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Vintage car – formalities and benefits for their owners
A vintage car is not just an ordinary vehicle - it is a real story and a real treat for motoring enthusiasts. Many people collect such cars and present them at motoring rallies. Can vintage cars be driven on public roads? How to register them? Check how to use vintage vehicles legally.
- A vintage car is not only a reason to be proud. The advantages of vintage cars include: unlimited inspection or cheaper insurance.
- A vintage vehicle must be at least 30 years old. This value varies depending on the province.
- A vintage car also has its disadvantages. This includes: difficult modifications or sales abroad.
- Vintage vehicles require special treatment. Check what cosmetics to use to maintain older cars!
Criteria for vintage cars
Did you know that a car must meet several strict standards before it can be classified as... vintage car? When can a car be considered vintage? Such a car must:
- be at least 30 years old,
- have been out of production for at least 15 years,
- have at least 75% original elements.
However, these are the minimum requirements to obtain yellow registrations, which vary depending on the voivodeship. For example, in the Opole Voivodeship he must be at least 40 years old. Moreover, at least 20 years have passed since the end of production. Due to differences in the criteria and frequent recent changes - verify the criteria in a given voivodeship.
Curiosity: Vintage cars are the only ones that do not have to have permanent liability insurance, even if they are registered. If you plan to use them for up to 30 days, it is enough to purchase short-term third-party liability insurance.
A younger vehicle can also be an antique!
Interestingly, a younger car may also be defined as a vintage car, but only when:
- is an important part of automotive history,
- has been faithfully recreated, using technology from the period of original production.
- was associated with important events,
- it uses innovative and unique solutions.
The final decision to classify a vehicle as a historic car is made by an appraiser. However, this is not a random person. The specialist must be entered on the list of provincial conservators of monuments. Only after his expertise can you start the process of registering such a car. How to do it correctly?
How to register a car as a historic car?
Registration of a vintage car is possible based on the already mentioned expert's opinion. When completing the formalities, you will also need:
- white card - in two copies (one for the conservator and the other for the National Center for Research and Documentation of Monuments in Warsaw),
- result of technical inspection - requirements for vintage cars are different than for regular vehicles,
- previous registration certificate – if the car was registered abroad.
Before you make an appointment at the District Vehicle Inspection Station (OSKP), you must obtain an appropriate application for the test. This is a complicated document, so it is better to entrust its completion to an appraiser.
Registration of a classic car - how much will you pay?
When registering a vintage car, be prepared to pay approximately PLN 1000. Where does this amount come from? It includes a fee for issuing a white card, technical inspection and yellow license plates. These expenses also include the services of an appraiser - they usually cost up to PLN 600.
Also read: Car registration from Germany – what documents and what cost?
Vintage cars – benefits
Are you the owner of a vintage car? Several benefits await you. Importantly, owners of standard cars cannot count on them. What are the benefits of a vintage car?
- vintage vehicles do not have to undergo annual technical inspections. Permissions are issued indefinitely during the examination needed for registration,
- you don't have to take care of the continuity of your third party liability insurance policy. You only need to buy insurance if you plan to use the car (e.g. transport it to a rally),
- no need to interfere with the car's structure in the case of import. If your car has yellow plates, you do not need to adapt it to local regulations,
- in many cities you can enter a vintage car Clean Transport Zones – most combustion vehicles are not allowed there.
Historic vehicle - disadvantages
A vintage car has pros and cons. What are the disadvantages of vintage vehicles?
- a historic vehicle is more difficult to sell abroad,
- the need to notify the conservator of monuments about changes and work related to the vehicle,
- higher repair costs due to increasingly difficult access to original parts,
- no possibility of returning to "white license plates".
A vintage car - an attraction and a reason to be proud
Do you want to stand out on the road? Show your love for the automotive industry and interest in its history? Yellow license plates will be perfect in this role. Their owners can boast about their vintage cars at fairs and rallies, as well as on the road. Old but well-kept vehicles from years ago attract attention and are a kind of attraction.
To keep your classic vehicle looking great, choose... Moje Car Body lotion. The preparation protects the paint and intensifies its color.
Body lotion – quick liquid wax
The preparation protects the bodywork against external factors, giving it shine. Before using the product, make sure of the type of varnish. In the past, cars were covered with completely different coatings that had specific needs.
A vintage vehicle is a reason to be proud. However, yellow license plates have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. We hope that we have outlined all the pros and cons of vintage cars. You will soon find more about this topic in our next articles.
