Collector Plates

[Speedfreak]

I had in my mind that this year I'd get the collector plates(20yr old car/dsm) and reap all the benefits of them(no front plate, lower insurance, able to drive 6k a year etc). It looks like, there are no benefits because you can't drive the car other then to and from shows? Is this true? Anyone read up on this?

[Tachyon]

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

I had in my mind that this year I'd get the collector plates(20yr old car/dsm) and reap all the benefits of them(no front plate, lower insurance, able to drive 6k a year etc). It looks like, there are no benefits because you can't drive the car other then to and from shows? Is this true? Anyone read up on this?

I suspect it's quite flexible. I know one of the stipulations is it cannot be your only car (I.E. you have to have another currently registered non-collector car in your name). I know people that have collector plates for various mid-80's Japanese cars and they drive 'em all over town... never been an issue for them. YMMV.

[Matt D.]

https://www.mvrenewal.state.mn.us/FAQSP.htm

Collector Vehicle Registration
Applications for registration in one of the collector classes must be made at a deputy registrar office or by mailing an Application to Title/Reg a Vehicle (ps2000) and appropriate fees to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street Suite 164, St. Paul, MN 55101.

• Vehicles registered in any of the collector classes are restricted to operation solely as a collector item. These vehicles cannot be used for general transportation purposes
• You will be issued a 60-day permit if applying at a deputy registrar office so you may operate the vehicle until you receive your license plates in the mail
• Initial Application Fees: Plate: $15.00 for double plates, $13.50 for a single plate, $25 one-time registration tax ($10 for Classic Motorcycle) plus $8.50 filing fee.
• Collector plates may be personalized, see the Personalized plate section above for fees and restrictions
• For additional information about the following Collector Classes please visit your local motor vehicle office or email: motor.vehicles@state.mn.us

Collector Classes and Requirements

Pioneer Plate

• May be displayed on any motor vehicle (except recreational) manufactured prior to 1936

Classic Plates

• May be displayed on any motor vehicle manufactured between and including the years 1925-1948, designated as a classic car under Minnesota Statutes, section 168.10 subdivision 1b, excluding any type of commercial or recreational vehicle.

Collector Plates

• May be displayed on any motor vehicle (except recreational) that is at least 20 model years old and manufactured after 1935.
• At the time of application, the owners must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates.

Street Rod Plates

• May be displayed on any modernized motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949 or any motor vehicle designed and manufactured to resemble a motor vehicle manufactured prior to 1949
• At the time of application, the owners must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates.

Classic Motorcycle Plate

• May be displayed on any motorcycle that is at least 20 model years old, original in appearance, and owned solely as a collector's item
• At the time of application, the owners must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates.

Original Minnesota Plates

• Original plates are plates with an issue year that is the same as the vehicle model year, or that display a tab or registration sticker that is the same as the vehicle model year (i.e., an original 1965 license plate with a 1966 validation sticker may be used on a 1966 vehicle).
• May be displayed on any vehicle that qualifies for collector registration or is at least 20 years old registered in the passenger class.
• The original plate cannot conflict with a license plate series currently in use, or reserved for use by the department.
• Original plates cannot be displayed until the Driver and Vehicle Services Division approves the application.

[Speedfreak]

I'm just curious how flexible the driving restrictions are. The lady at the dmv made it sound pretty strict. Also, what about tooling around at 1-3am... Going to have a target on me(open reason to pull me over whenever they want)?

[93gtpeater]

My dad has cars with collector plates. He drives them all the time and he hadnt had a problem. I get pulledover driving them. Always get asked if my dad knows iam driving the car. They never said anything about the collector plate. You should be fine. If you get pulled over tell you had some work done to it.

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

I'm just curious how flexible the driving restrictions are. The lady at the dmv made it sound pretty strict. Also, what about tooling around at 1-3am... Going to have a target on me(open reason to pull me over whenever they want)?

Of course they make it sound strict because it technically is, but when is the last time you heard someone with collector plates being hassled by the cops? I never have.

[HiImBrian]

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

I had in my mind that this year I'd get the collector plates(20yr old car/dsm) and reap all the benefits of them(no front plate, lower insurance, able to drive 6k a year etc). It looks like, there are no benefits because you can't drive the car other then to and from shows? Is this true? Anyone read up on this?

Wonderful idea! I like the no front plate rule, but what's this about cheaper insurance? Do you have to register it as a collectors car to get that benefit?

[Speedfreak]

Originally Posted by HiImBrian

Wonderful idea! I like the no front plate rule, but what's this about cheaper insurance? Do you have to register it as a collectors car to get that benefit?

I believe part of the process to get the plates is to register it as a collector car..?

[turbotalon1g]

I'm just wondering about the mileage limit, but would be interested in this also.

[1QUICK4]

I never got hassled for driving my Chevelle all the time with collector plates. I switched to a normal plate so I didn't have to worry about it though. Been kicking around the idea of collector plate on my bike though.


Any car made after 1968 has to run 2 plates regardless if they're collector plates or not.

[awd-drifter]

I don't think there is a 'mileage' limit unless the cop has a keen eye on you. I haven't been pulled over twice with gvr4. I currently have no front plate on, just the rear. Excellent link Matt D.

[Goat Blower]

The collector plate is perfect if it's your second car. They don't look that closely.

[TkrPerformance]

never had a problem with them at all. all you need is a 2nd car in your name. also if the car is not 1969 or old you will have to have the front plate on it even with the collector plates on it. you will still get a no front plate ticket

[Speedfreak]

Still needing a second plate sucks. Anyone confirm insurance rates are lower? If not, there really isn't any benefit to the plates.

[CornFed2.4]

My buddy pays $35 for his vette, full coverage. Hes married, 28 yrs young and has a decent driving record. Hope that helps.

[mlomker]

Originally Posted by TkrPerformance

you will still get a no front plate ticket

Haven't got a ticket yet with the Evo. Unless I start getting one every month, I'm not running one.

[Tachyon]

Originally Posted by mlomker

Haven't got a ticket yet with the Evo. Unless I start getting one every month, I'm not running one.

Same here IMHO you have to do something above and beyond just a front plate to get pulled over in the metro area.

[C3L1CA]

I haven't gotten pulled over for no front plate, but have gotten a no front plate ticket while parked on the streets in MPLS.

I think you would be pretty safe with the collector plates though as long as you don't drive past the same cop every day. I'd have an excuse ready though incase you did get pulled over.

[cmspaz]

Originally Posted by Tachyon

Same here IMHO you have to do something above and beyond just a front plate to get pulled over in the metro area.

I got ONE in the Talon over two years, I was parked on the street in dinkytown. Dumb mistake on my part. Started propping it up inside the bumper when street parking after that and never got another.

I was waved over once on an onramp by a Plymouth cop while they were doing a random DOT check on trucks, I just got a warning, he didn't even run my crap.

[mlomker]

Originally Posted by cmspaz

when street parking after that and never got another.

That's exactly it. I avoid parking the Evo on the street. I think in front of Scheides' house is the only place that I ever have.