The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification stating that vintage cars in the country will soon get a special series of registration numbers. Vintage cars will now have ‘VA’ in their registration number after the state code, for example MH VA XX 6789. 

The notification also states which vehicles will be classified as a vintage model. Vehicles that are more than 50 years old from the date of their first registration, including any imports, will be deemed as a vintage motor vehicle. Furthermore, a Vintage Motor Vehicles State Committee (VMVSC) will be set up in each state that will approve or reject a car’s vintage status. 

In order to register or re-register, owners will have to provide documents of their vehicles, like a valid insurance policy; a Bill of Entry, in case of an imported vehicle; the old registration certificate, in case the vehicle is already registered; and shell out a one-time fee of Rs 20,000. These will be approved by the VMVSC. 

After getting the approval of the VMVSC, the Vintage Motor Vehicles State Registering Authority (VMVSRA) will then provide a registration number to the vintage vehicle. The certificate of registration will remain valid for 10 years after which it can be renewed. 

The draft also specified that vintage vehicles won’t be allowed on public roads for regular use. Instead, they can be used for display or demonstration in any exhibition, rally, show or museum, take part in events, meets, historical tours and ceremonial occasions, and for purposes of technical research and cinematography. Additionally, vintage cars can also ply on public roads for refuelling and maintenance purposes. 

Lastly, sale and purchase of vintage cars will be permitted, provided that the buyer/seller informs the State Transport Authority within 90 days of the purchase.