Committee advances bill to align Alaska vehicle registration rules with federal 25‑year import exemption

Senator Kathy Tilton introduced Senate Bill 239 to the Senate Transportation Committee on March 24, describing Alaska as an "outlier" for enforcing an older administrative classification that blocks legal importation and registration of vehicles eligible under the federal 25‑year exemption. "Why we are stuck in the year 1981," Tilton said in her recap, arguing SB 239 would align Alaska's registration rules with federal practice.

Collectors and importers testified in support. Judy Snyder, a vehicle collector and business owner, said federal law allows legal importation of cars 25 years and older but Alaska has been denying titles and registration, causing confusion for owners. "I urge you to support Senate Bill 239 to help bring clarity and common sense to this issue," Snyder told the committee. Chris Blankenship, co‑founder of Right Hand Drive Alaska, said the DMV has applied inconsistent classifications—sometimes treating older right‑hand‑drive cars as all‑terrain vehicles—which has led to denials and threatened registration revocations in 2026 in some cases.

Committee members heard the testimony and closed public comment. A committee motion to report SB 239 (version 34‑LS‑1371) from committee with individual recommendations and the attached fiscal note carried with no objection.

Next steps: Senate Bill 239 was reported from the Senate Transportation Committee on March 24 and will proceed with committee recommendations and its fiscal note.