Classic or antique plates

[LoweRider]

Been trying to decide if I want to get classic or antique plates for my Camaro when it's done.

I want to do classic because I don't want any problems if I ever get pulled over, but I'm worried I won't pass inspections having racing harness instead of the factory seat belts. I also refuse to let some random Joe get in my ride for any reason with how much power it will have.

Obviously want antiques for no inspections, but worried about being pulled over and insurance should the worst happen and I'm not on the way to a car show or car event.

 

[badazz81z28]

depending on the state, there are rules you need to follow. To have antique plates where I lived (since moved), to have antique plates, it had to be 100% original and you were limited on the driving. For classic ride plates, pretty much if it was xxx years old, you could register it. Theses cars had to be original too….but also exempt from smog and safety rules.

FWIW, I have regular plates on my car. That’s really the safest route If you drive the car.

I would look up the rules for your state.

 

[Smokin'Joe]

I am in the North Dallas area and had the same conflict and after much internal debate, I went with Antique for my 1970 Camaro, my 1974 AMX, and my 1991 Z28. I don't drive the 1970 Camaro or the 1974 AMX that much, ( hardly ever ), but I do drive my 1991 Camaro pretty regularly and have never had any problems being stopped or questioned. The problem is that you never know, and you certainly don't want to be pulled over at an inopportune moment.

I understand the hesitation of letting some bozo drive it to test the safety. I have a friend with a 1970 Boss 302 which he registers as classic and he has the same fear, especially since one time he took it in for inspection and the dipwad inspector didn't know how to drive a standard and ran it over a curb headed straight towards the building. He stopped it in time but my friend about had a heart attack and now the place he goes to just checks the horn. - Shop around for the inspection, talk to some places and you may find some to be more "appreciative" of these older cars.

I have my insurance thru American Modern and according to my agent, they don't care how you drive it as long as you stay within the mileage limits of the coverage.

For Antique you pay the registration every 5 years and no inspection. Classic you pay annually and have to pass safety. I don't think the racing harness will hurt you, but again, I would suggest talking to some of the local inspection places. I bet you can find one that suits your needs.



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[wnmech]

I’ve got year dated plates on my 71 and they fall in the same category as the antique plates. 5 year plates for $50 dollars and no inspection required. Supposed to be driven for shows and maintenance runs but I have never been pulled over for driving my car. I also when I had my 77 corvette with antique plates on it i was never stopped so get the antique or specialty year dated plates and enjoy driving the car.

 

[Zstar]

I’ve got year dated plates on my 71 and they fall in the same category as the antique plates. 5 year plates for $50 dollars and no inspection required. Supposed to be driven for shows and maintenance runs but I have never been pulled over for driving my car. I also when I had my 77 corvette with antique plates on it i was never stopped so get the antique or specialty year dated plates and enjoy driving the car.

I have a year dated plate on my 73. Back then each county had a number designation at the beginning of the plate. Looked for 5 years before I found one for my current county in good condition. (has to be original) Sent to state capitol for approval and qualifies as an antique tag. For example Marion County's number was 14-. It really is cool.

 

[BillyDean7173]

You can check out my thread Legalizing the 73 for the Road, or something like that. Do a search for it. There's some info on this subject in it from the members here.

 

[First car]

I have the same issue but decided to go with regular plates on my 72. I don’t like the inspection aspect but I don’t want to have any issues when it is driven. Other states I have lived in were very strict on antique plates.

 

[Scrappy1980]

Most places don't want to drive a classic car................

 

[ls777z]

I dont see why you would get pulled over unless you're doing something to attract attention in the first place??? I drive my 77 Z with classic plates all over and have never been pulled over.

 

[Zstar]

Most places don't want to drive a classic car................

Not in Florida. Some weekends it seems like their are more antiques and collector cars on the road than anything else. Florida is a right to have anything state. LOL!!