The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Parking Lot General Truck Talk Dont know where to place the thread..getting close to on street, plate ques

Hi All, for MD, does anyone recommend getting a "historic" or "hot rod" tag? .. planning on driving the truck 2 or 3 times per week. Any insight appreciated. Thanks.

Don’t know about MD, but in NY Historic tags restricts you to going to and from events, maintenance/repairs and can’t be your daily driver. On the plus side is the insurance is way cheaper, but restricts me to 1,000 miles per year.
I believe the mileage restriction is from my insurance company.

I think the Baltimore PD and the MSP have bigger issues to deal with in that jurisdiction than monitoring historic tag abuse ...

Down here in St Mary's County, if the vehicle is a bonafide classic vehicle and not a hoopty car, and you have given them no other reason to pull you over (like a moving violation, talking on your cell phone or not wearing a seat belt, or having a light out .... etc), they will leave you alone.

I think if you drive responsibly, have an actual collector vehicle (not just a '91 Ford Taurus with a cracked windshield, peeling paint and rust issues) and don't drive it *every* day, you might be fine with a historic plate.

If your truck is more than 50 years old, it qualifies (in MD) for the one-time fee and a permanent tag. THAT is a good deal.

In my several decades of Law Enforcement experience I never once had cause to stop a vehicle with a Historical/Antique tag. Maybe because I enjoyed seeing them out doing what they were made to do. Every State has restrictions to get such tags and if you violate such restrictions and end up with a ticket just pay it and move on. You have no defense. Ignorance is no excuse. I will also say this, if you do get a ticket in your local area you had better get the vehicle registered normally before driving it again. The boys in blue will be watching you.

Man, I thought so!

I agree, but just wanted to let the OP that each state does carry restrictions. I always figured that if I ever got pulled over and it was the issue, I could just tell them that I was test driving my recent repair/upgrade. With our hobby, we need to do plenty of test drives!

I have had a Missouri, 1937 tag for 15 years and never gave a thought about how many miles I drive or where I was going, the insurance company will care way more then the DMV will. Your state may vary.

Shortly after I got my 38 roadworthy and registered using a YOM plate I was stopped by a young rookie cop locally who told me my license plate was expired by almost 70 years. I was prepared with a copy of the state YOM plate statute in my glove box. Let's just say it was a learning experience for the young man. I also keep a copy of the state seatbelt and turn signal statutes in the glove box just in case.

Sage advise Tiny.

I run a 49 YOM plate on the gmc here in CT. Your not supposed to use it to “haul” but after looking deeper into it you can put whatever you want in it as long as its not used commercially. I haul everything with mine.