee for the commemorative license plate is thirty fifteen dollars and this amount must be placed in the fund. This fee is in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of Title 56. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "South Carolina Protects Endangered Species". The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued. Once the plate supply is exhausted, any revenues derived from a renewal or transfer of a "South Carolina Protects Endangered Species" plate must be distributed as directed in this subsection.

    (B) The department shall issue a collection of special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles and motorcycles. The fee for each special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, and must be imprinted with the words "South Carolina Wildlife". Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 43. Section 56-3-4600(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Homeownership: The American Dream" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in the owners' names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol approved by the South Carolina Association of Realtors and the department. The South Carolina Association of Realtors may submit to the department for approval the emblem, seal, or symbol the South Carolina Association of Realtors wishes to display on the plate. The association must submit to the department written authorization for the use of any copyrighted or registered logo, trademark, or design. The association may request a change in the emblem, seal, or symbol used not more than once in five years. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued. The fee for each special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and one hundred fifty dollars for a special plate.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 44. Section 56-3-4800(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The department may issue "Sons of Confederate Veterans" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles and motorcycles registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for this special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of this series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 45. Section 56-3-5010 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-5010. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative "Public Education: A Great Investment" motor vehicle license plate to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Education for the purpose of providing computers to the public schools. The biennial annual fee for the commemorative license plate is fifty-four twenty-seven dollars, and of this amount, twenty ten dollars must be placed in a special "Public Education: A Great Investment Fund" established within and administered by the Department of Education to purchase computers for use in the classroom and thirty-four seventeen dollars must be distributed to the school district or a school chosen by the license plate purchaser to be used to purchase computers for use in the classroom. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall report to the Department of Education the school district and the school chosen by the license plate purchaser to which the funds must be distributed. The Department of Education shall distribute funds to the district for further distribution to the schools chosen by the license plate purchasers. The commemorative plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates and must be imprinted with the words "Public Education: A Great Investment". The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 46. Section 56-3-5200(A), (B), and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special "South Carolina: First In Golf" motor vehicle license plate to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to provide grants to promote the South Carolina Junior Golf Association.

    The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. The special license plate must be of the same size and general design of a regular motor vehicle license plate and must be imprinted with the words "South Carolina: First in Golf". The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

    (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section must be distributed to a special "South Carolina: First In Golf" fund established within and administered by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to promote the South Carolina Junior Golf Association. The distribution is forty twenty dollars to the fund and thirty fifteen dollars placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 47. Section 56-3-5300(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The biennial annual fee for this special license plate is twenty-five dollars twelve dollars and fifty cents.

 

SECTION 48. Section 56-3-5400(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The department may issue "Fraternal Order of Police" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles registered in their names who are active members in good standing with the Fraternal Order of Police. Identification of current membership must be presented at the time of initial application. The fee for each special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued. A person issued a special license plate pursuant to this section who is not or who ceases to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Police must remove the license plate from his vehicle on the date the license plate registration is due for renewal and obtain another valid license plate. A person who knowingly fails to surrender his license plate pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, may be fined one hundred dollars or sentenced to thirty days in jail, or both.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for this special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of this series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 49. Section 56-3-6500 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-6500. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "United States Naval Academy" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The applicant must be a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty fifteen dollars. Any portion of the additional thirty fifteen-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray the costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association.

 

SECTION 50. Section 56-3-7000 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7000. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special motor vehicle license plate to a County Veterans Affairs Officer for a private motor vehicle registered in his name. Only one plate may be issued to a person. The biennial annual fee for the special license plate is the same as the fee provided in Section 56-3-2020.

 

SECTION 51. Section 56-3-7010 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7010. The special plates must be of the same size and general design as a regular motor vehicle license plate. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall imprint the special license plate with the words "County Veterans Affairs Officer" together with numbers the department may determine necessary. The plate must be issued or revalidated biennially annually for the regular registration and licensing period.

 

SECTION 52. Section 56-3-7050 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7050. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "United States Air Force Academy" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The applicant must be a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty fifteen dollars. Any portion of the additional thirty fifteen-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray the costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the United States Air Force Academy Alumni Association.

