Committee hears bill to align Alaska vehicle import rules with federal 25‑year standard; DMV says regs pending

Senate Bill 239, presented March 31 by Senator Kathy Tilton and staff, would align Alaska’s vehicle registration and titling language with the federal 25‑year import exemption, replacing a fixed 1981 date in state regulation that staff described as inconsistent with federal practice.

Heath Hilliard, staff to Senator Tilton, told the committee the office’s research found a fixed 1981 date in state regulation rather than a 25‑year rolling cutoff and said the bill is intended to rectify that discrepancy. "So, right now ... under federal law, a vehicle that's 2001 or older can meet this qualification. But under Alaska regulation, it specifies 1981," Hilliard said.

Public commenters urged clarity for owners of imported 'kei' and other older vehicles who have been denied Alaska titles. Chris Blankenship, founder of the Facebook group RHD Alaska, said some imported K‑class vehicles are currently classified in DMV records as APV or 4W and asked whether passage of SB 239 would prompt reclassification so owners can obtain titles and registration.

Judy Snyder, a Wasilla collector and business owner, said Alaska is denying titles for vehicles that meet federal 25‑year rules and urged the legislature to adopt a straightforward fix to align state practice with federal law.

Kathy Wallace, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, called in from Anchorage and told the committee a regulation package submitted by DMV is currently with the Department of Law. "Either way, whether our regulation package moves forward or this bill moves forward, it accomplishes the same task," Wallace said, describing the bill and the rules as companions.

Committee staff and members said inconsistent enforcement over the past one to two years prompted the bill; the committee set SB 239 aside for a further hearing to allow additional review and coordination with administration rulemaking.