Michigan eases the driving restrictions for vintage cars

At any age, getting behind the wheel of a car is a liberating experience. When properly equipped, we can go almost anywhere with a light touch on the pedals and a loose grip on the wheel—that is, if your classic car isn’t restricted in how you can use it because of your registration. Thanks to the passing of House Bill 4183, vintage car owners in Michigan will be able to enjoy this driving season and many more with a little more freedom. On April 2nd, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill into law, greatly expanding the use of classic cars. The bill went into effect right away.

A car with historic or genuine license plates could only be used for “participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but is not used for general transportation,” per the previous version of the law. The term “exhibition” is defined much more broadly by the new law. The complete text is as follows:

Sec. 20a. A vehicle designated as a “historic vehicle” is one that is over 25 years old, is not used for regular transportation, and is only owned as a collector’s item or for club events, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar purposes, such as mechanical testing. Use of the vehicle from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day each year is deemed an exhibition for the purposes of this section.
Although many drivers disregarded the previous law, there remained a possibility that law enforcement would cite them for exceeding the guidelines. Thanks to enthusiasts like you and me, that’s no longer a concern.

This law is a tribute to the power of grassroots classic car owners; rather than being the product of a lobbying group or organization, it was the result of a single individual who felt that the way the law was written was excessive and took action. John Russell from Traverse City, Michigan, was that person.

This law is a tribute to the power of grassroots classic car owners; rather than being the product of a lobbying group or organization, it was the result of a single individual who felt that the way the law was written was excessive and took action. John Russell from Traverse City, Michigan, was that person.

Russell perceived this as a chance. “I called my senator after that 2012 ruling and asked why there were any restrictions at all.” From there, it developed into a letter-writing campaign that quickly expanded into a significant lobbying initiative. John persisted in pushing the bill through some setbacks and pauses in its advancement, and before he knew it, he was testifying before the Michigan state legislature, saying, “We aren’t asking for special favors, we are just asking to drive our cars.” This is the global center for automobiles. Why do we forbid people from using their fancy cars to drive to get ice cream?

Russell’s endurance was rewarded. After learning that the bill had passed on April 1st, he had to get in touch with his government contacts to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Since they weren’t, there was reason to rejoice. It took years to find the right representative to draft and introduce a bill, and it took an additional ten years to finish the procedure that resulted in the bill becoming law. Owners are just beginning to pull out their seasonally stored cars and get ready to enjoy the driving season—now with a little extra driving, so even with the wait, the timing couldn’t be more ideal.

After winning, Russell asked State Representative John Roth and the other bill sponsors, “We can come back in a few years and ask for no restrictions, right?” as his first question. While those of us in Michigan are getting ready for a joyous drive this Memorial Day weekend, Russell believes he has the necessary set of evidence to make that happen.