61-4-225. Loaner license plates -- issuance -- restrictions on use. (1) On application and payment of an annual fee of $25 for a set, the department may issue loaner plates to a new motor vehicle dealer as defined in 61-4-201.

(2) Loaner license plates may be displayed only on a new motor vehicle:

(a) that remains on a manufacturer's statement of origin;

(b) that is in the inventory of the dealer and held primarily for resale; and

(c) that the dealer loans to a customer while the dealer is repairing the customer's vehicle.

(3) A dealer shall maintain records detailing to whom a vehicle bearing loaner plates has been loaned, the date of the loan, the date on which the vehicle bearing loaner plates is to be returned, and the actual date of the vehicle's return. These records must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person or entity to whom the vehicle has been loaned and the name of a contact person who will oversee the actual operation and use of the vehicle. The records are subject to audit by the department.

(4) It is the responsibility of the person or entity to whom the vehicle bearing loaner plates was loaned to carry, while operating or in actual physical control of the vehicle, written proof that the person or entity is authorized to operate or be in actual physical control of the vehicle.

(5) If a dealer allows a person or entity to operate or retain actual physical control of a vehicle bearing loaner plates in violation of this section, the department may suspend the dealer's right to use the loaner plates for a period not to exceed 6 months.