Legislation
Cheaper in the desert
Arizona's HB 2017, introduced for the 2006 session, comprehensively revises the state's old-car registration statues.
It provides for a $16 one-time registration fee for vehicles 25 years old and older. The bill also provides for a $50 one-time license-plate fee and a one-time $34 vehicle-license tax for these vehicles.
The measure also allows the director of the state��s Department of Environmental Quality to enact an exemption from emissions inspections for 25-year-old and older vehicles.
A minor side note of the bill is a description of a "collector" class of vehicles, in addition to the usual "classic" and "antique." Collector vehicles are defined as either
A.) At least 15 years old and "of unique or rare design, of limited production and an object of curiosity," or
B.) "Maintained primarily for use in car club activities, exhibitions, parades or other functions of public interest or for a private collection and is used only infrequently for other purposes," and have "a collectible vehicle or classic automobile insurance coverage that restricts the collectible vehicle mileage or use, or both, and requires the owner to have another vehicle for personal use."
The main purpose of this definition is related to legislation enacted last year giving these cars an exemption from emissions inspections (EPA approval is pending). We mostly love the thought of a 15-year-old "object of curiosity."
- By David B. Traver Adolphus