Michigan Permanent Trailer?

[Garrison]

I couldn’t find any information on the web. I live in Michigan City, IN just a few miles from New Buffalo, MI. When I bought my new boat last year I had it registered in Michigan and got my permanent trailer plate in Michigan. I do about 99% of my fishing in Michigan so I figured I should register in Michigan, and it’s cheaper. Last year I went out once in Indiana waters and was stopped by the DNR. I was told if my boat resided in the state for more than 30 days (I think) I would have to pay the state excise tax. I trailer my boat, so I don’t know how they would know how long it has been in the state. Now I hear, if I get pulled over in Indiana, I could get a $150 ticket for having my trailer plated in Michigan and I’m an Indiana resident. Also, my boat could be confiscated. Has anyone else encountered this and/or know where can I find a posting of this law?

[Twill23]

O wow thats a pretty serious issue. Harry Stevens owns Stevens Marine right there in michigan city and im SURE he can answer all you questions! He's a great guy, and a heckuva fisherman to boot. Drop them an email and im sure they'll get back to ya asap!

http://www.yachtworld.com/stevensmarine/stevensmarine_2.html

[diesel]

only way you can have something plated in michigan is if you are a resident. we have the same issues with our semi trailers that we have plated in maine and texas even though we have agents in those states.

[Garrison]

IC 9-18-2-5

Trailers and semitrailers

Sec. 5. A person may operate intrastate, or combined interstate and intrastate, in Indiana a trailer or semitrailer that is properly registered and licensed in another state if the trailer or semitrailer:

(1) does not have a fixed terminus or permanent base in Indiana; and

(2) is at the time being drawn or propelled by a tractor or truck that is properly registered and licensed in Indiana if the trailer or semitrailer is:

(A) properly registered and licensed in a jurisdiction other than Indiana; and

( is exempt from registration under this chapter if the owner has complied with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the trailer or semitrailer is registered to the extent that the jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered grants the exemptions and privileges to vehicles owned by residents of Indiana and registered under Indiana law.

As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.6.

I did not need to be a Michigan resident to register my boat and trailer in Michigan. From this code, I can legally tow my boat and trailer with Michigan plates because they are properly registered in Michigan and my truck is properly registered in Indiana. I'll just keep a copy of this in my truck in the event a cop wants to be a jerk.

[cduced]

IC 9-18-2-5

Trailers and semitrailers

Sec. 5. A person may operate intrastate, or combined interstate and intrastate, in Indiana a trailer or semitrailer that is properly registered and licensed in another state if the trailer or semitrailer:

(1) does not have a fixed terminus or permanent base in Indiana; and

#1 is the one that will get you if you store the boat at your home in Indiana. Right? -- Bud

[Garrison]

Yes, but I don't store my boat at home, that's why I registered it in Michigan. I don't have space for it at my house so I store it at my brothers house in New Buffalo.

[Rascal Trophy Fishing]

Looks like you're good to go Rik, as long as the boat is stored at the brothers house, you fit the code exactly. Must take a real eagle eye cop to see this as he's going down the road, I know I wouldn't see it. Yeah, keep a copy of that in the vehicle and boat at all times, just in case.