Operation of Trailers
[Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title I, § 109], Oct. 21, 1998, [112 Stat. 2681–586], provided that:“(a)
Registration of Trailers.—
A State that requires annual registration of container chassis and the apportionment of fees for such registrations in accordance with the International Registration Plan (as defined under
section 31701 of title 49, United States Code) shall not limit the operation, or require the registration, in the State of a container chassis (or impose fines or penalties on the operation of a container chassis for being operated in the State without a registration issued by the State) if such chassis—
“(1)
is registered under the laws of another State; and
“(2)
is operating under a trip permit issued by the State.
“(b)
Limitation on Registration of Trailers.—
A State described in subsection (a) may not deny the use of trip permits for the operation in the State of a container chassis that is registered under the laws of another State.
“(c)
Safety Regulation.—
This section shall apply to registration requirements only and shall not affect the ability of the State to regulate for safety.
“(d)
Penalties.—
No State described in subsection (a), political subdivision of such a State, or person may impose or collect any fee, penalty, fine, or other form of damages which is based in whole or in part upon the nonpayment of a State registration fee (including related weight and licensing fees assessed as part of registration) attributable to a container chassis operated in the State (and registered in another State) before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998], unless it is shown by the State, political subdivision, or person that such container chassis was not operated in the State under a trip permit issued by the State.
“(e)
Container Chassis Defined.—
In this section, the term ‘container chassis’ means a trailer, semi-trailer, or auxiliary axle used exclusively for the transportation of ocean shipping containers.”