Vehicles: registration plates; special plates for dealers; modify. Amends sec. 244 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.244).

SB 878 amends Michigan's vehicle code to allow manufacturers, dealers, and transporters to operate unregistered vehicles on public roads for specific purposes like testing, delivering, or participating in civic events. The bill authorizes these entities to display special plates issued by the Secretary of State to exempt their vehicles from standard registration requirements during these activities. It also introduces a temporary civic event license plate for vehicles donated or loaned by dealers for charity or public events, requiring a $10 fee per plate and strict usage limits tied to the event dates. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that buyers or lessees may use a dealer plate for up to 72 hours after taking possession of a vehicle while completing registration paperwork. The bill includes provisions prohibiting the misuse of these special plates on service vehicles and establishes penalties for unauthorized use or failure to return plates within the allowed timeframe.