Antique License Plates

[Lin]

It's time to renew my California registration on the bus.  They only charge me about $65/year, but I remember seeing something here about qualifying for antique plates that cost only around $25.  This is not a huge deal in the scheme of bus things, but why pay more than required?  I was interested in seeing if anyone had actually gone this route and if there could be problems with it.  Thanks

[Mike in GA]

The availability of antique or classic plates (at reduced rates) seems to vary greatly from state to state. In GA where there is a hefty value-based tax on vehicles, plus a modest plate charge, I was very interested in such a deal, for my 25+ years old MCI. Unfortunately this type of plate is only available for cars.
     It is different in other states, and I have met some BusNuts who have saved some money reclassifying their rig to take advantage of the law. Check your local DMV, but be careful, occasionally some of those low cost antique plates have restrictions such as driving only on Sat-Sun, etc.
     Good luck!
Mike in GA

[rv_safetyman]

As Mike said, it varies from state to state.  I lucked out last year and got antique plates (no restrictions) under the 25 year old rule.  You have to buy 5 years worth of renewals.  In my case, that was about $650.  However, that was a bargain, as I had to have my bus emission tested at $120 per test per year!!!!!  With the antique plates you don't need to do that.

Right after I got mine, the state changed the rules and I think the vehicle has to be a '72 or prior now.  Well over half my "fleet" now has antique plates (only two have normal plates)

That said, my female bus (what else?) took offense at being labeled as old and promptly  spit up the engine

Jim

[pd4501-771]

Antique plates....one of the few things Illinois still does right ! (for now)  Renewal sticker lasts five years for $30. Restrictions are: 25 year old vehicle, used to and from shows, parades, meets, Rallys, repairs, etc. This is not overly enforced....as long as your antique does not become your daily driver. No odometer statement. I don't believe there is a total mileage restriction. (can't remember, never an issue for me)  No emission testing. (yet) You can also display "home state year-of-manufacture" period correct plates. You must carry your current IL. antique plates with you, but do not have to display them. I like to take it to the extreme ! Never stopped yet. (yet....that is)

Tom McNally

[Tenor]

Michigan has it SWEET!  25+ years of age, qualifies you for Original Authentic plates or historic plates.  Last I read, Historic plates are $30 and last for 13(?) or so years.  Authentic are also $30, but last FOREVER!  Since I belong to an old car club and 2 bus clubs, I am almost ALWAYS going to a rally or camping to go to a car show.  Love it!

Glenn

[gus]

Ark has some of those other restrictions but the one that kills the deal is the 2500 miles per year restriction.

I have a bunch of oldies with antique plates but not the buses. I'm afraid that if I change them from motorhomes I might not be able to get them back.

[Chopper Scott]

I seriously doubt anyone will come out and check on your 2500 mile limitation. We have the same restrictions here in Nebraska as far as antique plates. But my bus has motorhome plates. Probably different.

[mc5a Jon]

I bought a 68' kansas license plate from an antique shop for 5 bucks. Then took it down to the dmv, they took a pict of it and it is now

the permanent tag for my bus. 17 bucks a year no inspections, mileage restrictions, or expiration. Drawback is the county the plate was

originally issued to is now part of the tag #. MN1234 for example with out the MN will not come up as my bus when run by law

enforcement. I've never been pulled over but I have had to explain that to police more than once.