Michigan Relaxes Driving Restrictions for Vintage Cars
Hopping into the driver’s seat of a car is a freeing feeling at any age. A loose grip on the wheel and light touch on the pedals give us the capability to go just about anywhere when properly equipped—well, assuming your classic vehicle doesn’t have restrictions on usage based on your registration. Luckily, vintage car owners in Michigan are primed to enjoy this driving season and many more with a little more freedom thanks to the passing of House Bill 4183. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill, which vastly expands the ability to use classic cars, into law on April 2nd with immediate effect.
According to the way the law was previously written, a vehicle with historic or authentic license plates could only be used for “participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but is not used for general transportation.” The new legislation expands the definition of “exhibition” considerably. The full language reads:
Sec. 20a. “Historic vehicle” means a vehicle that is over 25 years old and that is owned solely as a collector’s item and for participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but is not used for general transportation. For purposes of this section, use of the vehicle during the period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year is considered an exhibition.
Plenty of drivers ignored the prior law, but there was always the chance that law enforcement would issue a citation for usage outside of the guidelines. That’s a worry no more, all thanks to an enthusiast just like you and me.
This law stands as a testament to what can be done by grassroots classic car owners, as it was not a lobbying group or organization that made this happen, but rather one person who thought the way the law was written was too much and decided to do something about it. That person was John Russell of Traverse City, Michigan.
“It’s been a long road, but totally worth it,” said Russell. It all started with a group being ticketed for participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise, as the informal driving event did not technically fulfill the letter of the law. The group protested and gained enough traction to amend the ruling in June of 2012 to allow unlimited use for the month of August.
Russell saw this as an opportunity. “That 2012 ruling made me call up my senator and ask why we had restrictions at all.” From there it turned into a letter writing campaign and spooled up into a full-scale lobbying effort before long. Despite some lulls and gaps in progress for the bill, John didn’t give up and before he knew it he was testifying in front of the Michigan state legislature, to which he said, “We aren’t asking for special favors, we are just asking to drive our cars. This is the automotive capital of the world. Why are we restricting people from driving to get ice cream in cool cars?”
Russell’s patience paid off. He got word on April 1st that the bill had passed, and had to reach out to his government contacts to confirm they weren’t pulling his leg. They weren’t, and that meant it was cause for celebration. It took years to get the ear of the right representative who would put together and introduce a bill, and then a full decade after that to complete the process to see said bill signed into law. Despite the wait, the timing is perfect, as owners are just starting to bring out their seasonally-stored vehicles and prepare to enjoy the driving season—now with a little extra driving.
With this win under his belt, Russell’s first question to State Representative John Roth and the bill’s other sponsors was “we can come back in a few years and ask for no restrictions, right?” Russell thinks he has the the right combination of evidence to make that happen, but in the meantime, those of us in Michigan are preparing for a celebratory drive this Memorial Day weekend.
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Amazing they get it past this gov. I Expected she would want to ban them all together.
We have similar law here but no one enforces it as stated unless you have a rusted out Volvo wagon with paint in the back and ladders on the top you drive daily. Even then I can’t say the guy I saw like this ever got pulled over for his historic plates.
It’s almost as if not everything is a conspiracy as cable news would have one believe. Why would the Michigan government knock this down at all? Think about it, they dropped the requirement for MCCA fees in the last few years, the avoidance of which was a main benefit of authentic or historic registration, so allowing people to drive authentic and historic registered cars more does not take any money out of the coffers and makes a sizable bipartisan “win” during an election year. If this legislation would have been knocked down it would have been embarrassing.
Getting too comfortable ignoring laws that “aren’t enforced” is foolish. If you think the law is BS get involved and do something about it. Kudos to John Russell for doing exactly that. We need more people like him.
Not a conspiracy the Gov represents a party with a green agenda and often many in this party do not support anything that could be seen as environmentally unfriendly. Allowing older cars driving more is not a pro green thing.
I will give her credit here for doing the right thing. But in my job working in the performance area we all need to be wary of activist influencing to folks we elected.
Sadly many have been appointed to agencies like the EPA and even after an election they are difficult to remove.
