If you are the owner of a classic car in Michigan, you probably know that you can register your vehicle as a historical vehicle. You can do this using an actual authentic license plate that matches the year of your car. These can usually be found at car shows, swap meets, or from online collectors for between $10 and $40. The plate must be in good original condition, or repainted in original colors, and match the exact year of your vehicle. You can also buy a new “historical vehicle” license plate from the Secretary of State’s office. This is a modern style plate, but embossed “Historical” on the bottom.

The Compromise for Classic Car Owners

Not only is the initial cost of registration cheaper (either $30 or $35 dollars depending on which plate you choose) but it is also valid for 10 years before it needs to be renewed. You also save money on insurance. The compromise has always been that you were only allowed to use the vehicle for “club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, or similar uses, including mechanical testing.” The vehicle could not be used for general transportation. This statute was rather vague, and although not heavily enforced by law enforcement, many drivers felt as though they were at risk of a ticket whenever they used their car outside of an official event.

In 2012 the statute was amended to allow use of historical vehicles for the entire month of August, presumably to coincide with the Woodward Dream Cruise. This reduced anxiety for a lot of car owners. They essentially had a “free pass” to drive their cars for a whole month without violating the spirit, or the letter, of the law.

Now You Can Enjoy Your Classic Car All Summer Long

Now the good news!

On April 2, 2024, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4183, effective immediately, allowing the use of historical vehicles from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Thanks to pressure from car enthusiast and a letter writing campaign the statute now reads:

For purposes of this section, use of the vehicle during the period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year is considered an exhibition.

Now you can enjoy your classic car all summer without pretending you are performing mechanical testing or on your way to a car show!