June 2006

This press release was issued following announcements that were made on May 18th in Victoria at the B.C. Legislature.  These changes will affect stock collector plated cars as well as modified cars.  The new rules are the result of the four-question survey conducted by ICBC last year.  for a complete listing of allowable changed that may be made to collector plated cars visit the ICBC website and click on the Collector Plate section.  Some very clean original cars will be looked at on an individual basis for possible approval for collector plates.  The request for replica  and composite bodies was not approved.

"CUSTOM" CARS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR COLLECTOR STATUS

VICTORIA - The Province is recognizing automotive history by making changes to allow vehicle hobbyists to register 1958 and older "hot rods" and "custom" vehicles as collector cars, Solicitor General John Les said today.

"The era of drive-in movies, the cold war, civil rights and rock and roll was also a time of glorious cars that are still much loved and cherished today," said Les. "That's why we're expanding the eligibility time frame for collector cars from 1948 to 1958, and allowing a larger pool of vehicles to qualify for the collector motor vehicle program."

Another change will allow collector car hobbyists to install era-appropriate parts and accessories to reflect past automotive trends. Owners will be able to personalize their collector vehicles, while highlighting the historical significance of those changing times.

The collector motor vehicle program was first introduced in 1990 to provide unique licence plates for collector vehicles, and lower collector car insurance premiums for hobbyists who have other licensed, non-collector vehicles that they use for general transportation.

The original regulations required owners of collector vehicles to adhere to original manufacturer's specifications, making modified vehicles ineligible for collector vehicle status. In 2000, adjustments were made to allow modified 1948 and older vehicles to qualify for the collector motor vehicle program.

Starting June 19, modified vehicles with a 1958 or earlier model year can now carry the distinctive collector licence plates. These plates identify the vehicle as a collector car and recognize its contribution to B.C.'s automobile history.

Owners of vehicles that now qualify for the collector program are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible so they can enjoy their collector vehicle status over the summer months. All information and application forms can be obtained from local Autoplan brokers or downloaded from www.icbc.com.

Find out details about the collector vehicle program on ICBC's website