Sadly it is easy to over look simple laws like this as we have greater challenges we will face soon. Some states are looking to have no drive areas for older cars or ICE in general. Yes it could happen as parts of Europe are now doing it.
No tin foil here I just see the laws and the changing of laws not even getting due process.
“But in my job working in the performance area we all need to be wary of activist influencing to folks we elected.”
You must really despise SEMA then.
Just kidding. You and I agree on a lot actually. It all boils down to the old saying “don’t hate the player, hate the game.” I don’t think trying to make the environment better is a bad thing, but the environmentalist lobby have been much more effective in lobbying effort compared to automotive enthusiasts. Its sad that the system is set up that lobbying like this is required to be enact meaningful change, but here we are.
Actually a SEMA member and we are fighting the common adversary.
No one is out saying we want bad air. But the trouble is the environmental movement is loaded up with people not caring about the environment just the money that can be made from it or control they can gain by leading it.
There are some folks involved that truly care but they are not the leaders. Often the agendas are being set by those with other plans and they want to bring down powerful countries like America and support countries like China and India.
People like Al Gore and others made millions off this agenda and tell us how bad we are yet their foot print was greater than ours ever will be. Just look at John Kerry he lectures us but yet fails to live by example.
I respect the Ed Begley Jr’s that nearly kills himself riding a bike in LA traffic vs a politician flying a Gulfstream.
The reason the Evior people are so effective is they are working hard to suck up the government funds to start companies that fail and leave the owners with the money. Administration fees are high. It is all a big scam in many cases.
That is why these folks so not often work for reason or compromise.
Look up the late Maurice Strong and see how the man who termed global warming made billions and hid in China and was protected by them. It was all economic warfare,
Today the activist have armed not only the IRS but the EPA. Yes they ordered weapons’ for them, Why? The president would not even go to a train derailment but he is ok with his appointed people with weapons’ at the EPA? Not just pistols but military grade equipment?
Things like this need to be watched.
I don’t completely disagree with you, in fact I see some sound logic here, especially with the premise that we need to hold politicians accountable, but I find your argument very hard to take seriously with the conspiracy-esque arguments to drive the point home. You’re 80% of the way to being good at debate then blow it.
But admittedly I LOATHE the topic of partisan politics and I view the topic akin to talking about your hemorrhoids at parties, and commenting about them online is the same as bringing them up at subsequent events then refusing to go to the doctor to put us out of our misery.
Thanks hyperv6 for bringing politics into what should be a fun hobby since we don’t get enough of that crap 24/7. And not sure what your point is about the IRS and EPA carrying weapons. Are those citizens not allowed the same 2A rights as you?
Thank you.
“Are those citizens not allowed the same 2A rights as you?” Yes, they are. The question is why can’t I own the same weapons they can?
Politics have been threatening this hobby for 40 years. Damn right they need to be brought up. When companies like BP have been caught refusing fuel to classics it’s time to get angry again and speak up in every venue.
What is this “BP have been caught refusing fuel to classics” you speak of? Would be curious to look into that more.
So, “Not a conspiracy the Gov represents a party with a green agenda…”
This posting of yours sure sounds like you expect black helicopters. Just read it aloud. You’ve outed yourself.
“Why would the Michigan government knock this down at all?” Because that awful individual is also the same person that banned people from using boats with motors when a very mild cold came through for “the safety of the public”.
To: Josh B. Very mild cold? Let’s go ask Herman Cain
America land of the free home of the brave
Most car collectors today are VETS
and this is laws passed upon them
Thank goodness someone spoke our
Do you mind citing a source for that figure? I’m sure the Hagerty writers monitoring the forum would love to write a story for Memorial Day if the data supports it.
i do mind
Given the large drop in new vets after the Vietnam era, and given the average age of car collectors that I see at shows, I seriously doubt that the majority are vets – as cool as that would be.
Speaking for myself: USAF 1962-1966, have been attending Car Shows with my own car since 2008. Been going to car races, Trans Am (SCCA) and NASCAR since 1969. Participating in local rallies since 1968. I am now 81 years old and can legally park in a handicap slot. The only way to stop me is to take my keys away.
good for you
Since you’re not from here, I can guess where you get your info about our excellent Governor.
To hyperv6. Since you’re not from here, I can guess where you get your info about our excellent Governor.