 

SECTION 53. Section 56-3-7200(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The department may issue "Arts Awareness" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names to establish a special fund to be used by the South Carolina Arts Commission for the purpose of funding activities that support a thriving arts environment in South Carolina. The biennial annual fee for the special license plates is seventy thirty-five dollars in addition to the regular motor vehicle license plate fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, must be imprinted with artwork to be selected through a process conducted by the South Carolina Arts Commission, and numbers as the department may determine. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for this special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of this series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 54. Section 56-3-7300(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Saltwater Fishing" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of seventy-five dollars thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 55. Section 56-3-7320 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7320. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Emergency Medical Service" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty fifteen dollars. The Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the department's costs of production and distribution. Any portion of the additional thirty fifteen-dollar fee not placed in the State Highway Fund by the Comptroller General must be distributed to the South Carolina Emergency Medical Services Association.

 

SECTION 56. Section 56-3-7330(A) and (B)(1) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Boy Scouts of America" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty fifteen dollars. Any portion of the additional thirty fifteen-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the South Carolina Indian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of America, to then be distributed to the other five Boy Scout councils serving counties in South Carolina.

    (B)(1) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Eagle Scouts of America" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names who have been awarded the Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America. The motor vehicle owner must present the department with official documentation that states that he was awarded the Eagle Scout Award, along with his application for this special license plate. The fee for this special license plate is thirty fifteen dollars every two years annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The special license plate must be imprinted with an emblem, seal, symbol, or design agreed to by all of the Boy Scout councils serving counties in South Carolina.

 

SECTION 57. Section 56-3-7340 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7340. (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Native American" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of thirty fifteen dollars. Any portion of the additional thirty fifteen-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the Native American Prison Program of South Carolina.

 

SECTION 58. Section 56-3-7350 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7350. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Peach Council" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy thirty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy thirty-five-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the South Carolina Peach Council.

 

SECTION 59. Section 56-3-7370 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7370. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Cancer Research Centers of the Carolinas" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of fifteen dollars seven dollars and fifty cents. Any portion of the additional fifteen-dollar seven dollars and fifty-cent fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the Mary Crawley Medical Cancer Research Foundation to provide funding for the Cancer Research Centers of the Carolinas.

 

SECTION 60. Section 56-3-7610 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7610. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative motor vehicle license plate commemorating the Square Dance as the state's official American Folk Dance. The biennial annual fee for the commemorative license plate is fifty twenty-five dollars in addition to the regular motor vehicle fee prescribed by Article 5 of this chapter. This license plate must be the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates.

 

SECTION 61. Section 56-3-7700(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates commemorating the Special Olympics which may have imprinted on the plates an emblem, seal, or other symbol approved by the South Carolina Special Olympics and the department. The fee for this special license plate is fifty dollars every two years twenty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This special license plate must be the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 62. Section 56-3-7750(A), (B), and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol the department considers appropriate to a certified service fraternity or sorority. A fraternity or sorority may submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for its respective special license plate. Before a design is approved, however, the organization must submit to the department written authorization for the use of any copyrighted or registered logo, trademark, or design. A fraternity or sorority also may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol once the existing supply has been exhausted. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

    (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section must be distributed to a separate fund for each of the respective fraternities or sororities. Each fund must be administered by the fraternity or sorority and may be used for academic scholarships, or to fund programs that send boys and girls who are at least eight years old and not more than sixteen years old to summer camp, or both. Funds collected for each fraternity or sorority must be deposited in an account designated by the fraternity or sorority. The distribution is forty twenty dollars to the respective fund and thirty fifteen dollars placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 63. Section 56-3-7800 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-7800. The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Aquarium" special license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles registered in their names. The requirements for production and distribution of the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of fifty twenty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional fifty twenty-five-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the South Carolina Aquarium.

