Does a "Classic" or "Antique" truck need to be inspected in CT?

[66dc75]

Massachusetts does not have gvw on antique registrations truck or not.  They are in the same class as RV. When I get an inspection  sticker I am charged the auto rate not the commercial truck rate. This is all done thru the state RMV computer system.  

On another topic you can pull a trailer over 10k as long as the towing vehicle and trailer gvw does not exceed a total of 26k. This is actually written on the back of my CDL license. So a 12k gvw f350 can pull a 14k trailer and be non CDL. Just don't hook up to an f450.

 

[devvar]

Well, 2 1/2 years later I have finally purchased a truck! 1986 GMC 7000, 8.2 Detroit, 25k GVWR. It's coming out of Massachusetts so I need to get a temp registration and VIN verification before CT will let me register for real. And surprise surprise, they told me I could not register as a classic because the GVWR is above 12500lb. Never mind that I already have Hagerty classic insurance and no commercial use... I didn't feel like arguing with the lady just to get my temp tags, but when I go back in a week for the real thing I'm bringing the state statutes printed out just in case I have trouble. There is no limit on GVWR for classic registration that I can find anywhere, I'm hoping my next visit will get someone more knowledgeable (maybe less knowledgeable would be better???)

[mowerman]

DMV can be a real pain in the ass,,,best of luck,,bob

[66dc75]

I've seen plenty of trucks with CT historical plates.

[mechohaulic]

3 hours ago, devvar said:

Well, 2 1/2 years later I have finally purchased a truck! 1986 GMC 7000, 8.2 Detroit, 25k GVWR. It's coming out of Massachusetts so I need to get a temp registration and VIN verification before CT will let me register for real. And surprise surprise, they told me I could not register as a classic because the GVWR is above 12500lb. Never mind that I already have Hagerty classic insurance and no commercial use... I didn't feel like arguing with the lady just to get my temp tags, but when I go back in a week for the real thing I'm bringing the state statutes printed out just in case I have trouble. There is no limit on GVWR for classic registration that I can find anywhere, I'm hoping my next visit will get someone more knowledgeable (maybe less knowledgeable would be better???)

make any difference if you go for farm plates ??  knew a guy when asked what kind of farm he had ; reply was "a tree farm" ! he owned 4 -5 acres of woods. like can be seen in your picture background.

[devvar]

12 hours ago, 66dc75 said:

I've seen plenty of trucks with CT historical plates.

I mentioned that, she didn't have a good answer

12 hours ago, mechohaulic said:

make any difference if you go for farm plates ??  knew a guy when asked what kind of farm he had ; reply was "a tree farm" ! he owned 4 -5 acres of woods. like can be seen in your picture background.

There are a number of requirements to be listed as a "farm" in CT before you can get farm plates, some income from the land is one of those. Tree farm is a legit option, but we don't have any income from our land at this point.

There really should be no problem here, I guess we will see at my appointment next week 🤞 

[Freightrain]

I got initial grief when I put historical tags on my truck here in Ohio 25 yrs ago.  DMV lady tried to argue it but she lost.  She did say "you better not be hauling freight with this".  I just laughed at her.

Ohio DMV is not a legal govt entity.  It is a privately run business for the state.  So they DO NOT have legal expertise so push back.  Hard.

[Brocky]

Some of the people at the South Carolina DMV tried to tell us the same about a weight limit. Between a friendly officer in the Diesel Cops and an ATHS member who works at the Main DMV HQ it was quickly straightened out. There are still a few local DMV offices who like to give a hard time, BUT we now know which ones to go to with NO problems. Mechohaulic, Matt, with the B-73 rollback, and Matt Phfail should be able to help you find a cooperative office.

[mowerman]

best of luck we have commercial antique here also you dont even need a truck license here to drive them ,,,long as no HM and no working it for money i havent tryed to do anything with mine,,,but i have a clean title signed over 25 years ago,,,and it still isnt road ready yet,,,but im wondering if thier going to ask for a bill of sale ??????

