“
SVABC does not take a stance on vehicle types!
The SVA remains an umbrella for all categories of our hobby,
be they original, modified, car, truck or motorcycle.
Our goals are all the same, the preservation of our hobby.
”
Vintage vehicles
Do you own a piece of history? Why not show your antique vehicle off at special events and parades? Vintage licence plates allow you to do just that.
Does my vehicle qualify?
Your vehicle must be:- at least 30 years old
- maintained as close as possible to its original condition with original parts
- restored to a condition that conforms as nearly as possible to the original manufacturer's specifications
- owned as a collector's item
- mechanically sound
How do I get vintage plates?
- .Fill out an aQQlication form (PDF)*. Forms are also available from Autoplan brokers.
- Photograph your vehicle, following the instructions on the application form.
- Take the completed application and photos to an AutoQlan broker.
- ICBC will review the application and determine whether your vehicle qualifies. Once approved, ICBC will send the approved application and plates to your home address (unless instructed otherwise).
This process usually takes about three weeks.
Driving restrictions
Special occasions only
Vehicles with vintage plates may only be used for special occasions (for example: exhibitions,
parades, car club activities, community events, weddings and graduations). Everyday pleasure
driving is not permitted.
No business use or test driving
An antique vehicle may not be used for business or commercial purposes. Also, an antiquevehicle being test-driven by a potential buyer may not display vintage plates for licensing
purposes. For test-driving purposes, the seller should purchase a temporary operating permit
No headlights or reflectors?
If your vehicle doesn't have the lights and reflectors required by the Motor Vehicle Act Regylations, you may not drive it between one-halfhour after sunset and one-halfhour before sunnse.Insuring your antique vehicle
You can protect your vintage car investment by buying ICBC oI2tional insurance coverage:
Collision, Comprehensive or Specified Perils.
Because the use of a vintage vehicle is restricted,
you will probably pay less for these coverages.
Collector vehicles top
Collector plates are special licence plates that show your vehicle is a real classic while letting you save money on insurance too.
With collector plates and insurance, you can take your collector vehicle out for pleasure drives and go to car club events. However, strict driving restrictions apply.
You can get collector plates for qualifying:
- .passenger vehicles
- vans and light trucks
- motorcycles
Does my vehicle qualify?
Vehicle age
To qualify for collector plates, your vehicle must be:- At least 25 years old, or
- 15- 24 years old and a limited-production vehicle; that is, 1,500 or fewer of that model were produced by the manufacturer worldwide for that model year, or
- At least 15 years old and the manufacturer has made no vehicles of any kind for at least five years.
Your vehicle must also be:
- In exceedingly good condition.
- Maintained or restored to a condition that ICBC considers to be of collectible value.
Note: It is important that your ve~icle's components and condition be consistent with the
manufacturer's original specifications. However, ICBC may allow some exceptions. Examples
include safety improvements and adding after-market parts of the same era as the vehicle.
See list of approved accessories and parts for collector vehicles.
How do I get collector plates?
Here's how to apply:
- 1. Fill out an application form (PDF)* to have ICBC designate your vehicle a "collector vehicle." Forms are also available from Autoplan brokers.
- 2. Photograph your vehicle, following the instructions on the application form.
- 3. Take the completed application and photos to an AutoQlan broker or mail them to ICBC (see application form for details).
- 4. ICBC will review the application. If your vehicle qualifies, the approved application will be sent back to you. Typically, the review and processing takes about three weeks.
- After receiving your approved application, contact your broker to order your plates. They will be ready for pick-up in about four working days. Call first to ensure they have arrived.
AirCare Note: If you live in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley, you must pass an AirCare emissions test. (The vehicle doesn't have to be tested every year, but will have to pass the AirCare test again if it is sold.)
Insuring your collector vehicle
Once your vehicle has collector status, you can get collector plates and insurance.
Lower insurance premium
To qualify for a lower insurance premium on a collector vehicle, you must have either:- Another licensed, non-collector vehicle, or
- A company-assigned vehicle that's used for general transportation. (This includes a vehicle insured under one of the following ICBC rate classes: pleasure, to and from work, business, farm, artisan, fisherman or delivery.)
Not operating another vehicle?
You may still qualify for collector plates. However, the collector vehicle would have to be insured in a pleasure use rate class instead of a collector rate class. As a result, it wouldn't qualify for the lower, collector vehicle insurance premium.Extra insurance coverage
You will probably want to protect your collector car by purchasing ICBC optional insurance coverage: Collision, Comprehensive or Specified Perils. If you do so, you are also eligible to purchase ICBC's Agreed Value Policy. This is a great way to guarantee your vehicle's value in the event of a total loss claim (that is, a write-off).What are the driving restrictions?
Pleasure use only
Vehicles with collector plates are restricted to pleasure use only. For most vehicles, insuring for pleasure use usually extends the insurance coverage for occasional travel to work or school. With collector vehicles, however, you may never drive to work or school.Important: Using a vehicle with collector plates for reasons other than "pleasure use" risks invalidating your vehicle license and insurance.
No headlights or reflectors?
If your vehicle doesn't have the lights and reflectors required by the Motor Vehicle Act. Regulations, you may not drive it between one-half-hour after sunset and one-half-hour before sunrise.
Modified collector vehicles top
If you have a vehicle registered as a 1958 model or older that has been modified, it may qualify for modified collector vehicle status. Qualifying vehicles can display collector license plates. With collector plates, you may enjoy a lower insurance premium, but there are strict driving restrictions.
What's a modified collector vehicle?
A modified collector vehicle that is registered as a 1958 model or older that:- Is in a condition that ICBC considers to be of collectible value.
- Currently has the shell of a body, coach or cab from an original manufactured motor vehicle (fiberglass or composite bodies are not acceptable).
- Has an altered body that resembles, but is no longer identical in appearance to, the original body of the motor vehicle, and/or
- .Has had one or more of the following components replaced or altered:
- chassls
- engine and/or power train
- body panels
- Meets registration requirements, including being in excellent condition and maintained or restored to a condition ICBC considers to be of collectable value.
How do I get collector plates
To get collector plates for a modified collector vehicle, you must:- Apply to register the vehicle as a modified vehicle. Registration requirements include passing a vehicle
- Apply to have it designated as a "modified collector vehicle"
AirCare Note: If you live in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley, your modified collector vehicle may have to pass an initial AirCare emissions test.
For more information:
- About modified vehicles, please call: 604-661-6638 (collect calls accepted).
- About licensing or insuring modified vehicles, please call: 604-661-6890 or 1-800-665-8262.
