MCAA applauds Senator JB Jennings’ efforts to get this issue fixed. His effort, via his amendment, went to the root of the problem: the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financial Accountability Act, with his change to 25 years + rolling. MCAA will continue to work with Sen. Jennings on his SB452 and the companion bill in the House sponsored by Delegate Steve Johnson, as both contain grandfathering provisions.
Big news for Maryland’s car community, and a strong step in the right direction.
An amendment to the Budget Reconciliation & Financing Act (BRFA) has officially passed, restoring a common-sense standard for historic vehicles in Maryland. Under this amendment, vehicles that are 25 years or older will once again qualify for historic registration.
Why This Matters
Last year’s change created a major issue by locking historic eligibility to model year 1999 or older. That effectively froze time, ignoring a fundamental truth:
Cars don’t stop aging.
A vehicle from 2000, 2001, or beyond absolutely qualifies as part of automotive history. The updated amendment corrects this by reestablishing the rolling 25-year standard that enthusiasts, collectors, and organizations like the MCAA and AACA support.
Momentum at a Critical Time
With Crossover Day approaching on March 23rd, when legislation must move to the opposite chamber to continue forward, this amendment represents meaningful progress at a pivotal moment in the legislative process.
What’s Next: Protecting Existing Historic Vehicles
While this is a major win, the work is not finished.
Efforts continue through Senate Bill 452 (SB452), which aims to:
- Grandfather in previously tagged historic vehicles
- Ensure current owners are not negatively impacted by prior legislative changes
- Provide long-term stability for Maryland’s collector car community
MCAA’s Position
The Maryland Collectible Auto Association fully supports this progress and remains actively engaged in ensuring:
- Fair, logical historic vehicle classification
- Protection for existing historic registrations
- A sustainable future for the hobby in Maryland
Take Action
We encourage all enthusiasts to stay informed and engaged as this progresses:
🔗 https://marylandcollectibleautoassociation.com/stay-informed/
Bottom Line
This amendment is a big win, restoring logic to how Maryland defines historic vehicles. But the mission continues.
We’re not done until previously tagged historic vehicles are fully protected.
