MD historic license plate regulation change

1984_Capri · Post by **1984_Capri** » Wed Sep 14, 2016 2:21 am

This is an email I just received from the Maryland MVA and I figured if anyone else here is from MD you should know if you didn't already:

Important information about Maryland registered historic vehicles

Dear Historic Vehicle Owner,

As the owner of a historic vehicle, we want to make you aware of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly that goes into effect on Saturday, October 1, 2016. It is important to know that this legislation will impact how historic vehicles may be operated.

Effective October 1, 2016, a Maryland registered historic vehicle may no longer be used for transportation to and from employment, school, or for commercial purposes.

In addition, historic vehicles with a model year of 1986 or newer may be subject to safety equipment repair orders issued at roadside by law enforcement.

Thank you for your compliance with this new Maryland law.

I guess it was a product of everyone in the state registering their old POS that was long overdue for the junkyard with historic tags so they didn't have to inspect it. DDing a car with historic tags probably didn't help either.

99gt · Post by **99gt** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 9:36 am

Reads a lot like the Virginia rule now, except that we still have to wait until the car is 25 years old to get antique tags. Antique tags get abused a lot.

Dan

1984_Capri · Post by **1984_Capri** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 5:00 pm

In Maryland, a car only has to be 20 model years old to get "historic" plates. Maryland also offers "street rod" plates, but it has to be 25 years old to qualify for those. The only difference from my understanding is that cars with "street rod" plates have to be "significantly altered from stock" but they don't do an inspection so it really doesn't matter.

You're right about historic plates getting abused. I constantly see people with historic tags on vehicles that are hardly roadworthy. Too bad they ruined it for those of us who would occasionally drive a classic car to work or school.

From what I've heard, after October 1st police are going to be on the look out for anyone with historic tags.

99gt · Post by **99gt** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:37 pm

Several county police departments here are already cracking down on antique tags. Fairfax County seems to be the most enthusiastic about it.