Collectors plates are for "stock" unmodified cars are over 25 years old... Antique plates are for "stock" unmodified vehicles over 50 years old... Hobbyist plates are for "Modified" or" kit" type vehicles "any age" that are visibly or mechanically altered from "stock" configuration... Chapter Trans 305 explains in it's best bureaucratic ability to define and distinguish the differences as well as the procedures necessary to title and license your vehicle appropriately. Curt R has been instrumental in the legislative drafting of MVD 5, as well as Chapter Trans 305 and has the best understanding of those bills... undysworld found out how delicate you have to tread to draft a bill without creating a negative "Dominoe's Effect" that could unravel existing laws. Since there have been issues regarding the "Military" vehicles.. and the actions of concerned enthusiasts... the State of Wisconsin has some new faces in the DMV and they are willing to relax the modifications so that "Collector" and "Antique" vehicles that are altered for safety or warranty can still qualify for their appropriate plates. Again... it's usually suggested to "Title and License" the vehicle on an annual basis. And then convert to a lifetime type plate by eliminating the identification and titling portion of the equation.
The Jalopy Journal
