Pre-1980 Only Cruises - Is that legal??

[BEATAV8]

Ok here's a question for you law abiding citzens. Some local businesses organize a weekly cruise night in downtown Crystal Lake IL. The entire downtown area (mostly public parking spaces) is set aside for classic car parking only. Recently they changed the definition of a classic to pre-1980 only.

Here's the question: Can the "organizers" LEGALLY stop anyone from parking in these public parking spots????

(specifically me - with a non-classic 87 Buick)

After being chased away once... I would love to go back, sneak into a good spot, and tell them "I'm parking here. If you don't like it that's your problem."

I can't see a cop writing me a parking ticket for that... but maybe there's some other lamewod offense that could be conjured up?

[DKREDT]

If there intent is to have a pre 1980's car show/cruise night whatever... and you have a 1987 car.... why are you mad?

[wagon]

1980 would make the cars 25 and older, and if I'm not mistaken, that is classic. If they organize it with the town, then I think you might be in for a hassle if you try to break their rules. If the town OKs it, then I would think it is legal for them to do it.

[Welby]

Originally posted by DKREDT
If there intent is to have a pre 1980's car show/cruise night whatever... and you have a 1987 car.... why are you mad?

Yeah, really....

Took the Limited to a Corvette and Jaguar show at Linden Hall (A local historic mansion) yesterday... I didn't get mad because I couldn't park it in the show

Rules are rules.

[crownvic96]

organize a modern muscle event 1980-present so you can park downtown and not get your panties in a wad.

[VinsGN]

I believe these kinds of rules are becoming more prevalent because cruise night organizers are trying to keep the ricers out. A local car show here in CT changed their rules to 1980 and earlier just for this reason.

[BEATAV8]

Same story here.. this pre-1980 stuff started just recently. I had been going to this same cruise for several years prior that. Now I feel all left out for no good reason

I think their real intention is to keep the rice out too.

Some newer cars do get in.. everybody knows that if you show up really early you can get a good spot before the cruise night Nazi's show up.

[STP]

Really want to piss them off. Organize a late model car show on the same day in the same spot as they do : )

[TT/A1233]

I think his question is geared more toward the fact they're using a public area, to wit; public parking spots on the street.

I'm not an attorney but am in LE and have been for 15 years and say this. Unless the town has passed an ordinance creating that area as a "designated cruise area" for that event outlining the dates, times and restrictions then the city/town could have a legal problem. However, you must always obey a police officer's signal (directions) when it comes to flow/direction of motor vehicles but that's normally for emergency situations OR lawful parades/special events.

If the town has jurisdiction over that road then (in my opinion) the town must pass a special ordinance changing the parking laws, traffic flow and establish restrictions for it's use during the show. If it's a state regulated road then the town doesn't have the authority to pass such an oridinance. The town would have to to go to the state and a special use permit for parking variances, traffic flow etc.

My $.02

[BEATAV8]

$.02 well spent. thanks for the reply!

[TT/A1233]

Not a problem.

I'm sure some folks have heard of the Woodward Dream Cruise. This cruise passes through 12 cities and is billed as the largest 1 day cruise in the world.

That said, many people demanded a special designated lane "for cruisers only" since it was inundated by daily driven cars and others that just didn't belong. Problem was the cruise governing board didn't have the authority to designate a special lane since the road is a state road. It continues to be a free for all even today.

To the contrary, there is a huge car show in downtown St. Ignace Michigan. They actually shut down the road through town and designate the entire downtown for show cars to park. They either get a variance permit from the state (if it's a state road) or they've passed a special law allowing it to happen if it's a local roadway.

[VADER]

We had a local car show here recently, and the flyer had stated that it was open to 1985 or older vehicles. I went there, and half ther cars were less than 5 years old. I was kind of irritated at that, not that I would have entered, but rules should be rules.
I heard from someone that to enter the show it had to be 1985 or older, but you could have paid to show your car, but not actually be in the show. Stupid if you ask me.

[cwelk87gn]

I ran into a very similar situation during the Cruisin' the Coast event they have every year along the Mississippi gulf coast. I wanted to enter it like a few of my buddies with older cars, but alas it was for cars 25 years or older. I still went down there and had alot of fun and attended most of the events but my car wasn't "officially entered". I honestly believe it was mainly to keep out the ricers.

[GNSCOTT]

Kinda like not letting the gays march in the St. Pats parade. Its their show.

[d0n_3d]

Well we had a local cruise night here in LaPorte this past weekend and there was a pre 1980's rule as well...what's up with that??? Not that my car is running anyways but...cops finally called it off when late models cars and such started cruising as well...weird...not sure if it relates to what is going on here in this thread but just thought I would share that...

[Reaper]

it has everything to do with the crowd that is drawn when you allow all makes and models to show up. our local cruise in show the "pavillions" allows special interest cars made after 1980. however late model imports are not allowed.

but generally organizers want to steer clear of the dumba$$ that congrigate when you allow late model cars to classic events

[TT/A1233]

The long/short of what this thread is about is this:

Can certain cars be "banned" from attending shows that utilize PUBLIC property? IE - A downtown area that's closed off for an organized show.

Private property isn't a problem. The property owner can decide who can attend or not. PUBLIC property is another story....

[Turbo T/A 1543]

We have a show like this yearly here in Bucyrus. Matter of fact this weekend! Locally the "club" requests the use of the downtown area through city council, city council passes legislation for specific time and street closures, effectively turning control of the downtown area over to the "club" for that period of time. At that point they can do pretty much as they want (stationary burnout contests, flame throwing for the oldies etc.), as well as limitations on age of the vehicle. Don't ask me how THIS was arrived at, but for this year the age cutoff is...1977 or older (we do alot of things differently here in Bucyrus, Ohio).

[littlesixsteve]

It has happened up here.

I know of 2 places that shut out 80's up cars & another who told a member here that GN's are not welcome but new vettes & vipers were.

There was a post about this last year.


I think they should draw the line at WIMPORTS because that is what they really don't want. Just allow all American

[69GS400s]

Simple SOlution - put a 1 9 8 0 License plate on the front of the car

....fi they ask what it is tell them its a '80 Monte Carlo