Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-1-.215
Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 12, September 30, 2024
Section 810-5-1-.215 - License Plates For Vintage Vehicles(1) For the purposes of this rule, the term "Vintage Vehicle license plate" includes permanent Alabama license plate registrations authorized under §§ 40-12-290 through 40-12-297, Code of Ala. 1975.(2) For purposes of this rule, the term "Vintage Vehicle" is as defined in § 40-12-290, Code of Ala. 1975.(3)Vintage Vehicle Requirements. A Vintage Vehicle must have "the original or substantially similar vehicle body, chassis, engine, and transmission as designated for that make, model, year, and age vehicle." (a) The motor vehicle must not have been shortened, lengthened, raised, or lowered from its original size.(b) Different model motor vehicle mechanical parts and accessories cannot be used on the motor vehicle. For example, a 1928 "Model A" Ford does not have a high-performance engine, mag tires, and advanced stereo equipment.
(c) "Replica" or "kit cars," which are generally fiberglass reproductions, do not qualify for Vintage Vehicle license plates.(4)Qualification Date. January 1st will be considered as the beginning of a new model year for motor vehicles registered as Vintage Vehicles. For example, on January 1, 2021, a 1991 or earlier year model motor vehicle will qualify for a Vintage Vehicle license plate; on January 1, 2022, a 1992 or earlier year model qualifies.(5)Obtaining a Vintage Vehicle License Plate. To obtain the Vintage Vehicle license plate applicants must submit the following to the licensing official: (a) Form #MVR 40-12-290"Application For Vintage Vehicle License Plates."(c) Payment of necessary fees and taxes.(6)Exemption from Ad Valorem Tax. Section 40-12-293, Code of Ala. 1975, provides that motor vehicles registered with Vintage Vehicle license plates are exempt from ad valorem taxation. (7)Motor Vehicles Displaying Vintage Vehicle or Original Alabama License Plates may be: (a) Operated on the streets or highways for the purpose of moving the motor vehicle to a location for maintenance or repair.(b) Operated in the following events or activities and can be driven to these locations for the purposes of attending these events or activities: 1. Club Activities. The sponsored activities of Vintage Vehicle owner organizations.2. Exhibitions. Public displays of Vintage Vehicles and include antique car shows within or outside this state.3. Tours. An organized trip comprised of several Vintage Vehicles to predetermined locations.4. Parades. A public procession on a festive or ceremonial occasion.(8)Motor Vehicles Displaying Vintage Vehicle or Original Alabama License Plates may NOT be:(a) Used for "general transportation" to include but not limited to driving to school, work, or shopping.(b) Used in any type of commercial enterprise.(c) Used on a bus (with or without passenger seats), even if privately owned and operated.(d) Used on trailers, ambulances, taxis, or any other motor vehicle type not specifically identified in this rule.(9)Replacement, Transference, or Surrender of Vintage Vehicle or Original Alabama License Plates.(a) In the event a motor vehicle displaying a Vintage Vehicle license plate is sold or otherwise disposed of the Vintage Vehicle license plate must be either transferred to the new owner or returned to the licensing official. If the new owner will not be using the vehicle in accordance with the Vintage Vehicle provisions, the new owner must surrender the Vintage Vehicle license plate to the licensing official, obtain a license plate of the proper classification, and pay the applicable taxes and fees.(b) In the event the Vintage Vehicle license plate becomes faded, mutilated, difficult to read, lost, or stolen, the owner must apply for a replacement Vintage Vehicle license plate, pay the Vintage Vehicle license plate fee provided under § 40-12-290, Code of Ala. 1975, and surrender the Vintage Vehicle license plate to the licensing official. Lost or stolen license plates should be reported to law enforcement. In the event an original license plate becomes illegible the registrant must either promptly restore the license plate to a legible status, or surrender the Vintage Vehicle plate decal for the original license plate to the licensing official.(c) In the event the Vintage Vehicle is no longer used in accordance with Vintage Vehicle license plate provisions, the owner may, prior to such use, obtain the license plate of the proper classification and surrender the Vintage Vehicle license plate or the Vintage Vehicle plate decal for the original Alabama license plate to the licensing official. No credit will be provided for fees paid for the Vintage Vehicle license plate or the Vintage Vehicle plate decal for the original Alabama license plate and ad valorem taxes will begin accruing upon issuance of the new license plate.(10)Original Alabama License Plates.(a) A Vintage vehicle owner may request that the original Alabama license plate and Vintage Vehicle plate decal be registered in lieu of a Vintage Vehicle license plate only for motor vehicles designated 1976-year model or earlier.(b) The department will provide licensing officials with vintage plate decals to be affixed to the original license plate. The decals will contain a number, that must be entered into the registration record.(c) Although Alabama has at various times issued front and rear license plates to motor vehicles, Vintage vehicle license plates shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle only.(d) An original Alabama license plate must be legible, particularly the license plate number. If the license plate is rusted, colors are faded, paint missing, parts of the plate are missing, holes in the plate, etc., to the degree that law enforcement would have difficulty reading, the licensing official shall refuse to allow the requested license plate to be issued until the plate is restored or refurbished. A reproduction or facsimile of an original Alabama license plates is not permitted.(e) The licensing official may check the Department's website to view images of original Alabama license plates from 1912 through 1976.(11)Original Alabama License Plate Restrictions.(a) Original Alabama license plates must be of the same category that is appropriate to as the type of motor vehicle being registered (examples: an automobile plate shall not be issued to a truck or bus; an automobile plate shall not be issued to a motorcycle).(b) Original Alabama license plate numbers shall not exceed seven (7) alphanumeric characters or display all zeros (0000000).(c) Beginning with license plates issued in 1942, Alabama license plate numbering schemes may have been reused. Licensing officials should verify that duplicate license plate numbers are not issued. (d) As Alabama did not issue metal license plates in 1943, a vehicle designated as a 1943-year model may not be registered with original license plates.(12)Forfeiture of License Plate. In the event law enforcement officials find a Vintage Vehicle license plate being used in an unauthorized manner the motor vehicle operator may be subject to the sanctions authorized by § 40-12-290, Code of Ala. 1975, and forfeits the Vintage license plate or decal on the original Alabama license plate.Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-1-.215
New Rule: Filed January 27, 1997, effective March 3, 1997. Amended: Filed January 11, 2011; effective February 15, 2011.Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIV, Issue No. 08, May 31, 2016, eff. 6/13/2016.Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XL, Issue No. 02, November 30, 2021, eff. 1/14/2022.Author: James Starling, Sherry Helms
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 40-2A-7(a)(5), 40-12-290 through 40-12-297.