Know All About Vintage Car Registration Process

No car can beat the beauty of a classic vintage car cruising on the streets. To promote and preserve the heritage of India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued new guidelines regarding the vintage car registration process. Read on to find out all about vintage car registration in India.

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What is the New Vintage Car Registration Rule?

The new vintage car registration rule does not allow vintage cars to be driven for commercial or daily ride purposes. Also known as classic cars, any four-wheeler can be categorized as a vintage vehicle if it is at least 50 years old, well maintained in its original form and has not undergone any modifications.

The new laws for vintage cars have been issued to preserve the heritage of vintage cars. Under this new law, the registration fee for vintage or classic cars will be Rs 20,000 with a validity of 10 years and Rs 5000 for re-registration. Although, classic or vintage cars that are already registered can also retain their original registration number.

What Does New Vintage Car Registration Plates Look Like?

As per the law, vintage vehicles will be allotted special number plates starting with the letters VA to differentiate them from regular cars. It will follow the format of 'XXVAYY', where XX stands for the state code, VA refers to vintage vehicles and the YY is the two-letter series that will be followed by a four-digit number lying between 0001-9999. This number will be allotted by the respective state registering authority.

Moreover, vintage or classic cars will have to follow CMVR regulations or central motor vehicle rules. These rules require a vintage car number plate to use the black color writing the letters on the standard white background. Also, the number plate has to be displayed at the front and rear of the car in the high-security registration plate format or HSRP. Besides, you should also cover your car under a vintage car insurance policy.

As a vintage car owner, you must have the original documents of your earlier registration number. You can retrieve the information regarding the new registration from the Parivahan Sewa portal.

Criteria for Disqualificationof Vintage Cars

According to the new rule, the age factor will not be the sole qualifier for acquiring a new registration certificate for your vintage car. Your car should be in original form and free from any modifications in its chassis, engine, and body shell. Therefore, a vintage car should be well-maintained.

To keep an eye on the registration formalities, the Vintage Motor Vehicles State or Union Territory Committee has been appointed. They will look after the registration process and disqualify if a car does not meet the criteria.

Factors That Determine the Premium for Vintage Car Insurance

Generally, insurance providers consider various factors while deciding the premium amount for a vintage car, which are discussed below-

1. Current Value of the Car

   The first thing which the vintage car owner and the motor insurance company mutually decide upon is the car's current value or the IDV. The Insured Declared Value (IDV) of these cars can be tricky to calculate. Therefore, you must get it done by an independent expert on your behalf.

2. Age of the Car

   Another important factor that affects classic car insurance premiums is the car's age. The higher is the age of the car, the higher will be the premium. Also, you must have possession of all the required documents to prove the age of the car.

3. Potential Repair Costs

   Vintage cars hold some aesthetic value. Hence, they are heritage property and the cost of maintaining or repairing them is quite high than a usual car. Your insurer will calculate the potential repair costs and determine the vintage car insurance premium accordingly.

4. Number of Kilometers Covered

   Another factor in deciding the vintage car insurance premium is the kilometers covered by the car.The higher is the distance covered by the vehicle, the higher will be the premium. Therefore, the number of kilometers covered by the car will decide whether your premium will be high or low.

5. Spare Parts

   Getting spare parts for your vintage car is a task itself. Sometimes, you might have to import some parts, if they are unavailable in India. Therefore, your insurer will also consider this factor while calculating the premium of your vintage car.

Restricted Usage of Vintage Cars

Vintage cars are restricted for commercial or regular purposes. However, it can be used to run on the Indian roads for technical research, taking part in an exhibition or car rally or for display.

Buying and Selling Regulations for Vintage Cars

A new law for the sale of vintage cars has also been outlined. According to the law, the buyer and seller need to inform their respective state transportation authorities within 90 days from the date of sale or purchase.

Final Thoughts

Vintage car owners can now register their cars with the amended Motor Vehicles Act. However, these cars cannot be used for regular or commercial purposes. Moreover, to comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, you must have a new registration certificate, a valid vintage car insurance policy, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.