A vehicle can be classified as “Antique Motor Vehicle” if it is more than 25 years old, and has been maintained to meet original manufacturer specifications. Antique vehicles operated exclusively between sunrise and sunset are exempt from the normal lighting requirements of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, but must have their original lighting equipment. Antique vehicles neither need to pass the annual vehicle safety inspection nor emissions inspection.
A vehicle can be classified as “Classic Motor Vehicle” if it is at least 15 years old and has been maintained to meet original manufacturer specifications and appearance. Classic vehicles are required to pass the annual PA Safety Inspection, however they are exempt from the annual emissions inspection.
Vintage Registration Plates – A vintage registration plate is not issued by PennDOT and is a “period-issued” registration plate from 1906 to 1976 to be displayed on an antique or classic vehicle with the same corresponding model year. This means that the vehicle must first be classified as “Antique” or “Classic” before it is eligible to display a vintage plate.
The form used to apply for Antique and Classic classifications is right here. The form to apply for eligibility to display a vintage plate is located here. All of these classifications include separate filing fees, designated on the linked forms.
