Massachusetts Introduces Bills to Exempt Older Antique Vehicles From Annual Safety Inspection

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• H. 3498 / H. 3603 would exempt from the state’s annual safety inspection program antique vehicles that are 50 years old and older—registered with antique or year of manufacture (YOM) license plates—and whose owner is a member of a recognized antique automobile club.
   
• H. 3498 / H. 3603 endorse the fact that antique vehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently operated.
   
• H. 3498 / H. 3603 recognize the burden that safety inspections place on antique vehicle owners.
   
• H. 3498 / H. 3603 bring the state in line with other states seeking to reward automotive enthusiasts and expand opportunities for these prized vehicles to be enjoyed.
   
• H. 3498 / H. 3603 recognize that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.
   

Overview: SAN-supported legislation (H. 3498 / H. 3603) has been introduced in Massachusetts to exempt older antique vehicles from the state’s annual safety inspection requirement. The bill applies to vehicles at least 50 years old registered with antique or year of manufacture (YOM) license plates and whose owner is a member of a recognized antique automobile club. Current law requires all vehicles to be inspected every year regardless of model-year, including those registered as antiques. The bills await consideration in the Joint Transportation Committee.