Historic competition vehicles can now legally use public roads

The measure had long been sought by the FPAK and certification bodies. Now, following a resolution published in the Diário da República, historic competition vehicles may legally be used on public roads.

In essence, Resolution No. 1144/2020 extends to historic competition vehicles a framework that was already available to current competition models.

After all, at events such as the Rally de Portugal, it is common to encounter on road sections the cars competing on the special stages. From now on, classics modified for racing - including the fitting of safety equipment such as roll bars or competition seats - can do the same.

Historic competition vehicles on public roads

The new rules allow historic cars prepared for motorsport to travel legally on public roads, provided they meet the applicable technical requirements. This brings their status into line with that of modern competition vehicles during road sections between stages.

What does the law say?

To remove any doubt about the change, below is the text of Resolution No. 1144/2020, published today in the Diário da República:

“Summary: Authorises modifications to historic vehicles for adaptation to sporting competition, as set out in an IMT, I. P. resolution.

Through Decree-Law No. 59/2020 of 17 August, which amended Decree-Law No. 180/2014 of 24 December, the legal framework governing the approval, registration plate allocation, alteration of characteristics and inspection of cars, mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles taking part in sporting competition, for the purposes of use on public roads, was extended to historic vehicles participating in sporting competition.

Paragraph 3 of Article 4 of Decree-Law No. 180/2014, in its current wording, establishes that modifications to historic vehicles for adaptation to sporting competition, as laid down in an IMT, I. P. resolution, are authorised.

Accordingly, the Management Board of IMT, I. P., pursuant to subparagraph k) of paragraph 3 of Article 3 of Decree-Law No. 236/2012 of 31 October, in its latest wording in force, resolves as follows:

1 – Historic cars taking part in sporting competition, recognised as such under Decree-Law No. 180/2014 in its current wording, must comply with the technical characteristics under which the vehicle was registered, with the following modifications for adaptation to sporting competition being permitted:

a) Seat belts and their installation, approved by the FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile or certified by the national sporting body, UNECE or the European Union, suitable for installation on the vehicle’s seats and bearing a visible, permanent approval mark and, where applicable, within their respective validity period.

b) “Roll bar – installed inside the vehicle, without interfering with the seat belts, field of vision, or the door-opening and access system, without posing a risk to vehicle occupants, and complying with the FIA technical regulations.

c) Competition-adapted seats, with a model and mounting arrangements approved by the FIA or certified by the national sporting body, UNECE or the European Union, and bearing a visible, permanent approval mark.

d) Anti-approach bars fitted at the suspension mounting points.

2 – The changes referred to in the preceding paragraph do not require approval by this Institute or recording in the vehicle identification documents.

3 – This resolution enters into force on 1 October 2020.”

Source: Portuguese Classic Car Club.