Custom vintage plates

[SpaceEgg]

The registration of my '59 Tradewind runs out next month. It still has the original California plates on it (black with yellow letters) but I live in Oregon and now have to correct the state plates.

I can't get vintage plates made through the DMV, but I can get replica plates made online from places like this http://cr8apl8.easystorecreator.com/items/cruise-the-usa-plate-styles/oregon-/list.htm?1=1

If these plates are made of metal and look exactly like the original vintage plates, is anyone going to notice if I slip a replica plate onto the trailer instead of the one I purchase from the DMV? Clearly I will use the same digits I get from the purchased plate and also the new registration sticker so that everything stays legit.

Are the cops going to care?

Before you ask, the vintage CA plates are not available for sale, but I think this blurb means you can recreate them for yourself if you want. This is from the website linked above.

The California DMV has finally acknowedged us and is allowing us to make 100% legal replacement license plates! As of March 1st, 2008 we will be able to recreate an old California license plate using the exact font the State of California uses on their plates ... under the following conditions: you must have legal owner rights to the plate you wish to duplicate - or you may duplicate a cleared plate after receiving a clean clearance from the DMV. This applies to our fiberglass reenforced plates as well as our .30 gage metal plates.

[r carl]

You can buy old plates on Ebay.

[wmarsha]

buy the plates and as long as they have the same date as the mfg of your rig, you should be able to register it with that #-as long as no one else has it. DMV just treats 'em like vanity plates but for vintage (25 years or older) vehicles. At least that is the way it works for autos. ol bill

[Touchofgrey]

Do not put just any plate on your trailer. If DMV allows you to do the vintage plate thing mentioned do that. I am a police officer and can tell you that if the wrong plate is on the vehicle, you can be charged with a misdemeanor, and if I believe you are doing it to defraud the state or avoid paying registration fees, you can be charged with a felony. Oh and don't forget your beautiful airstream would be towed/stored which is normally a greater amount than the fine. Just do what's right and legal and you won't have to worry about it.

[SpaceEgg]

Touchofgrey, thanks for your helpful insight. Although it pained me, was double the price, and way less cool, I registered the traylah as a legit RV. The actual plate itself isn't bad (dark blue letters on dark yellow), so that lightened the blow. Don't need to be adding misdemeanors to my continually growing rap sheet!

Welcome to the forums!