Minnesota to Restrict Weekday Use of Classic Cars Under New Proposal

Minnesota lawmakers are moving to overhaul rules for vintage vehicles. The draft law limits when and how older cars may be driven.

What the bill proposes

The measure, filed as HF 3865, narrows permissible uses for collector vehicles. It emphasizes exhibition and organized events over daily transportation.

• Allowed uses would include club activities, exhibitions, tours, and parades.
• Private use would generally be confined to daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Nighttime weekend driving would be barred for vehicles registered under collector classes.

License categories affected

The proposal touches several historic plate types. Those include pioneer, classic car, street rod, and collector plates.

The changes apply across these designations, according to the draft language. Registration categories would remain, but permitted operation would be more limited.

Implications for weekday driving

Under the draft, driving a collector-registered vehicle on weekdays would be largely prohibited. Exceptions would be limited to organized club events or similar uses.

Advocates and owners could face stricter limits than under current law. Existing rules mainly barred general transportation, not weekday driving outright.

Legislative status and timeline

Representative Meg Luger-Nikolai authored the updated HF 3865. She introduced the measure on March 2, 2026.

The bill has been referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. If lawmakers approve the measure, Governor Tim Walz will decide its fate.

Governor Walz is a classic vehicle owner. His personal vehicle is a 1979 International Harvester Scout.

Context and comparisons

The proposal echoes trends in other states. California’s recent discussions about an emissions exemption for historic cars also stress exhibition use.

Observers note both proposals assume classic cars are not primary transportation. The Minnesota language would more strictly limit weekday use.

Public awareness and outreach

The bill drew wider attention after coverage by CBT News. Filmogaz.com has contacted Representative Luger-Nikolai for comment.

Lawmakers and stakeholders will debate the measure as it moves through committee. Owners and clubs are likely to follow developments closely.