Dear HRIA Members,
As many of you know, registering a hot rod or modified vehicle can be tricky—especially when purchasing from out of state. North Carolina, in particular, has specific requirements and definitions that could significantly impact how your vehicle is titled and registered. Understanding these classifications is key to avoiding surprises and ensuring your vehicle is properly documented.
Out-of-State Vehicle Inspections
If you purchase a vehicle from out of state and bring it into North Carolina, it must undergo a vehicle verification inspection by the License & Theft Bureau before it can be titled and registered. This is standard procedure, but complications can arise when the vehicle is modified or does not fit neatly into traditional categories.
Key NC Vehicle Classifications
North Carolina recognizes several unique vehicle types under the “Antique & Specially Constructed” category. Here's how they break down:
Antique Vehicles
Defined under N.C. General Statute 20-53(e), antique vehicles are out-of-state vehicles from the 1980 model year or older—or specially constructed vehicles—prior to verification. To qualify, they must retain their original body and frame, which cannot be materially altered. If either the body or frame is significantly modified, the vehicle will no longer qualify as an antique.
Custom Built Vehicles
These vehicles are reconstructed or assembled from new or used parts, resulting in a design that does not resemble any manufactured vehicle. This includes motorcycles, vehicles built from kits, or any materially altered body constructed from non-original materials. The “Make” will be listed as Custom Built, and the model year will reflect the year of assembly. These titles will be branded as “Specially Constructed Vehicle.”
Example: If you buy a '32 Ford that’s been hot rodded with a new chassis and no part of the original frame remains, it will be registered as a Custom Built vehicle—titled as the year it was assembled, not 1932.
Replica Vehicles
A replica is a vehicle built with a new, original, or remanufactured frame and a body constructed to replicate an earlier year, make, and model. Even if the frame is original but the body is a kit, it will be classified as a replica. Like customs, replica titles will be branded “Specially Constructed Vehicle.” This classification does not apply to motorcycles, which will fall under “custom built” if modified.
Street Rods
A street rod is a pre-1949 vehicle that’s been materially altered or built with a body made from non-original materials. However, the vehicle will still carry the original manufacturer’s model year and name on the title, with “Street Rod” noted as the model. These titles are also branded “Specially Constructed Vehicle.”
Why This Matters
Knowing how your car will be classified can affect:
- Insurance
- Resale value
- Show eligibility
- Emissions and inspection exemptions
Failing to understand these definitions could result in delays, unexpected titling results, or even legal issues.
Final Thought: Know Your State
While this information is specific to North Carolina, every state has its own rules. HRIA strongly encourages members to research their own state’s laws before buying, building, or importing a vehicle. What qualifies as an antique in one state might be a custom in another.
If you’re unsure, reach out to your local DMV or License & Theft Bureau. Doing your homework now can save you major headaches later.
Keep on rodding,
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Select Committee