Beginning September 1, 2024, a new law in Oklahoma, known as the Mason Treat Act (SB2035), will come into effect, drastically changing the rules around temporary paper tags on vehicles. This legislation is named in honor of Mason Treat, the son of Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat, who was critically injured in a traffic stop incident in January 2024.
The Mason Treat Act aims to improve road safety and compliance by limiting the duration of temporary paper tags to just ten days after purchasing a vehicle in Oklahoma. Under the new law, vehicle buyers must obtain a metal license plate and two temporary decals through a new pre-registration process within these ten days. After completing the pre-registration, buyers will have an additional two months from the date of purchase to fully register their vehicles. They must also pay for the tag, title, and tax during this period.
Senator Greg Treat, the primary sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of the new law, calling it “the most important bill” he has worked on this year and possibly during his career. He believes the law will enhance road safety and ensure greater accountability for car owners. By requiring timely registration, the law helps prevent situations where the previous owner of a sold vehicle could still be held liable for any incidents involving the vehicle due to outdated registration information.
The legislation responds to ongoing concerns about the misuse of temporary paper tags, which have been linked to numerous issues, including unregistered vehicles, unpaid fees, and difficulty tracking vehicles involved in criminal activities. The tragic incident involving Mason Treat highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations to ensure public safety and accountability.
With the new law set to take effect, Oklahoma drivers and car buyers must be aware of these changes to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. To learn more about the new process for vehicle registration under the Mason Treat Act, visit Service Oklahoma at oklahoma. gov. There, you can find the three-step guide called “Ready, Set, Tag!” that provides detailed instructions on completing the pre-registration, obtaining your temporary decals, and securing your metal license plate.
As the Mason Treat Act becomes a reality, Oklahoma is taking a significant step towards safer roads and more accountable vehicle ownership. The law’s impact will likely be monitored closely, serving as an example for other states considering taking similar measures to address the challenges associated with temporary paper tags and unregistered vehicles.