[davehummell]

When I transferred the title over into my name and purchased the antique tag it was an easy process I have Hagerty insurance on the Mack and my 31 model A and my 32 ford hotrod pickup the state quit asking for photos but Hagerty wants the photos of the vehicles in their garage every spring I haul mulch in on the Mack and use it to haul round bales for my goats.

[Brocky]

Hagerty also has a deal with the American Truck Historical Society where ATHS members get a discount.

[Joey Mack]

Brocky. Is the ATHS easy to join? I have my 48 Int. Its not on the road yet. I guess i can look at the web site, just curious about the requirements. Thanks

[Joey Mack]

Brocky, I just visited the web site.  I should have just done that first.  I got my answer.  

[Brocky]

Joey, Both ATHS (15000 worldwide members) and ATCA (5000 predominately northeast Mack members) are open to all.. Personally I feel ATHS is "money hungry", their dues keep going up every few years.. ATCA has stayed at $36 for as long as I can remember!! I have been a member of both since 2002. Both issue a bimonthly magazine, but ATHS also includes their "Showtime" book which is an individual picture of every truck attending their National show. I also like the ATCA magazine, Double Clutch, better as it has better/more articles about historical vehicles and events/actions. Also more coverage of local shows.

[Joey Mack]

Thanks Brocky. I will look at them. Ok Im done stealing this thread. 

[Mark T]

2 hours ago, Brocky said:

Joey, Both ATHS (15000 worldwide members) and ATCA (5000 predominately northeast Mack members) are open to all.. Personally I feel ATHS is "money hungry", their dues keep going up every few years.. ATCA has stayed at $36 for as long as I can remember!! I have been a member of both since 2002. Both issue a bimonthly magazine, but ATHS also includes their "Showtime" book which is an individual picture of every truck attending their National show. I also like the ATCA magazine, Double Clutch, better as it has better/more articles about historical vehicles and events/actions. Also more coverage of local shows.

Wheels of Time has more adds than anything anymore. Used to well worth being a member just for getting that.....now ????

[mowerman]

lol I dumped them years back money money and my chapter did absolutely nothing for us last straw was when they threw thier Christmas party on thanksgiving weekend.. and most of us were outa town.. I’d had enough of them 

 

[mowerman]

Joey see what you started!!!!!

[mowerman]

On a happier note I did get to meet 2 very cool people that had Mack parts I needed thru ATHS and I did like the wheels of time.. bob

[mechohaulic]

7 hours ago, Brocky said:

Joey, Both ATHS (15000 worldwide members) and ATCA (5000 predominately northeast Mack members) are open to all.. Personally I feel ATHS is "money hungry", their dues keep going up every few years.. ATCA has stayed at $36 for as long as I can remember!! I have been a member of both since 2002. Both issue a bimonthly magazine, but ATHS also includes their "Showtime" book which is an individual picture of every truck attending their National show. I also like the ATCA magazine, Double Clutch, better as it has better/more articles about historical vehicles and events/actions. Also more coverage of local shows.

yrs back having the two "49 Macks , I became a member of both ATHS/ATCA, Macks are gone so are both memberships. I came across an issue of Double Clutch recently :what box it's in =anybody's guess . few challenges at the moment , going through boxes of items scaling back personal belongings. 

[Freightrain]

ATHS thinks bigger scale than ATCA.  This the money issue.

I stay a member of ATHS because I am involved with our local show and "you need to be a member to do certain things".  ATHS was checking names and membership lists and was giving grief about non members.  There was a chapter that kept "dual log books".... 😆 to avoid issues with the big house.  

It has definitely changed a lot since I joined in 2002.  But have met a bunch of new friends and learned a lot from them.

