I got an antique today

[Jess from VA]

VA license plate for my bike.... sort of.

I did my homework, filled out my forms, had an 8AM appointment, and went in the door right to a DMV guy.

Clearly he hadn't done too many of these as he patiently typed away on his computer, then went and asked a supervisor for help.  

Then he went and brought out an antique car plate, and I said that's a bit large for a motorcycle.

Oh yeah, then he came back and said they didn't have any for bikes on hand, and it would have to be ordered.  (Crap)  

Do you want black or yellow? (I want black, the bike's black).

Do you want any special tag number/words? (no, I want purely random because those are always harder to remember than something cute).  

It will take take one or two weeks to arrive by mail, and now they must issue me a temporary tag (no cost to me).

Why? The plate that's on there has 2 more years on it?

The plate that's on there is now cancelled.

But I will get credit for the cost, but have to bring it in to get it.  (The web said nothing about this, I could have taken it in with me, instead of another trip down there).

The plate that's on there has been transferred from other bikes and is really worn out (and hard to read, just like I like).  

This is going to be a cool plate on my vintage black and chrome '99 Interstate.  


No more annual safety inspection PITA, no more personal property taxes, just annual registration.

A one time fee of $50 for a lifetime plate.

An antique plate for an antique rider.  




  

[Oldfishguy]

Good.

I’ve been running antique plates in MN since 2021 in MN.  MN allows after 20 years old; you pay the one time for registration and then done.

There are a few written rules on usage of the vehicle once registered as an antique but I have found if one doesn’t abuse it your left alone.  The only ones I’ve heard that the local constable has is if it is used as a daily vehicle to work or similar.

The machines don’t look 20 years plus old these days.  Mother Honda had the paint system perfected with these machines.

[Chrisj CMA]

Congrats Jess you and your bike are officially old. I still have a few years to wait. They changed the requirement in Florida to 30 years for an antique plate. So, I’m officially old but my bike hasn’t got there yet

[Jess from VA]

There are a few written rules on usage of the vehicle once registered as an antique but I have found if one doesn’t abuse it your left alone.

There's actually a number of rules in VA.  It cannot be a daily driver, and they make you list the make, model, VIN and tag of your real daily driver, or no antique tag.  And not more than 250 miles from home.   And in VA, violation of these antique rules is a class 4 misdemeanor and standing before a judge.  But you're right, if you give them no reason to pull you over, no questions will be asked.  My buddy put one on his Valkyrie and rode it to Sturgis ND   (course only VA can write you for a violation)


Congrats Jess you and your bike are officially old.

Well, it's 25ys old in VA.  And 25 sounds pretty darn young to me (at 72).    

[Pluggy]

Jess, have you looked into antique vehicle insurance?  You set the value of the vehicle (within reason) and the coverage also costs less.  Several companies offer this.  I have a Hagerty policy on my 1980 Honda.

My understanding is the exact details vary state-by-state.  In NC, Hagerty says the bike must be 25 years old to get a policy.  An antique tag is not required.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for the tip Pluggy.   

I've never carried anything but minimum liability and uninsured motorists on any motorcycle (new or used) my whole life.  Never been sorry either.  So my rates have always been pretty low, but I will look into it. 

I have USAA on everything else, but they won't insure bikes. 

[Chrisj CMA]

In Florida there are no restrictions connected to an antique plate. It just means the vehicle is over thirty years old. I didn’t even request the antique plate for the car, they just handed it to me when I registered. At first I didn’t really want it because I thought I would be restricted in some way but she said no so, done deal.

[Jess from VA]

In Florida there are no restrictions connected to an antique plate. It just means the vehicle is over thirty years old. I didn’t even request the antique plate for the car, they just handed it to me when I registered. At first I didn’t really want it because I thought I would be restricted in some way but she said no so, done deal.

You must have better politicians than we do.  Ours our stingy with their motor vehicle tax dollars.

Most states treat antique tags as something you use going to car shows or parades, and drive around the neighborhood occasionally to make sure they still run.

Edit: I have no care about the age of the bike or antique plates, other than it gives me less State imposed costs/taxes/inspections/stickers, and maybe a break on insurance.    

[cookiedough]

Good.

I’ve been running antique plates in MN since 2021 in MN.  MN allows after 20 years old; you pay the one time for registration and then done.

There are a few written rules on usage of the vehicle once registered as an antique but I have found if one doesn’t abuse it your left alone.  The only ones I’ve heard that the local constable has is if it is used as a daily vehicle to work or similar.

The machines don’t look 20 years plus old these days.  Mother Honda had the paint system perfected with these machines.

MN much like WI same 20 years for antique cycle plates.  I got them all on my 97, 2001, 1998, and even now my 2003 suzuki burgmann scooter. Once and done is the way to go.  Only restriction in WI that I am aware of is no riding cycles in month of January, that will not be an issue.

[Oldfishguy]

I’ve had Hagerty insurance on my Valkyrie for a few years now. 

They were reluctant to insure it because it was too new.  But when they looked at my entire policy they insured it.  I usually have a half dozen or so vintage machines insured with them so they took the Valkyrie with the bunch.  If you have something else with them it is worth the call to get the Valkyrie with Hagerty.  They have the best rates by far with $0 detuctables on Comp and Collision, and you name a stated value.  If you go to a car show 3/4 of the vehicles there will be under Hagerty. 

And then once a member, one has access to the valuation tool and you can get a rough value of any classic machine produced. 

[Jess from VA]

Well, I drove my old (now cancelled) bike plate back down to the DMV today to get my 2yr refund.

I could have ridden down, but that parking lot is always full and I'm particular about parking my bikes and walking away from them.  I've had people stick their kids on my seat for cute pictures, dragging little shoes all over the perfect tank.  WTF??!!!

She couldn't tell me what the refund is because I bought it on line.  She's sitting there if front of her DMV computer but has no idea what the refund is.  It has to be mailed to me anyway, so it will be a surprise.

I wanted to ride today, but it's sprinkling rain on and off, so no.   

Instead I cleaned my house.  I hate that job.   

[Hook#3287]

"Antique Plate
 
Restricted to those vehicles over 25 years of age, restricted to test drives, movement of vehicles to and from repair locations, and public functions such as parades."

Above are the restrictions in my commie state.

Pretty much un-enforceable from a LEO standpoint and most will not even look at it.

So it's just written laws that will mostly be ignored creating frustration to owners and LEO's.

Yup, sounds about right in this left state.

[Rams]

I guess I'm the derelict here, I ran antique tags on my bikes when they were old enough in Mississippi (25 years) and switched to Antique tags when I moved to Tennessee (also 25 years).  Never asked and really don't care what restrictions are applicable.   I ride when and where I want, I seriously try to avoid giving LEOs a reason to stop me but that has nothing to do with what tags I'm running.   But it doesn't matter which bike I ride, they all turn heads and get gawked at.   More so with the sidecar rig and the trike but, it is what it is.

Rams