Any motor vehicle owned by a veteran with a disability who shall ever have been eligible for certain benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq. or Public Law 538, 93rd Congress shall be registered, but shall be exempt from the payment of registration fees; provided that such exemption shall be limited to 1 automobile per eligible veteran at any 1 time. The Secretary shall furnish, without cost, number and registration plates for all such vehicles of such design as will distinguish them from other plates for which fees are paid. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as exempting such vehicles from the requirement of inspection.