The world of classic vehicles in Spain has received excellent news with the approval of the new Historical Vehicle Regulations (RVH). Now, and among the most notable new features, is the possibility of preserving the vehicle’s original license plate when registering it as historic, an aspect long in demand by collectors and lovers of classic vehicles.
What happens with classic motorcycles?
The new Historical Vehicle Regulations (RVH) also simplifies the cataloging and registration process for classic motorcycles and mopeds. Motorcycles that are more than 30 years old, that are already registered and have a current MOT, can be recognized as historic after paying a reduced fee.
On the other hand, motorcycles and mopeds that are not registered must follow a simple process. This includes obtaining a favorable Technical Report issued by a Historical Vehicle Technical Service, passing a specific MOT and performing historical registration at a Traffic office. In addition, these historic vehicles will only have to pass the MOT every four years, instead of every two, as is currently required.
Finally, models over 60 years old are exempt from the mandatory MOT, although their owners can carry it out voluntarily if they wish.
The original license plate is much more than just a number. For fans and experts of classic vehicles, the original license plate is not just an official identifier. It is a key piece of the vehicle’s historical and cultural value, reflecting its origin, age and journey over time. However, until now, when registering a vehicle as historic, it lost its original license plate and received a new license plate with the designation “H.”
This bureaucratic change represented an aesthetic and historical inconvenience, since many classic vehicles lose part of their authenticity without their original license plate. With the new regulation, this practice ends, allowing the original license plates to be maintained as long as they meet certain conditions.
What does the new Historic Vehicle Regulation say?
He RVH establishes that owners may keep the vehicle’s original registration if it meets the following requirements:
- Minimum age: The vehicle must be at least 30 years old from its first registration or manufacture.
- Registration status: The plate must be legible, not damaged and match the original documentation.
- Cataloging process: The vehicle must undergo a specific procedure to be considered historic. This includes: the issuance of a technical report by an accredited laboratory, obtaining a certificate of authenticity that supports its historical value and, finally, passing a specific MOT for historic vehicles.
Preserving the original license plate is a great step forward for collectors and lovers of historic vehicles. In fact, it not only reinforces the authenticity of the car, but also increases its value in the market. Because? Obviously, vehicles with original license plates tend to be more sought after at auctions and private sales.
In addition, it also preserves its history. Each license plate tells a unique story about the vehicle’s journey and facilitates its participation in international events. Some historical events especially value the presence of vehicles with original license plates.
But how to start the process? The process to preserve the original license plate during cataloging as a historic vehicle includes the following steps:
- Application at an accredited laboratory: Owners must go to an authorized laboratory to issue the historical cataloging technical report.
- Conservation statement: During the process, the owner must express his desire to keep the original license plate.
- Specific technical inspection: In the ITV, it will be verified that the vehicle meets the necessary technical and conservation requirements.
- Administrative approval: Finally, local authorities will review the documentation and grant permission to keep the original registration.
The new regulation has been designed by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Industry, classic vehicle associations and specialized technical laboratories. According to statements from the Spanish Federation of Antique Vehicles (FEVA), this measure “It represents a crucial step to protect the national automotive heritage and align Spain with the regulations of other European countries.”.
In countries such as France or Germany, the conservation of original license plates has been allowed for years, which facilitates the participation of vehicles in historic races and reinforces their value in the international market.
Without any doubt, the new Historical Vehicle Regulations marks a before and after for lovers of classic vehicles in Spain. Preserving the original license plate not only reinforces the authenticity of the vehicle, but also symbolizes an official recognition of the cultural and sentimental value of these jewels. This advance not only benefits collectors, but also encourages the preservation of a legacy that is part of the history of transportation in our country.
If you are the owner of a classic motorcycle, now more than ever it is worth considering its historical status. Keeping your original license plate will be a tribute to your history.