[Brocky]

I continue to be a member of ATHS mainly because I am the chapter newsletter editor/Jack of all Trades and my wife is the secty/tres, and YES I have to do her work also!! Every January the chapter has to send a financial report to KCHQ which includes a roster of chapter members. Yes, I keep Larry's dual logbooks, only I got it labeled as "Donating Friends"!!!

33 minutes ago, Freightrain said:

has definitely changed a lot since I joined in 2002.  But have met a bunch of new friends and learned a lot from them.

 

[mattb73lt]

Honestly, CT DMV is a complete nightmare. The knowledge of the average worker is so low regarding the applicable statutes. Classic Vehicle plates are nothing new, yet the misconceptions of what you can and can't do with a vehicle registered under those plates is considerable. There is no longer a requirement from Connecticut to have a full vehicle inspection. In the past, you had to get a temporary registration (Paper plate) that was good for 30 days and physically bring the vehicle to a DMV office for a full inspection and VIN check. Currently all you need is a VIN verification, which can be done at most dealerships, and add that to your application. As I see it, there are no restrictions as to what you can do, carry or trailer with the vehicle so long as it's not for hire or compensation. I ran into issues two years ago while trying to register my B73 in CT, with a clerk telling me I needed a signed affidavit from the previous owner, who was now deceased, and that I couldn't carry anything in or on the truck. I asked her to show me in the Title 14 Statutes where it states that and made her also get her supervisor as she had no idea what she was talking about. After some discussion neither could produce any statute stating these restrictions. As for the temporary registration, technically you do need one to bring it somewhere for the VIN verification if you are driving it on public roads.

To register a vehicle in CT you need the following:

1. Title or Bill of Sale in your name. CT does not require a title for a vehicle over 10 years old. There is NO affidavit  requirement for the  Bill of Sale.

2. VIN verification.

3. Proof of insurance.

4. Registration Application. The DMV site has fillable forms you can complete and print out.

The Classic Vehicle plates exempt you from a CDL requirement, fuel tax stamp, Federal inspection. Obviously, having the vehicle in good roadworthy shape is still a requirement, as equipment and safety violations will still be enforced as with any vehicle. You don't need a commercial or apportioned registration to travel inter or intra state if you're going to go far and wide with your vehicle. I have traveled extensively around the northeast and to Virginia and Colorado and never had any issues. As for weigh and inspection stations, I usually pull in and get waved through or had some pleasant conversations about the truck. When I've passed them, I've never been chased down and pulled over. That's not to say you won't ever be stopped and questioned as there are officers out there that aren't aware of regulations or may question your intent. When you do go to DMV, have a few extra helpings of patience and arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can to get what you came there for.

 

[Brocky]

Matt, Thank You for getting this topis back on track!!!!!!

The state vehicle inspection laws vary from state to state, so a person has to do some research, online where you can bring the laws up in print, into their home state's laws. The majority of the time you can get good advise, either in print or where to get it printed, from an ATHS or ATCA chapter president. Always take these print outs with you to a DMV office as you probably will have to educate the idiots behind the counter.

When I went from a Vermont registration to a South Carolina title I had to make an appointment with the DMV for one of their officers to come out to my garage to verify the serial number. Luckily she only wanted to see the plate on the cowl, not crawl behind the front wheel to see it on the frame!

Obviously the vehicle must be able to pass a roadside inspection whenever you are operating on a public highway. As Matt says always pull across the scales at weigh stations so the officers can SEE your antique/historical plate. If you get pulled around back it is more than likely the officer just wants to BS about your truck after he checks your lights... AND will be in a LOT better mood than if he chases you down along the road!!!!

[mattb73lt]

Yes, I was speaking only of Connecticut. Laws/Statutes very from state to state. Research and arm yourself with as much knowledge and understanding of what you're there for. As frustrating as it can be, remain professional and polite. Sad to think that a customer possibly would have more knowledge than the person getting paid to work and administer registrations. But, registering a former commercial vehicle is still not that common and confusion can interfere with the transaction.