 

SECTION 64. Section 56-3-7890(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate "Our Farms-Our Future" and which may have a design representative of agriculture. The South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation shall submit to the department for its approval a design it desires to be used for this special license plate. The South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation may request a change in the design not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 65. Section 56-3-7910(A) and (B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, logo, or other symbol of the "H. L. Hunley" submarine. The Hunley Commission shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The Hunley Commission may request a change in the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is one hundred dollars every two years fifty dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

    (B) The fees collected pursuant to this section must be distributed to the Fund to Save the Hunley created by the Hunley Commission or another nonprofit fund designated by the commission for the continued curation of the Hunley submarine. Any such fund must be administered by the Hunley Commission and may be used only for efforts to raise, restore, and preserve the Hunley submarine. Any funds collected must be deposited in an appropriate nonprofit account designated by the Hunley Commission. The distribution of these funds is sixty thirty dollars to the Hunley Commission and forty twenty dollars placed by the Comptroller General into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167.

 

SECTION 66. Section 56-3-7940(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and the recycling logo. The Carolina Recycling Association shall submit to the department for its approval a design it desires to be used for this special license plate. The Carolina Recycling Association may request a change in the design not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 67. Section 56-3-7950(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Hunting Island State Park" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names. The Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc., shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The Friends of Hunting Island State Park, Inc., may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The fee for each special license plate is fifty dollars every two years twenty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for this special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of this series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 68. Section 56-3-8000(C) and (I) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) The license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The biennial annual fee for this special license plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee to be requested by the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate. The initial fee amount requested may be changed only every five years from the first year the license plate is issued. Of the additional fee collected pursuant to this Sectionsection, the Comptroller General shall place into the State Highway Fund as established by Section 57-11-20, to be distributed as provided in Section 11-43-167, an amount equal to the expenses of producing and administering special license plates. Any of the remaining fee not placed in the restricted account must be distributed to an organization designated by the individual or organization seeking issuance of the license plate.

 

    (I) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular plate authorized under this section, it shall not produce additional plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 69. Section 56-3-8100(D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (D) The fee for all special license plates created by the General Assembly after January 1, 2006, is the regular biennial annual registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee to be requested by the individual or organization seeking issuance of the plate, as authorized by law. The initial fee amount requested can only be changed every five years from the first year the plate is issued. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 70. Section 56-3-8200(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 71. Section 56-3-8300(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 72. Section 56-3-8400(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 73. Section 56-3-8600(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Ducks Unlimited" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which may have imprinted on them an emblem, seal, or symbol of the South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee. The South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee must submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or symbol it wishes to display on the plates. The South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee must submit to the department written authorization for use of any copyrighted or registered logos, trademarks, or designs. The South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Committee may request a change in the emblem, seal, or symbol not more than once every five years. The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued. The fee for the plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of fifty twenty-five dollars.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the plate, it shall not produce additional plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 74. Section 56-3-8710(A), (B), and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plates an emblem, a seal, or other symbol the department considers appropriate to NASCAR or a NASCAR driver or team. NASCAR or a NASCAR driver or team may submit to the department for approval of the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for its respective special license plate. Before a design is approved, NASCAR or the NASCAR driver or team must submit to the department written authorization for the use of a copyrighted or registered logo, trademark, or design. NASCAR or a NASCAR driver or team also may request a change in its respective emblem, seal, or other symbol once the existing supply has been exhausted. The fee for each special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

    (B) The department may also provide, upon request, special NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team collector license plates which shall not be displayed on any vehicle registered or required to be registered in this State. Any person displaying the special NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team collector license plates on any vehicle registered or required to be registered in this State is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days. The special NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team collector license plates shall be the same size and general design of the regular NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team special motor vehicle license plates. The fee for issuance of the special NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team collector license plates is twenty-five twelve dollars and fifty cents. The words "collector license plate" shall be imprinted on the special NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team collector license plates.

 

    (E) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular NASCAR or NASCAR driver or team special license plate, it may choose not to produce additional special license plates in that series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 75. Section 56-3-8910(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles or light pickups having an empty weight of seven thousand pounds or less and a gross weight of nine thousand pounds or less registered in their names which shall have imprinted on the plate the words "Choose Life". The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the "Choose Life" special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 76. Section 56-3-9000(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol approved by Sertoma International and the department. Sertoma International may submit to the department for approval of the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for its respective special license plate. Before a design is approved, however, Sertoma International must submit to the department written authorization for the use of a copyrighted or registered logo, trademark, or design. Sertoma International also may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol once the existing supply has been exhausted. The fee for each special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 77. Section 56-3-9100(A) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Technology Alliance" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol that represents the South Carolina Technology Alliance and technology. The South Carolina Technology Alliance must submit to the department for approval the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. The South Carolina Technology Alliance may request a change in the emblem, seal, logo, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of one hundred fifty dollars.

