antique plate is it worth it,michigan

[Lonnie time to go]

just wondering if antique plates have to many rules.
It is really cheap to have this in michigan $35.00 in michigan.
Does anyone know the rules if you have one or if the cops give you a hard time.

[tekebird]

contact your dmv/dot

[tekebird]

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hplate_16252_7.pdf

[Ncbob]

Our bus is 40 years old and is definitely an antique, as is the driver. When I first got the bus I bought a vanity plate. Considering the additional $25.00 on top of the renewal fee (and no doubt an antique plate would have the same considerations) I'll opt for simply blending in with the masses and draw as little attention to the age of this old girl as I can. Who knows? They might soon find a way of putting a tax on age!

Bob

[Tenor]

I have a 1968 plate on my bus, and had a 1970 plate on my first bus.  I had no problems.  Even if Iwould have been stopped, I was usually camping with my car club - therefore covered as a club event.  My tow car on a flatbed will usually be my 64 Ford Galaxie.  I think membership in most rv clubs may qualify. 

Glenn

[fraser8]

Here in BC, Canada the Collector plate runs about $250 to $350 per year and includes insurance (with collision) I have them on my collector cars, anything over 25 years. Motor homes aren't eligible. The collector plate allows you to use the vehicle for anything but to work or school. The antique plate is only to be used for club functions or driving grads, weddings etc. It is half the cost of the other plate.

[Charles Seaton]

Here in NY I have historic plates and antique insurance on seated buses.  Cannot have them on converted  (unless shell delivered as a motorhome from factory?)

[edroelle]

Many people use the historic plates in MI when they can.  The wording is something like shows, parades, ...  Some individuals purchase a license plate on Ebay of the same year as their coach.

It seems that bus travels, always involve going to one of the clubs rallies, which includes showing your bus at the rally and parading into the campground. 

I have not heard of anyone having any difficulties.  One bus nut with a sly sense of humor, Ray Goff (now deceased), was stopped by a highway patrol.  Questioned about his historic license plate, Ray responded,     "WHENEVER I take my bus out, it IS a show !! "  No problem.

There are 2 active clubs in Michigan, the surrounding states, and Ontario.   Join us at a rally.

Ed Roelle
edroelle@yahoo.com

[Barn Owl]

Varies by state, but in VA it does save money, hassles, and headaches.  That is only secondary for me because I think it is cool to have vintage plates. My plates came from a junk yard; $25.

[zimtok]

Tennessee has a weight limit on "antique" plates that prohibits them being used on buses or large trucks. The limits on antique car plates are mileage, to and from events and mechanics shop only. (it is never really enforced)

My bus is still registered in Missippi with antique plates. The previous owner said we can run them as long as we want. You buy them once and are done until the vehicle title/registration is transfered to sombody else. Antique plates in Missippi have simalar restrictions as Tennessee and are rarely enforced.


.

[tekebird]

the way I read the Michigan DOT is NOT modified......also limits your use to the stated functions.... likey a non issue until you get pulled over or get into an accident

Most states do not allow vintage.historic or antique plates on vehicles that have been modified, or modified to a use other than originally intended.

PA's wording is similar to that of MI and it is a NO NO.  My dad was the first one in PA to have a Seated restored coach with an antique plate, and also one with a historic plate.  Also has been pulled over with one......if it were a motorhome would have been a big fine.

Really depends on your cop I suppose.

[Tenor]

Teke -
In MI, my bus is titled as a motorhome, with the authentic plate.  They would have a hard time saying I couldn't use it as a motorhome assuming I am at club events.  However, maybe PA won't change the title from a bus to a motorhome if authentic plates are going to be used, or maybe they won't issue the plate under these circumstances? 

Glenn

[tekebird]

I did not say it could not be done...

but remeber we live in a society of lawyers.

get in an accident and someone will rate you out for taking it on a summer vacation to Florida or something.

Application state the following

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

now if every time you head out you have a registration form for a event that is somewher eon your route.....then your likely covered.

PA will not issue a collectors plate ( antique/historic for a motorhome at all) Buses yes, trucks yes, cars and motorcycles yes.

Motorhomes and travel trailers....NOPE  I suppose if you belonged to an antique motorhome association and could show that people collect motorhomes  and travel trailers you could get them to change that

[Barn Owl]

Glad I don't live in PA. What a hassle!