Where is here? I just moved from CO to MN and have run into this stupid restriction. These Upper Midwest states sure like their government control…looks like us car folks need to get together and change things here too.
This is great news!
Last week I read that Texas DMV changed their laws to ALLOW registration of kei trucks and now this. Lets go!
Maybe it’s just because I’m old, but a 1999 “vintage” car is now considered an “historic vehicle”? Just by virtue of age? That rolling age definition seems a bit loose to me. But I applaud the removal of restrictions in any event!
Do you really want to see a bunch of bureaucrats write a less inclusive definition?
A 25 year old car is not modern and even with the average age of a vehicle on US roadways is the highest its ever been (12.5 years!) that rolling definition of vintage is DOUBLE the average age of cars on the road. If someone wants to keep a car 25 years old or older in working condition they should be encouraged to do so.
You make some valid points, but in the end, I’m still old! 😁
Well for clarity, the article says the cars are identified not as “classic” nor “vintage”, but as “historic”. That term was what raised my eyebrows. I agree that even a brand new car can be classic by some definitions. But an older car can be vintage without being either classic OR historic. I think something should have some real relevance to history rather than just being old to be called “historic”. That was my point – the terminology…
The term “classic” or “historical” really stretches back to what some clubs back in the day decided it was and as a group we’ve latched on and is highly irrelevant.
According to Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), one of the original bodies trying to regulate this space, a car isn’t a classic unless it’s built from 1915-1948, is not mass produced and is “fine” or “distinctive”, look at their list, not a single Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge is considered a classic by them. Let me reiterate, these guys were among the first to try and label this space and usually has everything to do with judging shows.
The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) has a different set of definitions, which their classes focus more heavily on post-war but they do have judging classes to 25 years and is open to all cars.
Opinions on what’s a classic are like, well you know… this is a family space… but ask different sanctioning bodies and they will give you a different answer as to how they judge in relation to their shows.
My point? Don’t get hung up on what is classic or historical, this is a term or view that was made up long ago to try to define the hobby. When in reality it doesn’t even matter, it’s just a stupid label we’ve hung onto as a hobby that’s been around longer than most of us have been alive and we use to tell people that the car they like isn’t worth the time of day.
Good for you Michigan old car enthusiasts. In my state it depends on how you register your classic vehicle. You can get a normal registration/license plate and use it normally as you would any modern vehicle. Or, you can register it as either a “Special Interest” or “Historic” vehicle, either of which carry restrictions on use similar to Michigan. I have three vehicles with special interest plates, one with historic, and I’ve never been cited by law enforcement while out driving them. I’ve never heard of anyone being cited either, so I don’t think these statutes are enforced all that much.
That’s exactly how Michigan does it too. Historical plates are $35 for 10 years so basically free. I’m excited for my 26th anniversary (26 years to quality, not 25) of my 996 will be next year, instead of nearly $400 for a tab I’ll be at $35 for a decade vs the thousands I’ve spent for a sticker each year….
Now needing some clarity does this mean we can more or less daily drive from Memorial Day to Labor Day?
First, if you buy and AUTHENTIC plate(one from the year of your car), there is ONLY initial registration, NO renewal fee, ever! As one who helped get this bill passed, it means there are NO restrictions in driving from Memorial Day to Labor Day. So, out to dinner, ice cream trips, Sunday drives in the country, trips to the grocery store or party store. No exceptions or restrictions.
Fred, Very Interesting comment. My Wife owns a 98 NSX & her B-Day is at the end of January. We live in Northern Michigan & of course store the car during the Winter months. The Crap she has to go through Every Damn year with SOS having to put Full Coverage on the car just to Renew her personalized plate/registration is BS, not to mention the High $$$ amount to renew it !!! She was even Threatened one year by a woman at the SOS that it was a Misdemeanor if she Didn’t have Full coverage on her car !!! We Can’t be the Only ones who go through this Crap every year with our Summer car ??? She Loves her Special plate but, after reading the comments about the Much Lower cost of a Historical plate we may have to consider this route in the Future. Thanks for your Hard Work in getting this New Bill passed in Lansing 😉
“Special Interest” vehicles should be relegated to D.C.
