I've got a dumb question and need brilliant answers lol, I went into the michigan sec of states office to see about getting histerical plates for my bus, the cost is 30 bucks for 10 years and the restrictions are that they are supposed to be used for parades and for driving the histerical vehicle (over 26 years old) to and from shows, rallys, etc. She told me I had better not get caught at a walmart or state park using them or I would be ticketed, I told her that unless she can drive none stop to florida or other places like that I don't see anything in the regulations that prevent me from hitting a state park at the end of the day. I have read the requirements frontwards, backwards and using my special former state employees powers, sideways and see nothing about overnighting being forbidden, now for the question, has anyone else had any problems along those lines. I find that I can even still get my handicapper tag on them so I can get the really good parking places at walmart with the bus still lol. Michigan charges 90 cents per 100 pounds for my bus for normal plates and while I realize that it's on a decending scale cause it's an iggle it still is a bunch of money. Has anyone ever been approached or questioned about the use of these plates by any members of the law enforcement community?
bump lol
As license plates are about State/Provincial tax revenue...
Nobody outside Michigan is going to care about your plates, except that they are current, as it has nothing to do with them.
While in-State, having a copy of the current regulations with you on the road, asking the countie mountie to show you which part you are in violation of, how can you go wrong?
It will cost the State more to enforce than they can get out of you.
The commercial operators present far more lucrative fishing grounds for more revenue.
However, you have to be smart in more than one regulation: don't get accused of being a commercial vehicle with those plates...
Go for it!
happy coaching!
buswarrior
They arn't commercial only historical.
Not a lafing mater
Well , TomC beat me too it! I opened this thread thinking that it would be about funny license plates :D
Concerning historical license plates, CO is a great state. Your vehicle has to be 25 years old. I believe they changed the law to state that it must pass emissions the first time and then you no longer have to do the testing. You have to buy 5 years worth of plates at a time (~~ $650 for my bus) and then you are good to go. Can use without restrictions and I no longer have to pay over $110 each year for an emission test.
Having said that, I think my bus was pi@@ed off about being call an old bus. Shortly after I got the plates, the engine problem got much worse >:( :o
Many states have the same regulations you mention for the historical plates. Very limited usage and only daytime. I would be very careful about getting those plates. I have heard of states really cracking down on improper use of the vehicle.
As has been pointed out, once you are out of state, you will probably not have a problem.
Jim
Historical Plates are 25 bucks for 5 years in Texas you see a lot of older buses here with the plates
good luck
HAHAHA
Did you mean: hysterical
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=histerical&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi= (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=histerical&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=)
Taken straight from the application form:
Many antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles qualify for special registration as Michigan historical vehicles. A qualifying vehicle may be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State either with a Michigan historical vehicle plate, or an actual Michigan license plate of the same year the vehicle was manufactured.
A Historical vehicle must be:
- 26 or more years old -- based on model year.
- Owned solely as a collector's item.
- Used only for events such as historical club activities, parades, and car shows.
Note: A designated historical vehicle cannot be used for routine transportation.I think that the last part (that I put in bold) is the sticking point.
I kinda figure any time I'm in the bus I'm heading for a show lol.
codyhave been running a michigan historical plate on my flx for over 10 years. currently in florida never had any trouble.you are not to use it as a daily driver. jim
We don't use it as a daily driver anyway, mainly as home some of the time but unless we're on the road we use our truck for runs to the store and our daily stuff.
I think the only restriction on a collector plate in the state of MN is that you have to have another vehicle registered with the state. Gumpy can answer in more detail as he is the one who has MN collector plates on his bus. I have another 10 years before I can think about collector plates.
you can go to your garage to fix something, my garage happens to be in florida.
i dont think you would have a problem.
I've been running them for about 7 years in MN. Not a single problem. Only been stopped once, last summer in KS, and the officer initially asked if I had a current registration. I explained that one was current as they only issue one for life when you get collector plates. He said, "Oh yeah, that's right."
It saves me about $270 a year.
And every time I go someplace, I show off my bus. As far as I'm concerned, that's no different than a 57 Chevy at a car show. Just a bit bigger and more expensive!
It's all about money. MN denies every application, even though the law says nothing about motorhomes being excluded. I had to work hard to convince them. So far,
I'm not aware of anyone else being successful since.
Hi Craig,
I looked into getting a collector plate for our MC 8 recently after taking the 4 hour refresher defensive driving course. The course is taught by a retired highway patrolman so I asked him about it. He referred me to the DPS website and the appropriate law 168.10. I found that Minnesota law now excludes Motorhomes from using collector plates. Please look it up for yourself. Unfortunately the state wants us to pay the same license fee as a commercial truck of equal weight even though we only use our motorhome 4 or 5 times a year. I am going to look into licensing in Montana.
