49 U.S.C. § 31701: Definitions

the International Registration Plan, has the same meaning given the term “apportionable vehicle” under the Plan; and the International Fuel Tax Agreement, has the same meaning given the term “qualified motor vehicle” under the Agreement. “fuel use tax” means a tax imposed on or measured by the consumption of fuel in a motor vehicle. “International Fuel Tax Agreement” means the interstate agreement on collecting and distributing fuel use taxes paid by motor carriers, developed under the auspices of the National Governors’ Association. “International Registration Plan” means the interstate agreement on apportioning vehicle registration fees paid by motor carriers, developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. “Regional Fuel Tax Agreement” means the interstate agreement on collecting and distributing fuel use taxes paid by motor carriers in the States of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. “State” means the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia. is registered under the laws of another State; and is operating under a trip permit issued by the State. A State described in subsection (a) may not deny the use of trip permits for the operation in the State of a container chassis that is registered under the laws of another State. This section shall apply to registration requirements only and shall not affect the ability of the State to regulate for safety. No State described in subsection (a), political subdivision of such a State, or person may impose or collect any fee, penalty, fine, or other form of damages which is based in whole or in part upon the nonpayment of a State registration fee (including related weight and licensing fees assessed as part of registration) attributable to a container chassis operated in the State (and registered in another State) before the date of enactment of this Act [ Oct. 21, 1998 ], unless it is shown by the State, political subdivision, or person that such container chassis was not operated in the State under a trip permit issued by the State. In this section, the term ‘container chassis’ means a trailer, semi-trailer, or auxiliary axle used exclusively for the transportation of ocean shipping containers.”