In Spain, there are around 47,000 vehicles registered as historic in 2024. This may seem like a lot, but in the United Kingdom the figure reaches half a million, in Germany 600,000 and in France around 400,000, according to calculations by the Spanish Federation of Antique Vehicles (FEVA). The figure could indicate that there is no car culture in Spain (in our opinion, not at the level of the countries mentioned), but the difference is such that it points to a serious problem: it is neither easy nor cheap to own a historic vehicle in our country.
For this comes the new Historic Vehicle Regulations. Already approved by the Council of Ministers, it is pending publication in the BOE for it to come into force. October 1, 2024This regulation will facilitate the registration of cars and other vehicles as historic, a demand from fans that has been around for a long time.
Until now, registering a car as historic was a complex and expensive process. In many cases, “it can exceed the value of the vehicle,” as the text of the project acknowledges. Now, the process seeks to simplify and make the procedure cheaper. This should increase the number of historic vehicles in Spain to around 150,000 – 200,000 units, allowing thousands of discontinued and abandoned vehicles to be recovered and protecting the automotive heritage of interest.
The current Historic Vehicle Regulations have been in force since 1995. The new regulations reduce the procedures for classifying historic cars, in addition to reduce the cost of the process from 900 to about 80 euros. Let’s analyze the changes:
What is a historic vehicle?
According to the new Regulation, a historic vehicle must meet certain requirements to be considered as such:
- Registered for the first time or manufactured with a thirty years old at least.
- The model has ceased to be produced.
- Be in original statealthough certain modifications are permitted. For example, modifications made before classification are permitted if they were common during the production period of the model or up to fifteen years after the end of production of the model that could affect the structure, systems or components. If the modifications are made after classification, only those that return the vehicle to its original version will be permitted. Motorcycles, on the other hand, may install a sidecar.
In addition, vehicles included in the General Inventory of Movable Assets of the Spanish Historical Heritage, those declared of cultural interest and those of special interest for having belonged to a relevant personality or having participated in an event of historical significance will be eligible to be considered historic vehicles. The new Regulation eliminates the possibility that so-called “collector’s vehicles” can be classified as historic.
There are not too many changes in this, but they are now classified into two groups:
- Group A: With Spanish registration, 30 years old or older (the date of manufacture or first registration is taken into account, whichever is older), valid ITV (Spanish vehicle inspection) and without substantial changes (bodywork, suspension, etc.). 95% of historic vehicles in Spain fall into this group.
- Group B: The rest of the vehicles that do not meet the previous requirements.
Procedures for cataloging a historic vehicle
The above distinction in Groups is vital when carrying out the bureaucratic procedures to declare a historic vehicle.
- Group A: Maximum simplicity. The owner must present a responsible declaration indicating that his vehicle is susceptible to being classified as historic. If it has a valid ITV, an official laboratory report is not necessary. Just present this signed declaration of responsibility at the DGT and pay the fee. vehicle service exchange rate (between 20 and 30 euros).
- Group B: A technical report is required to prove that the vehicle is suitable for being considered historic. Where is this report produced? No longer in official laboratories but in Historic Vehicle Technical Services. This report allows you to go to the ITV, which must be submitted to the DGT.
What are the Technical Services for Historic Vehicles?
The Technical Services that validate the vehicles must be accredited by the National Association of Accreditors (ENAC) and will be valid for the whole of Spain. This is an important change, since the laboratories were not accredited and were only valid in their Autonomous Community.
In addition, an entity is created that encompasses all entities related to historic vehicles. We are talking about associations, clubs, FEVA… They will be able to issue simpler certificates on the originality of the vehicles presented. Obviously, clubs cannot be created to issue these certificates (which may have a cost). Registration in a register of associations linked to historic vehicles is required, either at a national level and at least three years old.
MOT for historic vehicles
The new Historic Vehicle Code also defines the validity periods of the MOTs for these vehicles, depending on their age.
- Cars up to 40 years old: Every 2 years. Less frequent MOT passes than younger vehicles.
- Cars from 40 to 45 years old: Every 3 years.
- Cars from 45 to 60 years old: Every 4 years.
- Cars over 60 years old: Exempted from passing the MOT (they can pass it voluntarily). This is the great novelty and thus puts them in line with other European countries, to prevent this industrial heritage from leaving the country.
- Motorcycles: Every 4 years.
- Mopeds: Total exemption.
A maximum period of one year has been set from the entry into force of the Regulation on Historic Vehicles for the Ministry of Industry and Tourism to change the Inspection Procedure Manual for ITV Stations. Specific considerations for this type of vehicle must be introduced into it.
Identification and use of historic vehicles
Classic and historic cars do not usually cover many kilometres per year, but their owners also like to drive them from time to time:
- H Sticker:Vehicles classified as historic can stick a sticker with the letter H in black on an orange background on the rear of the vehicle (there are special sizes for motorcycles). The oval sticker with VH on a white background disappears.
- Maximum speed: Historic vehicles without seat belts in the front seats may not exceed 150 kg. 80 km/h maximum speed.
- Minors on interurban roads: Children under 135 cm in height may not travel if the vehicle does not have seat belts or child restraint systems cannot be installed.
- Low Emission Zones: Municipalities are requested to ensure that historic vehicles can circulate in areas with environmental restrictions… if their use is occasional. 96 days a yearwhich is why with the classification of the historic vehicle you commit to comply with it. If it is detected that you enter a ZBE more days in a year, your classification can be withdrawn and you can be sanctioned.
Would a separate environmental sticker be necessary? We doubt it. The vast majority of vehicles drive very few days a year, for few kilometres and avoiding places with traffic jams. A study by FEVA states that 61% drive less than 20 days a year.
The Ministries of the Interior and Industry and Tourism expect a positive economic impact with more professionals and companies dedicated to the catering industry, and an increase in sales activity.
