Mars Gets An Antique Registration

[spewey at comcast.net (Spewey)]

Peter wrote:
> I invite everyone to look into getting a special tag for their Scirocco,
> because they're cool, and they usually don't have any expiration of the
> registration sticker/tag, and no more inspections, EVER.
> 
> In 2008, I'm going to register the '83 Rabbit GTI 3A, the '83 Rabbit
> GTI-Caged Rabbit, and my '83 Pickup, as "Antiques". Then New Castle county
> can't say $hit about any of my cars. :)

Well, yes they can if you drive them regularly because according to 
Delaware law Title 21, Section 2196c PROCEDURES FOR DELAWARE RESIDENTS 
FOR ANTIQUE VEHICLES:

/Any antique motor vehicle, registered pursuant to this section, shall 
be used only for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, 
parades and similar uses, but in no event shall it be used for general 
transportation./

In addition, you are probably afoul of this clause;

/A vehicle, which has undergone substantial alterations from its 
original specifications and appearance, or has had its horsepower or 
dimensions changed, shall not be eligible for an antique license plate 
pursuant to this section./

source:
http://www.dmv.de.gov/services/vehicle_services/titles/ve_title_antique.shtml

That's also what Minnesota's law looks like:

/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.  At the time of application, the owners 
must certify that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular 
Minnesota license plates./

http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/PlBrochure/Collector.htm

And that's why I won't be getting them even though both my DDs are 
eligible.  It is against the law and you can be found guilty of perjury:

/Any false statement willfully and knowingly made in regard thereto 
shall be deemed perjury and punished accordingly./

YMMV, check the laws in your jurisdiction before going nuts.  I just got 
new plates for my 86 Audi 5K, $35 for tabs, $5 fees, and $5 extra this 
year because I needed to buy actual new plates with a new number.  (I 
spent more to fill the tank on the way)  Every 7 years we have to 
replace them for wear I guess.  I am proud to be on my fourth set and as 
much as I would like to have free ones that say COLLECTOR, I can abide 
the law for that minor fee.  Luckily emissions testing is history here.