Thanks, Sam 4106/MC8
Quote from: Sam 4106 on December 12, 2009, 06:48:59 PM
Hi Craig,
I looked into getting a collector plate for our MC 8 recently after taking the 4 hour refresher defensive driving course. The course is taught by a retired highway patrolman so I asked him about it. He referred me to the DPS website and the appropriate law 168.10. I found that Minnesota law now excludes Motorhomes from using collector plates. Please look it up for yourself. Unfortunately the state wants us to pay the same license fee as a commercial truck of equal weight even though we only use our motorhome 4 or 5 times a year. I am going to look into licensing in Montana.
The MN Department of Public Safey website claims that collector plates do not apply to motorhomes. I looked at the actual statute and motorhomes are not excluded. Craig got his plate after arguing with the DPS that the actual statute doesn't exclude motorhomes. I suspect they would argue a motorhome is not owned and operated solely as a collector's item.
Here is the actual statute:
Subd. 1c.Collector's vehicle, collector plate.(a) The owner of any self-propelled motor vehicle, including any truck, (1) that is (i) at least 20 model years old, or (ii) at least ten model years old and with a body or engine style of which not more than 500 were manufactured in or imported into the United States in any model year, (2) that was manufactured after 1935, and (3) that is owned and operated solely as a collector's vehicle, shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration as provided in paragraph (b).
(b) The owner shall execute an affidavit stating (1) the name and address of the person from whom purchased and of the new owner, (2) the make of the motor vehicle, (3) the year and number of the model, (4) the manufacturer's identification number, (5) in the case of a vehicle described in paragraph (a), clause (1)(ii), that the vehicle has a body or engine style of which not more than 500 were manufactured or imported into the United States in any model year, and (6) that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes.
(c) The owner shall provide a statement of the manufacturer or importer regarding the number of vehicles manufactured or imported during the model year.
(d) The owner shall also prove that the owner also has one or more vehicles with regular license plates.
(e) If the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
(f) The number plate issued shall bear the inscription "Collector," "Minnesota," and the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12, subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke the plate for failure to comply with this subdivision.
Wow, amd I thought michigan had hoops to jump thru, minnisota has a whole new chapter on that.
Quote from: cody on December 12, 2009, 08:28:37 PM
Wow, amd I thought michigan had hoops to jump thru, minnisota has a whole new chapter on that.
You wouldn't think it that much work if you could pay $25 plus plate fee for lifetime registration instead of $270 a year. I would think the manufacturer statement would only apply if you are trying to get a collector plate based on less than 500 vehicles manufactured/imported a year.
I was thinking the requirement was 25 years, but it is only 20 years. I only have 5 years to go I guess. MCI may actually have imported less than 500 a year of the Dina so I should probably check that out.
I do know collector plates are abused by some. There are plenty of people with these plates on a 20 year old beater car that are about as collectible as a 'pet rock'.
It probably helps that my bus looks older than dirt. I have been running them since I got mine without a problem. I talked my father in to doing it and his experience has been the same. Saves big $.
As a reply to the pmmed question, yes we have another coach, it's a revcon and for that I would get a hersterical plate, it's libby's lol.
I've been using Michigan historical plates for years and have NEVER had a problem. I'm a member of FMCA, Great Lakes Converted Coaches and Converted Coach Owners and there is always a rally happenin' some where. So go for it and save some big bucks!!!
Cody,
Skip the "Historical" plate that runs out in 10 years and look for an "Authentic" plate - i.e a plate from the year the bus was manufactured. That plate NEVER needs to be replaced and is also only $30 with the same restrictions. I've never had any problems with it on buses since 2006 down here in trollville. As long as you are on route to a "rally", you should be all set.
Glenn
Quote from: Sam 4106 on December 12, 2009, 06:48:59 PM
Hi Craig,
I looked into getting a collector plate for our MC 8 recently after taking the 4 hour refresher defensive driving course. The course is taught by a retired highway patrolman so I asked him about it. He referred me to the DPS website and the appropriate law 168.10. I found that Minnesota law now excludes Motorhomes from using collector plates. Please look it up for yourself. Unfortunately the state wants us to pay the same license fee as a commercial truck of equal weight even though we only use our motorhome 4 or 5 times a year. I am going to look into licensing in Montana.
Thanks, Sam 4106/MC8
Sam,
I'm with Belfert on this one. I just looked, and motorhomes are not listed anywhere in the statute. They never have been.
Here's the statute (as quoted by Brian): https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=168.10 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=168.10)
You probably saw this site: https://dutchelm.dps.state.mn.us/dvsinfo/mainframepublic.asp (https://dutchelm.dps.state.mn.us/dvsinfo/mainframepublic.asp)
This is just the Driver and Vehicle Services' information site, and is incorrect. It has always said that RVs do not qualify, but the statute says nothing of the sort.
