Idaho § 49-406 - Idaho old timer - Special license plate program - Registration and standard license plates
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 49-406 — Idaho old timer - Special license plate program - Registration and standard license plates, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-406. Idaho old timer - Special license plate program - Registration and standard license plates
(1) Any motor vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 1943, that is maintained to its original likeness using original-type parts and materials, without major modifications shall be known as an "Idaho Old Timer." Any motor vehicle which is altered from its original design is not an "Idaho Old Timer" as herein defined.
(2) Any motor vehicle which qualifies as an "Idaho Old Timer" shall be used for exhibits, parades, tours, club activities and such occasional use as is necessary for operation and maintenance of the vehicle, and shall not be used for business or commercial purposes or as customary and usual transportation.
(3) Applicants for a special "Idaho Old Timer" license plate shall pay an initial program fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and the license plate fee required in section 49-450 , Idaho Code, for each "Idaho Old Timer" plate which shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. The initial program fee shall be deposited in the state highway account, and the plate manufacturing fee shall be deposited in the plate manufacturing account.
(4) The reissue of license plates as specified in section 49-443 (2), Idaho Code, shall not be required unless there is a general consensus among the majority of plate holders that a new plate design is needed. Representatives of the plate holders shall make the request known to the department. The cost of manufacturing a new design will be set by the department based upon the cost of manufacturing supplies and administering the reissue. The equivalent cost of each plate will be charged to each plate holder who purchases the new plate. If a new plate design is authorized, the design and color shall be approved by representatives of the interest group. The design, color and numbering scheme shall also be subject to approval of the department. The existing plate design will be canceled and all plate holders, present and future shall purchase and display the new plate.
(5) An applicant for the special "Idaho Old Timer" plate shall execute an affidavit on a form provided by the department that the vehicle qualifies as an old timer and shall only be used for the purposes allowed.
The department shall have the authority to refuse to issue a plate and may demand the return of such plate if the applicant has failed to comply with the provisions of this section.
(6) If an "Idaho Old Timer" is to be used as customary and usual transportation, or for business or commercial purposes, the owner shall register the vehicle under the provisions of section 49-402 , or section 49-434 , Idaho Code, as applicable, and shall obtain and display the standard issue of license plates after payment of the plate fee required in section 49-450 , Idaho Code. It shall be permissible to display both the standard issue of plates and the special "Idaho Old Timer" plate.
(7) Whenever title or interest in an Old Timer vehicle is transferred or assigned, the transferor may retain the plates for use on another vehicle which qualifies by providing the information required in subsection (5) of this section and by paying the required transfer fee. If the vehicle is also registered under the provisions of section 49-402 or section 49-434 , Idaho Code, the provisions of section 49-431 , Idaho Code, relating to the procedure for assignment and transfer of interest, shall apply.
[49-406, added 1993, ch. 99, sec. 3, p. 250; am. 1994, ch. 313, sec. 1, p. 996; am. 1995, ch. 109, sec. 1, p. 342; am. 1997, ch. 129, sec. 3, p. 385; am. 2026, ch. 84, sec. 11, p. 447.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 49-406
What does Idaho Statutes § 49-406 cover?
Section 49-406 ("Idaho old timer - Special license plate program - Registration and standard license plates") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 49-406?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 49-406" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 49-406 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.