Del Val Miata Club

Hi,

I am a member of the club and would like to know from members that own a 25 year old or older Miata if they have registered it as an historic vehicle or a collector?  I own a 1999 Miata and have changed the insurance from standard car insurance to a policy from American Modern Insurance at a much lower annual premium as a collector. The questions I have for classic Miata owners what route they took - the collector or historic registration? There are pros and cons of either. Seems the historic registration is an easier but more restrictive way to go. Any experience with either route would be appreciated.

My objective is to avoid the annual car inspections. I mothball the car for the winter and disconnect the battery so every time I need to get it inspected I need to get drive it a least 100 miles for the computer to collect emissions data.

These are the rules based on a Google search:

Historic Registration ("QQ" Plates)

If you prefer a specialty status, your car qualifies for Historic Vehicles registration because it is at least 25 years old. [1]

• The Rules: The state does not enforce a rigid mileage limit, but the law dictates the car must only be used for educational purposes, exhibitions, and club activities (no daily commuting). [1, 2]
• The Perks: You receive distinct "QQ" historic plates. You pay a one-time upfront registration fee of $44, and you are exempt from the standard annual registration renewal fees. [1]
• What you need: You must submit the Application for Historic Vehicle Registration (Form SP-121), along with front and side color photographs of the car. []

Formal Collector Designation (If Pre-Approved)

If you specifically want the formal, triangular Collector Vehicle Decal instead of historic plates, you must submit a specialized application. [1, 2]

• The Catch: The MVC explicitly states a collector vehicle should be less than 25 years old. If they grant an exception based on rarity, you must submit an Application for Collector Vehicle Status along with a certified letter from the manufacturer or a recognized car club proving the vehicle is a rare, limited-edition model. [, 2, 3]
• The Process: If approved, you pay $25 for a voucher, take the car to a Centralized NJ Inspection Station to lock in your baseline mileage, and repeat this odometer verification process to ensure you stay under 3,000 miles. 

Frank Larocca

I currently have multiple cars with historic plates in NJ. Have had historic on various vehicles past 30 years. My sole objective was to by pass NJ State inspections. One of my Miata’s is heavily modified with v8 engine and no cats, would never pass. Others are either modified or have CEL constantly on and would never pass inspection. I’ve had no issues of any kind. All those vehicles are covered by collector insurance with Grundy. BTW collector/historic plates are not a requisite for collector insurance. I have other cars on collector insurance with normal plates.

Bill, that’s correct re: 1995 exempt from NJ inspection. My cars with QQ plates are 1995 or earlier. My non-QQ cars range from 1996-2023. These are non daily drivers insured under my Grundy collector/limited use policy. If you’re not familiar with these policies they run about 20% of regular  insurance with much better coverage. Zero deductibles, pay 100% of agreed value for total loss. . These policies are sold in addition to Grundy by companies like Hagerty, American Collectors, Chubb & others. To qualify they are not daily drivers and are garaged. Most companies don’t have annual mileage restrictions.