Hobbyist Plates?

Andrew

Does anyone here have hobbyist plates? What is the emissions testing schedule (for counties that test emissions) for a vehicle newer than 1996 that has hobbyist plates? Is there any testing required after the initial test you have to do within 45 days of getting the plates? They're ugly, but they seem to have some perks. Asking for a friend...

wasnt m3

I've had them on a few cars over the years. Nothing newer than 96, however. There is no emissions testing after the first time, if they even request that first time. The one time registration fee and no subsequent renewals is a huge plus if you plan to keep the car. What is the car in question?

Andrew

wasnt m3 said:

I've had them on a few cars over the years. Nothing newer than 96, however. There is no emissions testing after the first time, if they even request that first time. The one time registration fee and no subsequent renewals is a huge plus if you plan to keep the car. What is the car in question?

I have an 02' M3. I want to get a CSL style airbox, and i think i'd like to run it with a MAP sensor instead of alpha N. From what i understand, changing the ECU to be able to run the MAP sensor will make the car unable to communicate properly with emissions equipment, which is problematic.

Jdesign

Thats an interesting question. I would think that the Hobbyist plate would exempt you. Hobbyist is basically the same as a collector plate but allows modifications to a car that is a minimum of 20 years old.

FROM THE WISCONSIN DOT:

Hobbyist license plate numbers are assigned to the vehicle owner for a lifetime and the registration does not expire. A letter suffix is added to the number (i.e., 1A, 1B, etc.) for each subsequent hobbyist vehicle owned by the same person. Hobbyist plates cannot be personalized.

Types of hobbyist vehicles

Street modified vehicles

Must be at least 20 model years old.
Can still be recognized as the original vehicle year and make.
Are altered from the original vehicle.
Are typically known as "hot rods" or "street rods".

Replica vehicles

Must replicate a vehicle at least 20 model years old.
Are reproductions of vehicles originally made by another manufacturer. (Indicate the year and make that the vehicle replicates in Section A of the application.)

Reconstructed vehicles

Are constructed from a vehicle at least 20 model years old.
Are no longer recognizable as the original vehicle.
If newly reconstructed, the application must include a bill of sale for all major parts used in the construction of the vehicle.
May need an inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.

Homemade motorized vehicles

Must have been constructed from new or used parts with a body and frame not originating from or resembling a previously manufactured motor vehicle.
Homemade motorcycles must replicate a motorcycle 20 or more model years old.
May need an inspection by a Wisconsin State Patrol inspector. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.

Refer to Wisconsin Statutes 341.268 for vehicle definitions and Administrative Rule Trans 149 for homemade or reconstructed vehicle requirements.

Things you should know:

The owner of a Hobbyist vehicle must own or lease one other motor vehicle for regular transportation with current, valid registration in Wisconsin under the same name(s) as the hobbyist vehicle. If jointly owned, each owner must own or lease a vehicle with valid registration in Wisconsin to qualify.
Hobbyist registration fees are twice the regular annual registration fee for the type of vehicle, plus a one-time fee of $50 for the first Hobbyist plate.
Truck-type vehicles with Hobbyist plates are registered by gross weight.
- To determine the gross vehicle weight, use the weight of the vehicle, a full tank of gas, driver, passengers and any load you plan to carry. Hobbyist truck-type vehicles cannot haul more than 500 pounds.
Hobbyist registration does not expire for as long as you own the vehicle.
Hobbyist license plates are not valid for operation during the month of January. To operate the vehicle in January, use the Collector or Hobbyist Vehicle Temporary License Plate Application form MV2750 to apply for temporary registration for a maximum of five consecutive days in January.
Vehicles with Hobbyist plates cannot be used for commercial purposes or operated for hire.
Except for motorcycles, which receive one plate, WisDOT issues two Hobbyist license plates that must be displayed on the vehicle.
For more information, visit personalized and special plates FAQs.

How to apply

Hobbyist license plates are not available at DMV customer service centers.

To apply for Hobbyist license plates by mail, please send the following items:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Special Plates Unit
P.O. Box 7911
Madison WI 53707-7911

Registration fees

Vehicle type

Gross weight*

First plate

Second and subsequent plate, or transfer from a vehicle you no longer own

Automobile

N/A

$220

$170

Truck
Bus
Former military vehicle

4,500 pounds

6,000 pounds

$250

$200

over 6,000 pounds

$262

$212

Motor home

5,000 pounds

$147

$97

over 5,000 pounds

$160

$110

Motorcycle/moped

N/A

$73

$23

Truck tractor

6,000 pounds

$286

$236

over 6,000 pounds

$298

$248

For more information:

Complete and sign the Hobbyist Registration Application form MV2388. Check the type of hobbyist vehicle on page 1.
Send the above items with your original title (not a photocopy) and Hobbyist registration fee to:
If the vehicle is not titled in your name, you must also complete form MV1 Wisconsin Title and License Plate Application (or MV11 for dealer sales) and include appropriate fees.
If the vehicle qualifies as a reconstructed or homemade vehicle, the vehicle must pass a safety and equipment inspection with the Wisconsin State Patrol. You will receive a letter requesting an inspection, if needed.

m42b32

Jdesign said:

Hobbyist is basically the same as a collector plate but allows modifications to a car that is a minimum of 20 years old.

Just to clarify this comment: collector plates also let you modify the car, but has a couple limitations on visual changes. You can do anything you want to the engine (including swaps), suspension, interior, wheels. Only real limitations are keeping the body 'stock': For example, you could put IS lip/spoiler on a non-IS e30, but couldn't put big flares and a vented hood on it. Here is the list from the DMV for acceptable alterations to a car registered as a collector. It's sort of confusing because the "no" means you can, and the "yes" means you cant.

Honestly, you could probably just call the DMV to get a concrete answer on the emissions. It sounds horrible, but the last time or two I had to call they were surprisingly helpful.

It makes me feel old having this conversation about an e46...

Jdesign

I basically lied when I got my plates. They wont know, and shit, 5 years from now, the car could be completely different.

Rekpoint

I plan on getting Hobbyist plates as soon as I possibly can for my 05 m3. Still 3 years out though.

Figured id play it safe and go for hobbyist over collector. My county also doesn't do emissions so no inspection thank god.

WIBIMMERS