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Traffic Q&A: Collector cars have privileges, restrictions

Question: How old does your car have to be to get special historical plates? My friend drives a beat-up old Dodge Dart and she never has to buy new tabs.

ROB CARSON; Staff writer
Published: May 28, 2012 at 6:40 a.m. PDT — Updated: May 28, 2012 at 9:46 a.m. PDT
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Question: How old does your car have to be to get special historical plates? My friend drives a beat-up old Dodge Dart and she never has to buy new tabs. – Taylor, Tacoma

Answer: You can get collector plates for your vehicle if it’s at least 30 years old, and, you’re right, they don’t have to be renewed annually. They’re good for the life of the car.

The trouble is, you can’t just keep on driving it around as usual.

The Washington State Department of Licensing says collector vehicles can’t be used “for regular transportation in the manner of a fully licensed vehicle.”

Collector vehicles may be driven only:

 • To and from auto shows, circuses, parades, displays, special excursions and antique car club meetings.

 • For testing purposes.

 • For the pleasure of others without compensation.

Have a question about traffic congestion, construction, spending or other transportation issues? Send it to traffic@thenewstribune.com. Include your name, hometown and daytime telephone number. We’ll answer as many as we can.

Rob Carson: 253-597-8693
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com

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