Bottom line I'm trying to say that if the military has no problems with the
old vehicles wearing their "war paint" why should any state. The only
problems any of my groups members have ever had was when one
didn't have his license plate clearly visible. It was partially covered by
the spare tire on his M151A1. The policeman gave him a verbal warning
then proceeded to ask several questions, out of curiosity, about the
jeep. The other member was stopped on Fort Sill in his 1953 M38A1 by
the MPs soon after several M151A2s were stolen from the post. Once
he explained what his jeep was and he showed them the registration,
they let him go on his merry way. It was simply a quick history lesson
and the M Ps realized their mistake.
I have not pursued this issue from an "official" standpoint, but if I ever get
the time, maybe I'll ask someone so I can begin the "red tape runaround."
As to the comment about the Confederate Air Force not getting busted
for using WWII USAAF markings, remember, the Federal Aviation
Administration is a federal agency versus our military vehicles being
regulated by state agencies. Also, the government used to required the
overpainting or other eradication of all national insignia on military aircraft
prior to their removal from the installation. Remember in the early days
the CAF did not paint their aircraft in national markings for this very
reason. They have ultimately prevailed in being able to use the national
markings, but I don't think the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) are a
good analogy to each states Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.
Perhaps this would be a good article for either Army Motors or Military
Vehicle magazine to pursue! Maybe the MVPA has something on this
somewhere in their files.
Jim Rice
'43 GPW--Restored (bad engine in rebuild)
'52 M38--In restoration
'54 M38A1--Restored