 

    (E) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 78. Section 56-3-9200(A) and (C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "In God We Trust" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (C) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 79. Section 56-3-9300(A), (B), and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "United We Stand" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles and motorcycles registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is twenty-five dollars every two years twelve dollars and fifty cents annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

    (B) Twenty-five dollars Twelve dollars and fifty cents of the fee collected pursuant to this section must be distributed to the national "Rewards For Justice" fund which was created to establish rewards for the capture of terrorists.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 80. Section 56-3-9400(A) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Morris Island Lighthouse" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Save the Light, Inc. shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for this special license plate. Save the Light, Inc. may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of one hundred fifty dollars.

 

    (E) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 81. Section 56-3-9500(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "God Bless America" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles registered in their names. The special license plates must bear the words 'God Bless America', the United States Flag, and the silhouette of the State of South Carolina. Before this special license plate is produced, the department must receive written authorization for the use of any copyrighted words, registered logos, trademarks, or designs that appear on this license plate. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle license fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of sixteen eight dollars.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 82. Section 56-3-9600(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "No More Homeless Pets" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630 registered in their names, which may have imprinted on the plate 'No More Homeless Pets'. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of seventy thirty-five dollars.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 83. Section 56-3-9710(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Heritage Classic Foundation" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is seventy-five dollars every two years thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 84. Section 56-3-9800(A), (B), and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue a special commemorative "Breast Cancer Awareness" motor vehicle license plate to establish a special fund to be used by the Department of Health and Environmental Control for the purpose of expanding the services provided by the Best Chance Network. The special license plates, which must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates, must be imprinted with the nationally recognized breast cancer symbol with numbers as the department may determine. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee as set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title.

    (B) One-half of the seventy dollar biennial thirty-five dollar annual fee collected over that required by Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title must be deposited in a separate fund for the Department of Health and Environmental Control and be used solely to expand the services of the Best Chance Network. The remaining one-half of the fee must be distributed to the South Carolina chapter of the American Cancer Society.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 85. Section 56-3-10010(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles or light pickups having an empty weight of six thousand pounds or less and a gross weight of nine thousand pounds or less registered in their names that shall have imprinted on the plate an emblem, seal, or other symbol associated with the South Carolina Parrot Head Club Council. The South Carolina Parrot Head Club Council must submit to the department written authorization to use a copyrighted or registered logo, trademark, or design on the special license plate. The South Carolina Parrot Head Club Council may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol not more than once every five years. The fee charged for the special license plate shall be adjusted as necessary to account for any additional expenses associated with a change in design. The fee for this special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for the special license plate authorized by this article, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. However, the department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 86. Section 56-3-10510 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-10510.  The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "I Believe" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private motor vehicles registered in their names. The plate must contain the words "I Believe" and a cross superimposed on a stained glassstained-glass window. The biennial annual fee for this special license plate is the same as the fee provided in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. The guidelines for the production of this special license plate must meet the requirements contained in Section 56-3-8100.

 

SECTION 87. Section 56-3-10810(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Play Tennis" special license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles registered in their names which shall have imprinted on them an emblem, seal, symbol, or wording relating to the South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation. The South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation shall submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, symbol, or wording it desires to be used for this special license plate. The fee for this special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 88. Section 56-3-10910(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which must have imprinted on the plate "Tree My Dog". This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 89. Section 56-3-11310(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Second Amendment" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 90. Section 56-3-11420 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 56-3-11420.  The special license plate must be of the same size and general design as a regular motor vehicle or motorcycle license plate. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall imprint the special license plates with the word "Historic", with numbers the department may determine. The license plate must be for a biennial an annual period that expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 91. Section 56-3-11810(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special "State Flag" motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. The fee for this special license plate is twenty dollars every two years ten dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 92. Section 56-3-12010(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which must have imprinted on the plate "I Support Libraries". This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 93. Section 56-3-12110(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which must have imprinted on the plate "South Carolina Educator". The application for this special license plate must include proof that the applicant is a public or private kindergarten through twelfth grade school teacherschoolteacher. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 94. Section 56-3-12210(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Beach Music" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, and motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate an emblem, a seal, or other symbol chosen by the department in consultation with the South Carolina Arts Commission reflecting the status of beach music as the official state popular music pursuant to Section 1-1-689. License plate number "one" for the beach music license plate is reserved for the president of the Beach Music Association International or its successor organization if that individual is otherwise eligible to register a qualifying motor vehicle in this State. License plate number "two" for the beach music license plate is reserved for the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University if that individual is otherwise eligible to register a motor vehicle in this State. The special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of twenty ten dollars.

