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Classic Registrations Continue To Rise In CT

WETHERSFIELD, CT – The number of registered cars, trucks and motorcycles that display classic license plates continues to grow in Connecticut, increasing by 3,356 over the past year.

According to data supplied this week by the state Department of Motor Vehicles at RIDE-CT’s request, a total of 90,511 cars, trucks and motorcycles proudly proclaim that they are more than 20 years old.

That figure is an increase from the 87,155 listed in 2023, and an increase of 14,805 in the past four years. The DMV did not provide a breakout of the number of motorcycles with classic plates.

There are likely multiple reasons for the rise in classic plates. Car owners are keeping their cars longer, meaning more vehicles qualify for vintage designation.

For all vintage owners, there’s also a property tax benefit. Under state law, classic vehicles whether having two wheels or four are only assessed for $500 – no matter their actual value. 

More so with cars, some people simply have the money to spend on classics for fun and investment. 

About Bud Wilkinson

Bud Wilkinson writes the "My Ride" classic car feature for Hearst Connecticut Media Group's newspapers in CT and for the chain's CT Insider website. The weekly feature began in 2016 in the "Republican-American" newspaper in Waterbury, CT. He also wrote the "RIDE-CT" motorcycle column in that newspaper from 2005 until 2025. A graduate of Vermont Academy prep school, he holds a B.A. degree journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the recipient of a Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award in 1992 and a 1991-92 regional Emmy Award for commentary. He currently rides a 1987 BMW R 80 RT and a 2014 Triumph Bonneville and drives a 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.