Classic Plates | FerrariChat

Classic Plates

Discussion in 'North Midwest - USA (ND, SD, MN, IA, WI, IL)' started by kes7u, Mar 11, 2020.

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  1. kes7u

    kes7u Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 18, 2017
    1,136
    Shorewood, MN
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    Now that my 360 is 20 years old, I believe that I am eligible for classic plates. The best thing about this would be the ability to ditch the front plate for good!!

    I've been doing some reading about this option, though, and I wonder if I should go this route. It seems that in MN, a classic plated car is to be used only when transporting the car to and from shows, and the like. My car is far from a daily driver, and generally driven only occasionally on weekends, and almost always from point A to point A.

    Would it be reasonable for me to go the classic plate route?

    Thanks for your help!
    Kevin
     
  2. Rojo

    Rojo Formula Junior

    Jul 17, 2009
    314
    Stillwater
    Full Name:
    Bob
    I went the classic plate route - you can always go back to standard plates.

    I can't think of anyone who had problems with the classic plates - anyone?


    cheers
     
  3. kes7u

    kes7u Formula 3
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    Oct 18, 2017
    1,136
    Shorewood, MN
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    Thank you! I think I will go that route as well. Definitely an occasional use, non DD car, so I don't anticipate any issues.

    Thanks, again!
    Kevin
     
  4. Joseph Felton

    Joseph Felton Rookie

    Jan 11, 2019
    24
    Minnesota
    Full Name:
    Joseph
    Information
    Original Minnesota license plates may be registered for display on a collector class vehicle if they are part of a series no longer used or reserved for use.

    Policies and Procedures
    How to obtain Collector Plates

    Applications for registration in one of the collector classes must be made at a Deputy Registrar Office or by mailing an Application to Title and Register a Vehicle (PS2000) and the appropriate fees to:

    Driver and Vehicle Services
    445 Minnesota Street Suite 164
    St. Paul, MN 55101

    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.

    Display: Recreational vehicles do not qualify for collector class plates. Collector class vehicles may display a single plate, on either the front or back of the vehicle owned or jointly owned by the applicant.

    Restrictions: Vehicles registered in any of the collector classes are restricted to operation solely as a collector's item and cannot be used for general transportation purposes.

    Personalized Collector Plates: Collector plates may be personalized at an additional cost.

    Expiration: Registration is non-expiring.
     
  5. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
    Full Name:
    The Meister
    I've debated the collector plates several times. In MN they are supposed to be for going to and from classic car events, functions, parades etc. The biggest advantage is if you buy a car and its eligible for collector plates you don't have to pay sales tax when you register it and I believe its a one time registration vs the $41/year renewal for regular plates.. If you've already paid sales tax I see no advantage. Technically you can ditch the front plate but that wont stop someone stopping you when they don't see one on the front thinking you should have one or the car is not old enough. I was pulled over for no front plate in my 94 lotus (which has reg plates). I didn't get a ticket but he would have pulled me over regardless since I doubt he knew the car was eligible for collector plates. IMO, other than avoiding the sales tax I see no upside.
    I get a chuckle out of some of the cars I've seen up here in Duluth with collector plates: K cars, an old Toyota truck, ford escort. One of the stipulations in the collector plate application is that the car also has to be limited production, which people obviously lie about and no one checks.

    For me if the tax has been paid its not worth the potential extra scrutiny be state or local police.

    There was one guy here who had a white 348 and was stopped/questioned in the metro for collector plates and had an issue
     
    kes7u likes this.
  6. kes7u

    kes7u Formula 3
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    Oct 18, 2017
    1,136
    Shorewood, MN
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    Great info. Thank you. The main (only) reason I was considering this was to ditch the front plate. If it isn't going to help with that, as you've mentioned, then definitely not worth the trouble.

    Thanks, again!
    Kevin
     
  7. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
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    The Meister
    I just reviewed the plate restrictions. Any car 20 years or older can run classic plates (same use restrictions ;) and any car 10 model years old and less than 500 units made or imported to USA can run the plates. I guess those with the old toyota trucks are just avoiding the tax or yearly registration.
     
  8. Bmill

    Bmill Karting
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 13, 2011
    189
    California/Minnesota
    Full Name:
    Brad
    Here is the actual statute. The restrictions on use of the car Is not limited to any certain type of event. Only restriction is it Cannot be used for “general transportation”, it is a collectors item ( what is not in the Ferrari world?) and you need a second car registered in MN with a regular plate. I think you win all day long in court if your General car has more miles per year than your collector car. Think of it this way is it special when you take the car out to you or just a general drive to Target? Also looks like my Pista qualifies in 9 more years... EPA certified for 449 units imported.


    §
    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.
     
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  9. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,214
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    #9 2NA, Mar 20, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2020
    Image Unavailable, Please Login A Collector plate won't be a problem in most circumstances. The only place that you might get trouble is if the same cop sees you in rush hour traffic several times. Even then, you are permitted to drive the car for pleasure or to bring it for service before or after work. Having the right story in mind should get you out of any trouble.
     
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  10. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2014
    2,864
    Central FL/NW WI
    You should definitely get a collector plate. Just making it legal to have no front plate is worth it in itself. No real downside whatsoever...
     
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