The Expert Podcast

• Overview of military vehicles sold at surplus auctions like GovPlanet
• Recent actions by many states to restrict these military vehicles from being driven on public roads
• Example from Colorado: Department of Revenue canceled vehicle titles and prohibited highway use for certain military vehicles
• Many Hummer owners received letters reclassifying their vehicles as Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
• Federal government issued bulletins to all 50 states over the last 18 months warning that these military vehicles do not meet Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway standards
• Because some military vehicles are technically not road-legal, states initially allowed them but are now facing pressure
• Federal government withholding some highway funding from states unless they stop titling these vehicles for road use
• States are redefining military surplus vehicles as Off Highway Vehicles, similar to ATVs and snowmobiles, which cannot be licensed for highway use
• Some vehicles may qualify for historical exemptions, allowing use only for parades or museums, not regular driving
• Colorado DMV is transitioning these vehicles to OHV titles only
• Many surplus military vehicles, including some dating back to World War II, are being restricted to off-road use only
• Title revocations and registration rejections happening in multiple states
• Examples: Maine is revoking existing titles, Florida DMV rejecting new registration applications for these vehicles
• Owners should not rely on seeing military vehicles currently on roads as a guarantee they can keep theirs on the road
• Advises vehicle buyers to check directly with their local DMV for the official status and get written confirmation
• Expect increasing federal pressure on states to restrict road use of surplus military vehicles in coming years