licence plate issues

[colin_havens]

I had an interesting experience this morning at the DMV, and just had to share. I went in to renew the tags on my daily and the wifes car, and FINALLY get tags for the 67. I moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas just over a year ago, but never put AR plates on the 67 since I could not drive it. A busted transmission pump and a BAD power steering leak kept me from being able to drive it, as well as some other small issue. Well I got it running and driving 3 weeks ago, so I knew I best replace my Mississippi antique plates with some AR ones before I drove it too much, and had Jonnie Law asking me questions.

So while I am in there, the teller next to the lady Im working with overhears that Im tagging a 1967 Chevy, and has some questions. SO of corse, like any car guy, I tell him about it, and show him a picture, which the lady I'm working with looks at also. She then tells me that SHE CANNOT ISSUE ME AN ANTIQUE TAG NOW THAT SHE HAS SEEN THE TRUCK?!?!? I get really confused, because for 3 years I ran an antique tag on my truck, and never had a problem. Apparently in AR, your vehicle must be in origional condition (wheels, motor, paint code, EVERYTHING) in order to qualify for one of those. I was floored. Not that the $25 a year for tags is going to break me, but come on?!? She said she figured that the state felt that if you could afford to modify one, you could afford to pay for the tags every year. Which just made me laugh, because I know for a fact that guys that are into doing full restorations have WAAAAY more in their ride than I do in mine. But they qualify for the antique tags, and now I do not.

Now Im not complaining, I actually thought it was a little funny. The lady that helped me was nothing but nice, and even showed me the affidavit you have to sign for the state when you get antique tags. She at the end would have done it, but the fact is if an officer just decided to throw the book at me, could write me a ticket for incorrect tags, and I believe its not a cheap one. SO I went ahead and just got a regular tag anyway, but at least I can get a personalized one if I want to now.

Just thought Id share my interesting morning.

[ratpackv8sonly]

Wow! People and the laws we live with now are just getting worse these days.

[swierker]

Yup, same as in PA. It has to be in "original" condition to get the antique tags and that includes wheels. Been through it before

[Bishops Trucks]

That covers the antique tags. Have you tried running vintage (year of manufacture) tags in that state?

[68shortstep]

My truck was modified from "factory" in that I had changed the inline 6 & stick to a newer 350 V8 & auto, & 6 lug axles changed to 5 lugs, and I was running (Chevy) rally wheels, different paint color, etc.

I asked a law officer I knew here in Mountain Home what he thought about me running antique plates, & he told me: "If a truck looks as stock as yours does, even if it's not original factory stock, I would......"

So I did.

Go back & try to get a different lady at the tag office next time you renew.

[Zoomin]

It's hard to believe that a tag agent could tell what was original on every possible car.

[colin_havens]

Well, I would go back when I renew and get someone else, but there is nothing stock about mine. Below is the pic that was on my cell phone that I showed the teller next to her, and she saw as well. Wish I had some better pics of the 67, but just havent had time to go out to a spot and take some with the good camera. But now you see why I could never get away with it here. I just found it interesting that in MS they didnt care, but here was a different story.

[colin_havens]

Originally Posted by 68shortstep

My truck was modified from "factory" in that I had changed the inline 6 & stick to a newer 350 V8 & auto, & 6 lug axles changed to 5 lugs, and I was running (Chevy) rally wheels, different paint color, etc.

I asked a law officer I knew here in Mountain Home what he thought about me running antique plates, & he told me: "If a truck looks as stock as yours does, even if it's not original factory stock, I would......"

So I did.

Go back & try to get a different lady at the tag office next time you renew.

Great looking truck you have! I have seen a few C-10s here in town, but havent seen yours yet. Its always good to meet other guys in the area that are into these trucks! Give me a shout sometime, its be great to meet at a cruise in or something.

[OARNGESI]

Thats a really nice truck

[Hubscrub]

same here in tennessee, but i don't think the enforce it much because go to the car shows and they are antique tags on a little of everything

[oldblue1968chevy]

hey hub, i have a reg. tag, can i get a antique tag (looks original to most everyone, just diff colors...lol)

[myoldchevytruck]

Originally Posted by Bishops Trucks

That covers the antique tags. Have you tried running vintage (year of manufacture) tags in that state?

Right on Jim. Here in Florida, Vintage (Year of Manufacture) tags are allowed. All you have to do is send them to the DMV Office in the State Capital (Tallahassee) to have them authenticated. I have a 68'-69' Red State of Florida Tag on my 69' Step Side.

[Hubscrub]

2 oldblue1968chevy-i don't see why not tennessee they have a restriction on driving only on weekends and to shows, parades etc.... atleast the last time i checked i just have reg. tags on mine

[oldblue1968chevy]

darn mines DD, oh well

[colin_havens]

From what the lady at the DMV told me, AR has special "parade vehicle" tags. Dont think I have ever seen them though. They are for vehicles that only go to shows, parades, ect. You can use an Antique tag and drive as much as you want.

On a side but related note, she did say I would qualify for and "Street rod" tag. Which at first I was like hey, that could be cool. But they were more that personalized tags, and UGLY AS SIN. Apparently someone down in Little rock that designed the street rod tag was not a car guy at all.

[rusty baker]

Missouri has 2 different ones. Historic and Antique. Not sure the exact difference. My 70 has historic. I am allowed 1000 miles a year for personal use. Supposed to drive it sometimes in parades. Have to carry a log when I drive it, but in 10 years mine has never been checked. $35 for a lifetime tag. No inspection ever on historic vehicles.

[tqlspec]

Tennessee still has the weekend and parades restriction on antique tags.

[70cst]

I switched from Historical Plates to 1970 plates w/o a hitch. The clerk didn't ask me anything about my truck. So...Ohio may be a little easier when it comes to plates.

[eagleuh1]

I think it depends on the teller. Mine actually asked me if I wanted antique plates, and stated they're much cheaper. Also no mention made on any driving restrictions or questions about mods or condition of vehicle. I wonder with the economy and need for money if they're being told to buckle down on issuing antique tags now. Good luck with yours, but it suuure don't look antique to me. Nice truck. Welcome to Arkansas.

[68shortstep]

Originally Posted by colin_havens

I have seen a few C-10s here in town, but havent seen yours yet.

Mines gone (from me) now. I sold it earlier this spring - chronic financial condition known as "lack-a-dollars."

It's now sitting for sale out at the place by the car wash near Mallard Pt Rd where the guy has several other oldies.

The guy I sold it to (too cheap) re-sold it later to him, & he's marked it up more, so it's a little pricey now, for what it is.

Clear coat on the paint has gone to cr@p from sitting outside in the weather for several years, but it's still a good reliable ole truck.

[colin_havens]

I know where you are talking about. He has several old trucks and cars he brings out, particularry when its a sunny weekend that something big is happening in town, like around 4th of july weekend. Every time I drive by there Im always looking to see what else he has new.... like I really need another classic automobile lol

[crushermechanic]

i run antique plates on my truck and drive it whereever i want to. Tn doesnt care what you do. they say there is a restriction but dont enforce it. they are lifetime tags too.