 

SECTION 95. Section 56-3-12310(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue Citadel Alumni Association "Big Red" special license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630, and motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is seventy-five dollars every two years thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 96. Section 56-3-12410(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Largemouth Bass" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. The license plate shall have the image of a largemouth bass imprinted on it. The design of the plate and the largemouth bass image utilized must be selected through a public process conducted by the Department of Natural Resources. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 97. Section 56-3-12510(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in a person's name, special motor vehicle license plates which may have imprinted on them an emblem, a seal, or other symbol the department considers appropriate of a public or independent high school located in this State. A school may submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, or other symbol it desires to be used for its respective special license plate. A school also may request a change in the emblem, seal, or other symbol once the existing inventory of the license plate has been exhausted. The fee for this special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 98. Section 56-3-12610(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Wildlife Federation" or "Palmetto Wild" or both, special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which may have imprinted on them an emblem, seal, symbol, or design of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation must submit to the department for its approval the emblem, seal, symbol, or design it wishes to display on the plates. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation must submit to the department written authorization for use of any copyrighted or registered logos, trademarks, or designs. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation may request a change in the emblem, seal, or symbol not more than once every five years. The plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued. The fee for the plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license fee of thirty fifteen dollars.

 

SECTION 99. Section 56-3-12710(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune" special license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which shall have imprinted on burgundy and gold license plates "Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune" and her image, her year of birth, and her year of death. Twin City Outreach Mission shall submit to the department for its approval a design it desires to be used for this special license plate. Twin City Outreach Mission may request a change in the design not more than once every five years. The fee for this special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 100.  Section 56-3-12810(A) and (E) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Gadsden Flag" motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20 registered in their names. The fee for this special license plate is twenty dollars every two years ten dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and shape of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

    (E) If the department receives fewer than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for this special license plate, it may not produce additional special license plates in this series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of this series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 101.  Section 56-3-13010(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy thirty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy thirty-five-dollar fee not set aside by the Comptroller General to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the fund established for the University of South Carolina pursuant to Section 56-3-3710(B) used for the purposes provided in that section.

 

SECTION 102.  Section 56-3-13310(A) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Motorcycle Awareness Alliance" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which may have imprinted on the plate the Motorcycle Awareness Alliance emblem. The Motorcycle Awareness Alliance shall submit to the department for its approval the proposed design it desires to be used for this special license plate. The fee for this special license plate is the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title and a special motor vehicle license plate fee of thirty fifteen dollars. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. The special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

    (D) If the department receives less than three hundred biennial annual applications and renewals for a particular special license plate authorized under this Section, it shall not produce additional special license plates in that series. The department shall continue to issue special license plates of that series until the existing inventory is exhausted.

 

SECTION 103.  Section 56-3-13410(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "S.C. Riverkeepers" special license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names which shall have a blue background and imprinted on them in white "S.C. Riverkeepers", "Keep Our Rivers Clean", a crescent moon, and a palmetto tree. The fee for this special license plate is thirty dollars every two years fifteen dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 104.  Section 56-3-13520(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Autism Awareness" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 105.  Section 56-3-13610(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "South Carolina Stands with Israel" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. This special license plate must be of the same size and general design of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 106.  Section 56-3-13710(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "American Red Cross" special motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, and motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 107.  Section 56-3-13810(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Chase Away Childhood Cancer" motor vehicle license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630 and motorcycles as defined in Section 56-3-20 registered in their names. The fee for this special license plate is fifty dollars every two years twenty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. This special license plate must be of the same size and shape of regular motor vehicle license plates. This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 108.  Section 56-3-13910(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The fee for all special personalized organizational license plates created pursuant to this section is the regular biennial annual registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional biennial annual personalization fee of thirty fifteen dollars, in addition to any special fee associated with the selected plate design. The Comptroller General shall place twenty ten dollars of the special personalized organizational license plate fee in a special restricted account to be used by the department to defray the expenses of the department. The remaining ten five dollars of the personalization fee must be distributed to the sponsoring organization. The department may not refund the fee once the personalized license plate has been manufactured.

