Hi Guys
I'm the guy that wrote the reply above, posted by StephenSLR.
It seems that some blokes on the various forums have got the 'bull by the horns' so to speak.
The whole problem here is that too many people are making un-sustantiated assumptions.
The new system has been designed to fill 2 needs:-
1. Allow legally modified cars (30+ years old) onto a concessional rego scheme.
2. Allow a log book system for all old cars. This includes unmodified cars if they find H-plates too restrictive.
There is a lot of detail yet to come, so all we can do at this stage is wait & see. As far as the clubs themselves are concerned, if they are already recognised by the RMS, then go ahead & e-mail them so that when things get going you will be on the list to be eligible for the new system & informed how to administer it when the time comes.
I doubt very much that the log book will have to be signed off by the club. The club's main responsibility is to ensure that the car is within the rules. If they are happy that it is & the owner is a financial member of the club & abides by their rules, then the club registrar will sign off the 1259 form (or something similar, TBA). If the car not does comply or the member doesn't abide by clubs rules then the 1259 form is not signed & he can't renew his rego. Same as for H-plates.
On the subject of number of events etc. that is up to the club concerned, the RMS does not mandate any of that. If a club makes a rule that he must attend say 3 events to remain a club member, then so be it. If the member is not happy with that requirement, then he is free to choose another club that may suit him.
You'll note that I said "ensure that the car is within the rules". Here is where confusion reigns.
Even under the old H-plate scheme, which remains unchanged BTW, many cars did not comply. The RMS rules state:- "Historic vehicles must be as close to original condition as possible, with no alterations except for safety features such as seat belts and turn indicators or period accessories and options, if desired."
This does not mean a 'stock as a rock' or 'only as it left the factory'. The grey area is how each club interprets the term "period accessories and options". Clearly this does not allow modern 18-inch alloys, monster brakes or late model EFI engines, but a set of 14 x 7 Cragar alloys, a Holley or extractors could be considered "period". Many clubs differ on the exact interpretation of this rule.
The three other things to consider are:-
1. How do you define "period". To me it must represent the era. Easy proof would be a motor magazine or catalog from the same era, showing the "accessory" in question.
2. When does an accessory or option become a modification ? Another 'can of worms', but clearly, common sense should prevail.
3. No matter what is fitted or changed it must be still road legal, if it wasn't road legal in the 60s, then it won't be road legal today, even if "everybody did it back then".
To me, a car radio, alloy wheels or a sun visor are accessories, but a later model engine or gearbox transplant are modifications.
Now look at modified cars, they fall into 2 categories.
1. Those with modifications that do not comply with H-plate/club rules, but do not require engineering (refer to RMS rules, VSI 6).
2. Those that do not fit under VSI 6 & therefore require engineering certification.
This is where the club comes in, they need to make sure that the car is within the rules. Sure it might come with a Pink Slip, but as we all know this is only a safety check & not an ADR check. So if the car in question has had its heater removed, a much larger engine & a late model set of seats fitted, then this could pass a Pink Slip, but is not eligible under VSI 6. All those items require engineering certification. The club registrar, or whoever inspects the vehicles must not only be up to speed on the cars themselves, but more importantly, registration & engineering guidelines. Somebody who handles Blue Slips for example will know exactly what I mean.
Obviously the RMS does not want a repeat of what's happened in Victoria, where we often see full-on drag cars with superchargers out of the bonnet & wheelie bars driving around on historic plates.
This is the reason that many smaller clubs are not interested in going with the new system. They are happy the way it is & don't want the extra responsibility or agro that goes with it.
On the subject of 'fiddling' the log book, if you are allowed 60 days per year, why bother, unless you want to rort the system to the fullest & drive your car to work every day & not pay your full rego. To me this is the equivalent of 'dole-bludging', if you use the car every day then pay full rego, if you use the car only once a week (usually on the weekend) then get concessional rego, simple. Don't get others to pay for your usage.
BTW, don't get caught by a red-light camera (or any other camera) on the same day as the day you didn't fill in your log book. If you do & the number plate recognition system flags that you are on concessional rego, you may get a visit from those concerned to check your log book, rather than getting a fine in the post. If you have no entry on the day in question, you will be deemed unregistered with a nice fine of around $1200-$1400 for no rego & no CTP !!
The other aspect not covered by many so far, is that of insurance premiums, both CTP & comprehensive. Those on H-plates currently, enjoy quite low costs for these. Rightly so, the risk is very low !! If the clubs let huge numbers of overly-modified cars (with a few associated hoons) onto concessional rego, then the claim rate will climb alarming as will our premiums. You don't have to believe me, this is happening in Victoria as we speak. Food for thought ?
Dr Terry
