(a) Registration under section 14-12 is unnecessary for equipment used on a construction project if: (1) The equipment is operated on that part of a highway closed by the Commissioner of Transportation under title 13a, or closed by any comparable authority of a municipality or public corporation, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction of a public highway, or appurtenances thereto, pursuant to a contract with the state, a municipality or a public corporation, or is operated within the area defined by such a construction contract; (2) an identifying registration certificate and number plate are obtained from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; and (3) the state does not suffer any loss of revenues granted or to be granted from any agency or department of the federal government. An annual fee of ten dollars shall be charged for the identifying registration certificate and marker. On and after July 1, 1992, the fee shall be twelve dollars.

      (b) Each identifying registration certificate issued under subsection (a) of this section shall be valid for a period of not longer than one year, and shall expire on the last day of April following its issuance.

      (c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall direct how the number plate shall be affixed to the equipment.