 

SECTION 109.  Section 56-3-14010(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plates are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennialannual fee for each plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy thirty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy thirty-five-dollar fee not set aside to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the fund established for Clemson University pursuant to Section 56-3-3710(B) used for the purposes provided in that section.

 

SECTION 110.  Section 56-3-14110(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy thirty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy thirty-five-dollar fee not set aside to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the fund established for Coastal Carolina University pursuant to Section 56-3-3710(B), used for the purposes provided in that section.

 

SECTION 111.  Section 56-3-14210(C) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (C) The requirements for production, collection, and distribution of fees for the plate are those set forth in Section 56-3-8100. The biennial annual fee for this plate is the regular registration fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title plus an additional fee of seventy thirty-five dollars. Any portion of the additional seventy thirty-five-dollar fee not set aside to defray costs of production and distribution must be distributed to the fund established for the University of South Carolina pursuant to Section 56-3-3710(B) used for the purposes provided in that section.

 

SECTION 112.  Section 56-3-14510(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Virginia Tech" special license plates to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, and motorcycles, as defined in Section 56-3-20, registered in their names. The fee for each special license plate is seventy dollars every two years thirty-five dollars annually in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee set forth in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56. Each license plate must be of the same size and general design as regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period that expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 113.  Section 56-3-14610(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) Each special license plate must be of the same size and general design as regular motor vehicle license plates. Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period that expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 114.  Section 56-3-14710(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue "Drivers for a Cure" special license plates to owners of private passenger-carrying motor vehicles, as defined in Section 56-3-630, or motorcycles registered in their names.  Each special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period that expires twenty-four twelve months from the month the special license plate is issued.

 

SECTION 115.  Section 56-3-14810(A) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (A) The Department of Motor Vehicles may issue special commemorative motor vehicle license plates commemorating the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the American Revolution to owners of private passenger carrying motor vehicles or motorcycles registered in their names. The biennial annual fee for this commemorative license plate is the same as the fee provided in Article 5, Chapter 3 of this title.

 

SECTION 116.  Section 56-3-14910(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying active or prior service members must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates per award type may be issued to the award recipient. License plates for awards specified in subsection (A) are exempt from the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.  These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-fourtwelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 117.  Section 56-3-14920(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying active or prior service member must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates per award type may be issued to the award recipient.  License plates for awards specified in subsection (A) are exempt from the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.  This special license plate must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month it is issued.

 

SECTION 118.  Section 56-3-14930(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying registrants are specified above in subsection (A).  No more than three license plates per award type may be issued to the award recipient or qualifying family members.  License plates for awards specified in subsection (A) are exempt from the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.  These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 119.  Section 56-3-14940(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying service member or veteran must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates may be issued to the award recipient.  License plates for medals specified in subsection (A) are exempt from the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.  These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.  Any registration fees collected pursuant to this section from May 6, 2022, to the effective date of this act shall be refunded by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

 

SECTION 120.  Section 56-3-14950(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying service member or veteran must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates may be issued to the award recipient. License plates for medals specified in subsection (A), except for Korean War license plates pursuant to subsection (A)(4), are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56.  License plates for medals specified in subsection (A) are not subject to an additional specialty plate fee. These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 121.  Section 56-3-14960(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying active or prior service member must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates may be issued to the award recipient.  License plates for medals specified in subsection (A) are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56 but no additional specialty plate fee. These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 122.  Section 56-3-14970(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) The qualifying active or prior service member must be one of the registrants of the vehicle.  No more than three license plates may be issued to the award recipient. License plates for designation specified in subsection (A) are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56 but no additional specialty plate fee.  These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 123.  Section 56-3-14980(B) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    (B) License plates for the organizations specified in subsection (A) are subject to the regular motor vehicle registration fee contained in Article 5, Chapter 3, Title 56 and a special motor vehicle license plate fee set by the sponsoring organization.  These special license plates must be issued or revalidated for a biennial an annual period which expires twenty-four  twelve months from the month they are issued.