Just because you can remember a car new does not mean it is not a classic it just means you are old too. We are all getting there.
Well for clarity, the article says the cars are identified not as “classic” nor “vintage”, but as “historic”. That term was what raised my eyebrows. I agree that even a brand new car can be classic by some definitions. But an older car can be vintage without being either classic OR historic. I think something should have some real relevance to history rather than just being old to be called “historic”. That was my point – the terminology…
Even here in stupid California, we can drive our older, old classic cars without restrictions. I have two classics, a fully restored 1937 Buick Limited and a 1974 MGB. They are driven mostly during club events as most people do with old classic automobiles.
Agree, here in California, despite all the negative restrictions, there are classic car gatherings all year round, evenings and what we call Cars and Coffee gatherings. socalcarculture.com
Finally I feel lucky to have my classic cars with no restrictions of when I can drive them.
Hope this takes off elsewhere. I ended up with Hagerty because I tried to get “classic car” insurance through my regular insurance provider for my 1964 Comet, but they said it wouldn’t cover anything if the vehicle was driven at non-special events (also told me my 1987 jeep couldn’t be valued at more than $1500 and wasn’t a classic). My state (SC) also has the same rules about the plates. Do people not understand Sunday drivers?
Prior to this, could Michigan drivers not register their vehicle as a “normal” passenger car and go through the usual safety inspections and pay the usual fees/taxes in order to drive their car whenever they wanted to?
I’m not bashing the bill – it makes sense. But it seems a bit of a stretch to move to “no restrictions” when you’re intentionally seeking a restricted registration or special classification.
Hi Mike, lifelong Michigan resident here, so maybe I can help a bit without going too far into the weeds as to lose you.
We have the option to register any car, regardless of age for standard use, or if it’s 25 or older, you can register as historical or authentic (year of manufacture plate). We don’t do emissions or safety inspections here, so the main attraction to the historical or authentic plate is less frequent registration and overall fees from state assessments drop substantially. So it’s a pretty attractive option, but we’ve had our hands tied on usage regulations (show usage mostly) which is sporradically enforced anyway.
The meat and potatoes of the issue is that restrictions were in place and it has been quantifiably been debunked as being helpful or necessary, so seeing an obsolete and unnecessary restriction that is hardly enforced be opened up is a huge win for recognition of the hobby being something other than cruise ins and car shows.
Does the state recognize that year of manufacture is often different than model year? My 1963 model left the factory in 1962. This is probably true for almost half of the cars out there.
I think that is splitting hairs, in my experience, the state only cares about the model year that appears on your title and the year the VIN decodes to. Your vehicle assembled in 1962 as a 1963 model year, will still decode as a 1963, so that is what I find they base off of.
Agreed. In my state, there is a restriction on some plates (hardly ever enforced, but still…). But when I see those plate applied to work vehicles and other things that go outside the restrictions, I think it minimizes the intent of the plate and insults those who display it properly. However, I 100% “get” why it’s done: money. The plate fees are lower and inspection rules are nil if using those plates.
What do the new regulations say? There are still some restrictions?
The new regulations say there are no restrictions in driving. ONLY, for the time period of Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Originally from PA. Now living in a strange country called Florida.
Years ago in PA, antique tags were less expensive, but they came with daytime-only driving restrictions. Still had to pass state inspection.
In Florida, the home of the free and the land of the crazy, only real advantage is a little savings at registration renewal time. No restrictions. No state inspection.
You’re not always wright, Al.
PA has several levels of registration, which require different levels of inspection. I went with Antique on my Caterham so as not have to try and get it through emissions inspection; although it has an engine from 1965, it has a VIN tag from 1995, and that was a problem.
Sure hope Ohio learns from this and enacts the same legislation
Any word on whether changes in car insurance prices will result?
Living in Michigan, for this reason I purchased a regular plate for my 1940 Cadillac rather than an historic one, so I could drive it in months other than August.
Now you can get a plate and only register it once or at most, every ten years. If you buy an authentic plate, from the year your car was made (1940) you only register it once, one and done. If it’s a historic plate, you have to re-register it every s10 years.
We’re so lucky to get our rights from government (sarcasm)
Rights? Where? Did I miss something? 😉