Minnesota wants to make it illegal to drive your classic car on a weeknight or after dark and the reasoning behind it is barely explained
Published on Apr 10, 2026 at 3:40 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 10, 2026 at 3:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Classic car owners in Minnesota might be feeling quite angry at the moment, with the state looking to make it illegal to drive your classic car on a weeknight or once the sun has gone down.
More perplexing for some is that the reasoning behind this move has been barely explained, much to the annoyance of classic car owners.
This is due to a new bill, HF 3865, which is set to overhaul how the state handles classic cars and what it refers to as ‘collector-class’ vehicles.
It is safe to say that those in the state are not too happy at this prospect.
This is what Minnesota classic car owners may have to deal with
Classic cars are a rare sight on our roads, but this new bill could make them rarer still in Minnesota.
Bill HF 3865 could add a limit to how often they can take to the roads.
Oweners may only be able to drive them at weekends, or special events, and only from sunrise to sunset.
In short, this would be a total weekday ban on driving your classic car.
What makes this worse for classic car owners is that Minnesota is already quite strict on their use.
The state prohibits vehicles registered with collector plates from being used as ‘general transportation.’
Owners must have a separate registered daily driver.
But as there is no definition on how often or when owners can drive them, informal weekday use is still allowed.
The bill does not answer all the questions it poses
Supercar Blondie has reached out to classic car groups and clubs in Minnesota for comment.
The bill itself does leave out some important information.
For starters, there is no explanation as to why lawmakers believe this is worth doing.
Plus, terms like ‘exhibition’ and ‘similar use’ are used but not clearly defined.
The bill itself says:
“A person may operate a vehicle registered in the collector class…solely as a collector’s item and not for general transportation purposes.
“Operation as a collectors’ item includes: (1) transportation for a collector vehicle club activity, exhibition, tour, parade, or similar use; and (2) operation on Saturday and Sunday from sunrise to sunset.”
So it is little wonder owners are confused by what the bill really means.
For now, however, it is only a proposal.
It still has to go through the House, the Senate, and then be signed into law.
There could yet be a reprieve for Minnesota classic car owners.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
