Collector Plates - OHIO

[MisterB]

Seeking clarification. Purchasing an out of state car with no cat. Can I immediately apply for collector plates w/out going thru smog test (E-Check).

TIA

Ed

[bourgeois911]

Actually, I don't think collector plates will exempt you in Ohio. There are only seven counties in Ohio that require testing presently and it looks like there are some other loopholes. For instance, if you flunk the test but show you've spent $300 for repairs and have improved emissions by 30% you can get a waiver. We don't have it here (yet).

Ohio DMV Q&A

[MisterB]

Well when I purchased my 88 several years ago, I applied for collector plates which did exempt me from E-check. But I just assumed I needed an E-Check document to apply for the Collector plate registration. I am trying to find out if I really need an E-check to obtain Collector plates. I have tried calling the BMV but I am getting nowhere.

[MisterB]

I think I found my answer.............


OhioEPA
PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER
P.O. Box 1049, 1800 WaterMark Drive
Columbus, OH 43216-1049
Tele: (614) 644-2160 Fax: (614) 644-2737


NEWS RELEASE

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For Release:November 14, 1997
Media Contact: Heidi Griesmer, Ohio EPA (614) 644-2160/ Leo Skinner, BMV (614) 466-5247
Citizen Contact: Mobile Sources Section (614) 644-3059


Ohio EPA, BMV to Require E-Check Before Issuing Collector's License Plates

NOTE: As of March 9, 1998, the information in this news release is no longer correct. Collector's vehicles, which will obtain or renew a collector plate, are not subject to E-Check as long as the vehicle meets the BMV's definition of a collector's vehicle.
Vehicle owners in E-Check counties applying for collector's license plates for the first time will need to undergo the E-Check vehicle emissions test before obtaining the new plates. In addition, all vehicle owners who obtained collector's plates for the first time after January 1, 1996, will be required to have their vehicle tested before renewing their registration.

Ohio law exempts a vehicle from the E-Check test if it is a licensed collector's vehicle. The exemption applies only after the vehicle first has been subject to the vehicle emissions test and then has been registered as a collector's vehicle. Until this time, Ohio EPA and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) had inadvertently exempted both existing and new collector's vehicles from the test. Once a collector's vehicle obtains collector's plates, it will no longer be subject to E-Check.

A review of the law was prompted by a sharp increase in the number of vehicles applying for collector's plates in the 14 counties where E-Check is required. Since the beginning of the E-Check program, the number of vehicles with collector's plates in Ohio has increased by 291 percent. Ninety-five percent of these license plates were sold to motorists in the 14 E-Check counties. In addition, 61 percent of the collector's plates sold in 1996 are for model years 1978 to 1991.

All motorists must attempt to have their vehicle tested. If the vehicle fails or is rejected from the test, the motorist may apply for an exemption by sending the following information to Ohio EPA:


the application for collector's plates;

an exemption application, which is available at the testing facilities and from Ohio EPA;

a letter justifying why an exemption should be granted;

mileage documentation;

a copy of the owner's primary vehicle registration;

proof of insurance for a collector vehicle;

E-Check documentation -- a failed test report or rejection notice obtained from an E-Check station;

photos of vehicle (optional); and

visual vehicle inspection report (if Ohio EPA decides it is needed).
This exemption would be nontransferable and would only be valid in obtaining collector's plates from the BMV.