NC has some odd rules about old cars. They DEFINE antique cars as being 35 years old or older but nothing automatically happens with that designation except the type and level of annual inspection required. Once the vehicle is 35 years old the owner can elect to buy a plate stamped "antique auto". There is an additional fee for that just like any personalized or vanity plate. Requesting the "antique auto" plate does change the registration type to one where a property tax cap is applied. That's the perk.
There are some additional rules of use that apply with "antique auto" plates but they basically boil down to "this is not a daily driver". Limited use is allowed. If the vehicle is from 1943 or older, the owner can elect for their plate to be stamped "antique auto" or "horseless carriage". So with your personalized "antique auto" plate you can get a tax break with minor restrictions on use.
Another interesting rule in NC allows cars 35 years old or older to run "year of manufacture plates". For example, if you own a 1972 Spitfire you could run 1972 plates on the car as long as you register the car as usual and carry the modern plate and registration papers in the car. If you are ever stopped by the police you must produce the "real" license plate and registration. I am amazed this is allowed since the old license plate is not recorded ANYWHERE in the DMV records. The police won't know who you are or anything about you until AFTER they pull you over and ask for your documents.
Doug L.
Responses