So, VIN plate on my 2004 shows a manufacturing date of 05/03. That means that in Maryland I could apply for a Historic registration, not have to ever do an emission test again, and cut my registration fee to a quarter. What's not to like!

The one thing though is that the MVA page says that the car must "be 20 calendar years old or older". I assume they refer to the manufacturing date that recorded on the VIN, not the model year, right?

 

Here in Missouri it's 25 years, and can only be applied to 'collector' cars that can't be driven more than 1000 miles a year.

 

Every state is different, check your states dmv site for all of the requirements.

Here in PA i've been on "classic" reg since 2019(15 years old) no emissions, no yearly registration/fees, no driving/mileage restrictions.

 

I need to clarify my request. What I'd like to know is how the MVA calculates "age". The rule in MD says the car must be "20 calendar years old or older". Does that calculate from the manufacturing date (in my case, May 2003) or the model year (in my case, 2004).

The first case means I can apply for a historic registration now, the second means I would need to wait until January 2024.

Thanks!

 

If there is no fee involved with filing, I'd say give it a shot, or call and ask a worker at the dmv.

 

These are the limitations in MD: "A vehicle registered as historic cannot be used for general daily transportation, or primarily for the transportation of passengers or property on highways. It can only be used in exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, occasional transportation and similar uses. They will not be used for employment, transportation to and from employment or school, or for commercial purposes."

One could fit a lot under the "occasional transportation" heading so as long as one doesn't use it as a daily computer car, which I don't, it's a must-do IMO.

 

If they don't have a hard set mileage limit, that's good.
That's a whole bunch of wiggle room there.

I like driving mine too much to limit it to 1000 miles a year that they require here.

 

it’s 25 years in Texas 😭

.

 

As I said earlier the VIN plate on my 2004 shows a manufacturing date of 05/03. I therefore assumed that the car is now older than the 20 years MD requires for Historic plates. I applied and they initially rejected the request, going by the 2004 model year. I pushed back and they reverted the decision: "The MVA will go by the date on the Certificate of Origin which is July 11, 2003. You may resubmit your application on July 11, 2023."

So, for all of you out there looking to getting historic plates, at least in MD, the Certificate of Origin is the official date that determines the "age" of the car.

 

30 years in Spain.
Crazy.

 

in that case … 😭😭😭

honestly though, my expectation is the Second Coming will occur before mine makes it, and that suits me just fine to be finally done with all of the worldly spirit running amuck. 😆
.

 

This concept of 'historical plates' for something that isn't even 30 years old always has me scratching my head… I've owned comic books for longer and I even think I still have an old skateboarding hat from the 90's too.

Funnily enough, electric instrument (guitars, etc) enthusiasts / collectors are very concerned with the idea of something being 'vintage' as well. Except the fact that well kept acoustic instruments can survive for HUNDREDS of years, but that fact kind've goes right over most people's heads for some reason. Imo, the vintage / historical needle doesn't start until reaching 100 years. For example, my French cello from 1937, well kept and not very old.

I think the concern with owning / being apart of something 'historic' is rooted in human frailty as we all hold a desire to be apart of something we view as meaningful in our own lifetime.

 

I have my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 insured by State Farm Insurance as a classic car for a full $50k with no depreciation , and it cut my insurance premium in half. I don't care about having classic car plates. State Farm Insurance is now the majority owner of Hagerty's Insurance, a longtime classic and specialty car insurer. Their underwriters looked over my car, its rarity (only 1000 were made to its USA specs) , and the equipment upgrades it had, its present stellar


condition, and they checked out what similar 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 have brought at auction, including one that went for $42K in 2021., and they approved my request for $50k valuation.

The car is NOT my daily driver and it is garaged when at home.

Cheers and best to you

 

got my 2004 rx-8 registered with no emissions test here because its over 20 years old in NC. I waited until January 2024 to register it

 

Have you checked your state law regarding driving or mileage restrictions with Historic plates? Many others have stated that there are restrictions in their state and here in Ohio, we have heavy restrictions. The car is only permitted to he driven to car shows, parades, club events, and to and from repair or service facilities. Its not a law that's enforced heavily, but you might get that one guy that will write you or tow your car. I have a few cars with historic plates, but they are older. I have my 80 RX-7 LS, 88 10th Anniversary RX-7, and my Porsche 944 resgistered as historical. But they arent driven a lot and they look the part as they are older. To an unknowing police officer, the RX-8 may look to new to him or her and you may get pulled over. If you're in violation of your state's restrictions, you could land in hot water.

 

They dont give plates here until 30 year old in NC , 20 year is cut off line for smog/emissions though ... thank god because I have an aftermarket high efficiency cat and I am pretty sure it wont pass emissions because it smells !

 

In Missouri, you can drive a vehicle with "Historic Vehicle" plates 1000 miles a year with restrictions.

Only for 'Collector' or 'Show' cars used for display or educational purposes.

 

I personally could care less about having historic plates and registration for my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition RX8 here in Texas.

What matters far more to me is that my car has classic car status with my State Farm Insurance Company (which is the majority owner of Hagerty's Insurance now) ,and it is fully insured for $50,000 with no depreciation. I dont have any restrictions on driving it, but just agree to keep it garaged when not driven, and certify it isn't my daily driver, which it isn't anymore. The car was inspected and appraised by State Farm's underwriters, taking into account what some 40th Anniversary Editions had gone for at auction, and my State Farm insurance premiums dropped 50%.

I drive it with my regular Texas registration and plates. It has a performance cat and midpipe from Rotary Performance in Garland, Texas and it easily passes Texas emission inspections each year.

Tell me what benefits having historic car registration and plates gives you that makes up for your driving restrictions, and worrying about getting a citation from cops. I have no such worries and restrictions.

Cheers and best to you all.

 

Wow, I didn't know it before.