SEMA-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique-vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to be driven without limitation during the warmer part of the year (April 1 through October 31) was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. Under the new law, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months (November 1 through March 31).

Regular antique-vehicle registration is still available for a lower fee to hobbyists who would prefer only operating their vehicle on a limited-use basis throughout the year. The expanded-use antique-registration plate will be available for an annual fee of $45. The limited-use antique plate (travel to and from car shows, exhibitions, for servicing or demonstration) remains available for a fee of $13 for a two-year registration. A standard registration plate, with no use limitations, is available for an annual $98 registration fee.

In Illinois, an antique vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that is more than 25 years of age, a bonafide replica or a fire-fighting vehicle more than 20 years old that is not used as fire-fighting equipment. The law becomes effective January 1, 2012.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.