Now, getting the state to agree to that will be another matter.
Again, this is just the idiots at the DVS trying to create law to force more money out of us. They're not following the law. Of course, you would have to hire an attorney to force the issue. I tried getting the State Attorney General to tell me the law, but they refused. They said they are not there for the people. They are there to represent the state, and they will not intervene or issue an interpretation unless asked by the DVS. And you know where that will go.
What we need to do is find a MN busnut who's an attorney and willing to press the matter in court. Or maybe if we knew any representatives who would be willing to do their jobs and take up the matter with DVS
Quote from: gumpy
Or maybe if we knew any representatives who would be willing to do their jobs and take up the matter with DVS
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Hi Brian & Craig,
If you type "minnesotadepartmentofpublicsafety" when that page comes up click on "Driver and Vehicle Services" then on the left side click on "Collector Plates. That should get you to "Collector Vehicle Registration". See the second paragraph titled "Display: Recreational vehicles do not qualify for collector class plates". Then scroll down to the picture of a collector plate with number 732-277 on it and it says "Collector plates may only be displayed on vehicles (except Recreational)...." I also saw another place that excludes Motorhomes from collector plates but I can't find it today. These provisions may not be specifically in the law and may only be rules but try to convince someone of that. I am going to look elsewhere for my license plates.
Thanks, Sam 4106/MC8
Cody,
Where do you get these plates, on comedy central or something?
maybe clownboy knows ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I run about six different circa 1956 state plates on my Scenicruiser. Just like back in the good old days. Here in Illinois like many states they allow vintage plates from your home state displayed if vehicle is currently registered as antique. You must carrry your current antique plates with you. I just bend the rules slightly by running a few extras. I been everywhere man.......Never stopped yet!
Tom McNally
Quote from: Sam 4106 on December 13, 2009, 12:47:47 PM
Hi Brian & Craig,
If you type "minnesotadepartmentofpublicsafety" when that page comes up click on "Driver and Vehicle Services" then on the left side click on "Collector Plates. That should get you to "Collector Vehicle Registration". See the second paragraph titled "Display: Recreational vehicles do not qualify for collector class plates". Then scroll down to the picture of a collector plate with number 732-277 on it and it says "Collector plates may only be displayed on vehicles (except Recreational)...." I also saw another place that excludes Motorhomes from collector plates but I can't find it today. These provisions may not be specifically in the law and may only be rules but try to convince someone of that. I am going to look elsewhere for my license plates.
Personally, I would try to make the state follow their own statutes instead of registering elsewhere. The state can potentially view a vehicle registered out of state as tax evasion. Several states have gone after Montana LLCs.
Now, if you own a home in another state, you can probably get by with registering your vehicle out of state. The cost of setting up a Montana LLC in my mind wouldn't make it very cost effective, but in the long term I suppose it saves money.
Quote from: Sam 4106 on December 13, 2009, 12:47:47 PM
Hi Brian & Craig,
If you type "minnesotadepartmentofpublicsafety" when that page comes up click on "Driver and Vehicle Services" then on the left side click on "Collector Plates. That should get you to "Collector Vehicle Registration". See the second paragraph titled "Display: Recreational vehicles do not qualify for collector class plates". Then scroll down to the picture of a collector plate with number 732-277 on it and it says "Collector plates may only be displayed on vehicles (except Recreational)...." I also saw another place that excludes Motorhomes from collector plates but I can't find it today. These provisions may not be specifically in the law and may only be rules but try to convince someone of that. I am going to look elsewhere for my license plates.
Thanks, Sam 4106/MC8
Sam,
Did you try calling any of the numbers at the DMV that I gave you in October at Moose Lake?
Now, when I did mine, I called the Attorney General and had them transfer me to DMV because DMV does not answer incoming calls from the public. Then I got to talk to a real
person. They told me RVs don't qualify, and I asked them to tell me what statute says they don't qualify, and if they can't produce a statute, then they don't have a choice but to
issue them. They eventually issued them.
I guarantee they will reject the application initially. That's when you have to call them in St. Paul and talk to them directly.
DMV cannot make law. They have to follow the state law, and 168.10 says recreation vehicles do qualify for Collector Plates (because they are not excluded in the law).
Is anyone concerned about not having their vehicle listed on the license plate as Recreational Vehicle, Motorhome, Housecar, or similiar? A cop who is a jerk could potentially question why someone without a CDL is operating a vehicle over 26,000 lbs.
Personally, it wouldn't worry me. I'm going to call MCI tomorrow to find out how many Dinas were imported per year. I suspect the number is closer to 1,000 per year, but I can always hope.