 

SECTION 124.  Section 11-43-167 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding the following subsection to read:

 

    (E)(1) The Department of Transportation shall reduce the allocation to the state-funded resurfacing program required in subsection (B)(1) in proportion to the amounts transferred to the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank pursuant to this subsection (D).

       (2) The Department of Transportation shall transfer nontax revenue to the bank in the state fiscal year in which the provisions of this act become effective in an amount determined by the department in its sole discretion will equal the amount of revenues deferred in the fiscal year by the implementation of the act. Such amounts shall be transferred not less than quarterly during the state fiscal year.

       (3) In the state fiscal year immediately following the transfer of moneys monies described in subsection (E)(2), within 30 days of the start thereof, the bank shall transfer to the Department of Transportation an amount of money equal to that received by the bank by operation of subsection (E)(2).

 

SECTION 125.  Article 3, Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 56-3-117.  The Department of Motor Vehicles must refuse to renew the motor vehicle registration of a person who has not paid personal property taxes within the time limits prescribed in this chapter. A county treasurer or municipal clerk treasurer must forward notification to the department of persons violating the provisions of this chapter. Notification of individuals violating this chapter must be forwarded to the department in the time and manner determined by the department for the proper administration of this section.

 

SECTION 126.  Article 3, Chapter 3, Title 56 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 56-3-205(A) The department may issue annual revalidation decals. The department must enter into contracts with persons, corporations, or governmental subdivisions to issue license plates and revalidation decals. All counties must be entered into a contract with the department and issuing annual revalidation decals and registration cards. The department, person, corporation, or governmental subdivision shall give a motor vehicle owner a registration card and revalidation decal for the tax year for which personal property taxes and annual fees have been paid pursuant to Section 56-3-253.

    (B) All validation decals must be issued for a period not to exceed twelve months, except for vehicles which do not require the payment of property taxes.

    (C) A person or corporation that issues license plates or revalidation decals pursuant to this section may charge a fee in excess of the fee charged by the department.

    (D) Governmental subdivisions that issue revalidation decals pursuant to this section may charge a one-dollar fee to defray the expenses associated with the issuance of license plates and revalidation decals. This fee must not be reflected as a "DMV fee" on property tax notices and receipts that are issued by counties.

    (E) The department shall supervise the provision of services contained in this section. The South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers, and Tax Collectors must develop a plan to onboard each county pursuant to Section 56-3-205(A) in agreement with the department. The plan must include three counties being added every twelve months. This plan must be sent to the department for final approval within two months of the Governor's approval of this section. The department must finalize the plan within one month after receiving it.

 

SECTION 127.  Sections 56-3-378, 56-3-905 and 56-2-2740 of the S.C. Code are repealed.

 

SECTION 128.  (A) The Code Commissioner is directed to change or correct all references to biennial licenses and their fees in the S.C. Code to reflect the change to annual licenses and a fifty-percent reduction in the fee. References to the licenses and fees in the S.C. Code or other provisions of law are considered to be and must be construed to mean appropriate references.

    (B) By July 1, 2024, the Code Commission shall prepare and deliver a report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives concerning appropriate and conforming changes to the S.C. Code of Laws reflecting the provisions of this act relating to the licenses and fees described in Subsection (A).

 

SECTION 129.  Section 56-3-205(A), (B), (C), and (D), as contained in SECTION 126, takes effect on the first day of the fiscal year following forty-eight months after approval by the Governor. Section 56-3-205(E), as contained in SECTION 126, takes effect upon approval by the Governor. All other SECTIONS contained in this act take effect on the first day of required registration following the first day of the calendar year beginning January 1, 2025, after approval by the Governor and the program is fully funded.

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This web page was last updated on March 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM