HB 22: Vintage Vehicle Amendments - Utah

Substitute #4 → Enrolled · 7 edits · Mar 23, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates vehicle registration rules for classic cars, restored-modified vehicles, and replica vehicles, while adjusting fee structures and fund allocations. It clarifies requirements for emissions inspections, introduces new categories for special license plates, and modifies how certain fees are collected and distributed to state funds.

Scope change

The bill expands the regulatory framework for alternative vehicle types (vintage, restored-modified, replica) and adjusts the scope of fee exemptions and fund allocations for these vehicles.

ELIGIBILITY

Updated requirements for vintage classic vehicles to include signed safety statements and specific emissions inspection rules based on model year.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'restored-modified vehicle' requiring modern technology and emission control systems.

Defined 'replica vehicle' for title purposes as a custom vehicle meeting specific requirements.

FISCAL

Adjusted fee allocations for vintage vehicles and updated deposit amounts for various registration fees into state funds.

REQUIREMENT

Changed special group license plate categories and removed certain sponsorship requirements for specific vehicle types.

TIMELINE

Set an effective date of October 1, 2026, for most provisions, with some appropriations effective May 6, 2026.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting errors and reorganized sections regarding fee calculations and fund distributions.

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's vehicle registration laws to replace the 'Vintage Vehicle' designation with a new 'Classic Vehicle' designation. The change simplifies the legal framework by removing the old vintage vehicle category and its associated emissions testing exemptions, while establishing clearer rules for classic vehicles, including specific requirements for restored-modified vehicles. Additionally, the bill adjusts the fiscal year for appropriations and clarifies the effective dates for the new provisions.

Scope change

The bill shifts the legal framework from a 'Vintage Vehicle' designation to a 'Classic Vehicle' designation, altering the specific sections of the Utah Code that govern these vehicles and their registration requirements.

DEFINITION

The 'Vintage Vehicle' definition is removed, and a new 'Classic Vehicle' definition is enacted to refer to the new chapter provisions.

New definitions are added for 'Classic Vehicle' and 'Restored-modified vehicle,' which must have modern emission control technology and an on-board diagnostic system.

REQUIREMENT

Emissions testing exemptions are restructured; vehicles model year 1982 or older now require a signed safety statement instead of an emissions inspection, while newer classic vehicles must obtain an emissions certificate or proof of collector insurance.

TIMELINE

The fiscal year for appropriations is changed from FY 2027 to FY 2026, and the effective date for the appropriations section is moved to May 6, 2026.

ENFORCEMENT

New sections are enacted to allow the State Tax Commission to revoke the registration of a classic vehicle if the owner fails to comply with the chapter.

TECHNICAL

The bill text includes formatting changes and renumbering of sections to accommodate the new definitions and enacted provisions.

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill revision adds specific language to exempt certain Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles from emissions testing, clarifies the definition of a 'custom vehicle' to exclude vintage classics, and updates the definition of 'vehicle' in the novel vehicle registration chapter to include classic vehicles. It also includes minor formatting corrections to the definitions section and adjusts the text for minimum speed and safety equipment exemptions to ensure clarity.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding emissions testing was expanded to include specific Mercedes-Benz models alongside the existing Volkswagen exemptions, while the scope of the 'custom vehicle' definition was narrowed to explicitly exclude vehicles already classified as vintage classics.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific exemption from emissions testing for Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles (e.g., E-Class, GL-Class, S-Class, Sprinter) with defeat devices, mirroring existing exemptions for Volkswagen models.

DEFINITION

Amended the definition of 'custom vehicle' to explicitly exclude 'vintage classic vehicles' and 'special interest vehicles' to prevent overlap and confusion between vehicle categories.

Updated the definition of 'vehicle' in the novel vehicle registration chapter to include 'classic vehicle' alongside other vehicle types.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting and phrasing in the definitions section (e.g., changing 'person' to 'individual' in speed regulations) and fixed cross-references in the emissions inspection section.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill replaces the 'vintage vehicle' designation with a new 'classic vehicle' designation to simplify regulations for older cars. The primary change is that classic vehicles (1982 or older) are now fully exempt from emissions testing and minimum speed requirements, whereas vintage vehicles previously required a signed safety statement and continued to face some restrictions. The bill also updates the definition of custom vehicles to exclude classic vehicles and clarifies funding sources for the Road Usage Charge Program.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of exemptions for older vehicles by creating a distinct 'classic vehicle' category that is treated more leniently than the previous 'vintage vehicle' category, particularly regarding emissions and speed laws.

DEFINITION

Replaced the term 'vintage vehicle' with 'classic vehicle' in the definitions section to align with the new designation.

Updated the definition of 'custom vehicle' to explicitly exclude classic vehicles, ensuring they are not subject to the stricter safety standards applied to custom builds.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the age threshold for classic vehicle status from '20 years or older' to '1982 or older' (model year), making the qualification based on a fixed date rather than a rolling age calculation.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for a signed safety statement for classic vehicles with model years 1982 or older, granting them full exemption from emissions testing.

Added an exemption for classic vehicles from minimum speed restrictions and minimum safety equipment standards, provided they are operated for exhibition or tour purposes.

TECHNICAL

Corrected the Senate Sponsor name from 'LONG TITLE' to 'Emily Buss' and adjusted section numbering and text formatting throughout the document.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified that the State Tax Commission has the authority to revoke registration for classic vehicles that fail to comply with the chapter.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This bill replaces the 'vintage vehicle' designation with a new 'classic vehicle' designation to simplify regulations for older cars. It removes emissions testing requirements for most classic vehicles and creates a new 'classic travel trailer' category. The bill also adds a $36,400 appropriation for fiscal year 2027 to fund administrative costs and adjusts various fee structures.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of exemptions by creating a new 'classic travel trailer' category and clarifying that classic vehicles are exempt from minimum speed and safety equipment requirements when used for exhibitions or tours.

FISCAL

Added a $36,400 appropriation from the Transportation Investment Fund to the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 to cover administrative costs.

DEFINITION

Replaced the 'vintage vehicle' definition with a new 'classic vehicle' definition, which includes motor vehicles or motorcycles from 1982 or older driven fewer than 1,500 miles per year.

Created a new definition for 'classic travel trailer' covering trailers from 1982 or older used for recreational purposes.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified emissions inspection exemptions to apply to classic vehicles (1982 or older) and restored-modified vehicles, removing the requirement for emissions tests.

REQUIREMENT

Added exemptions for classic vehicles regarding minimum speed limits and minimum safety equipment standards when operated for exhibitions, tours, or parades.

Changed the signed statement requirement for classic vehicle registration to reference the new classic vehicle sections instead of the repealed vintage vehicle sections.

Updated the definition of 'custom vehicle' to explicitly exclude 'classic vehicles' and 'special interest vehicles' to prevent overlap in exemptions.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting errors in section headers and cross-references throughout the bill text.

Vintage Vehicle Amendments

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