new law - registration document needs updating

[Sean]

I spoke with my friend at the DMV today, and learned there is a new law (may be only a DMV directive? same effect) that requires the brake & light inspection to be completed before the red & white temporary operating permit will be issued. DMV will issue a one-day permit for you to get the B&L, and then you have to go back to DMV to get the TOP. Currently, the wiki shows the B&L as the next-to-last step, which is no longer the case.

Link to DMV document outlining this new policy (not a law): http://dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/vin_me...11/11vin07.pdf

[mca]

I was told the same thing at the DMV in Westminster, CA. Brake and Light inspection must precede the issuance of the Temporary Operating Permit. One day permits will be issued up to that point.

Some history:
My car is a Locost with Yamaha R1 engine/transmission. It was built on a CMC frame. There is an existing Pennsylvania title which the DMV ignored since, in the VIN verifier's opinion, the car is a specially constructed vehicle. It has a VIN and valid title from PA.

When I registered my last Locost (scratch built, finished 2011, Miata engine/trans, Alabama title) in 8/11 I completed everything at the local AAA club office. The clerk came out and verified the VIN (only 1 VIN plate in engine compartment) then assigned my plates while I paid my fees. No problem, maybe 20 minutes at AAA.

Fast forward to 12/11. I've sold the Miata-based Locost and purchased the R1 Locost.

I expected the same registration process this time around, but the clerk at AAA (different person from 8/11) insisted that 2 VIN plates are required in California so she referred me to the DMV. Now I must go through the tedious process of Brake & Light inspection, BAR referee, and CHP inspection.

Looking back, I should have told the AAA clerk that I'd come back later, hoping that I would get the friendlier clerk upon my return. Now I have to wade my way through the DMV process. I've already obtained a SB100 sequence number, so I'm off to a good start. FYI, there were 40 SB100 numbers left (out of 500) as of 12/2/2011.

Aaron

[Sean]

I didn't find B&L, CHP, and BAR to be all that tedious, but it's much more so than 20 minutes at AAA! I think you just got lucky last time. The good news is that you were able to get a SPCNS number in December (!), and they're not telling you that your new car is un-registerable. Having to get the B&L before the other two is not really a bad thing, but it is just different from what is documented in our own club registration document.

I think the nightmare times at DMV are becoming more rare as they become familiar with the process - at least at the DMV offices in the more densely populated areas.

[mca]

Yes, 20 minutes at AAA is quite convenient. However, I should have taken the hint when the AAA clerk didn't seem all that comfortable with an out-of-state registration. The first clerk (Mr. 20 min.) seemed much more comfortable and calm during the process. The DMV/BAR/CHP/B&L isn't all that bad, but will add up to about a full day's time for me.

Questions for those that have done this before:

Will they check for reverse operation during any of these inspections? The R1 transmission doesn't have a reverse gear, so obviously it won't work very well.

[Doug Liedblad]

They never checked my car for reverse. The only guy that even ran it was the smog ref and as far as I know all he did was check emissions and issue the official number sticker.

CHP only looks for a VIN number, if they cannot find it they issue one and did not care if it ran. Some guys bring the car in on a trailer not running.

I did get my car done the first year of the specially constructed vehicle numbers and they were not as rigourous as now. I was able to run it for months under the temporary registration.

Doug

[Sean]

Will they check for reverse operation during any of these inspections?

In my experience, no they did not.

[mca]

Good to know that the reverse should not be an issue. Now... how about the parking brake? It won't be too hard to add, but as always, I'd like to keep things as simple as possible.

[Sean]

My experience with the various non-DMV entities:

CHP: just verified the VIN, and nothing else.
Appointment about a week in advance.
Short wait; 10-15 minutes of activity.
Polite and inquisitive demeanor.

B&L: checked low/high headlights, turn signals, running lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers (they did not check the back-up light). They glanced at my brakes and paperwork, asked if the components were new - which was obvious - and did not check further, as I suspect the brake part is aimed more at salvaged vehicles rather than new kits. They did not ask about or check for the functionality of the parking brake.
Same-day appointment.
No wait; 5-10 minutes of activity.
Polite and inquisitive demeanor.

BAR - 1st visit: Scrutinized the hell out of my paperwork and my car, then sent me away to get a PCV valve installed.
Appointment about a week in advance.
~30 minutes wait; 1 hour of activity.
Polite and knowledgeable - these guys clearly have seen and heard it all before.

BAR - 2nd visit: Scrutinized the hell out of my paperwork and my car again, and when finished, politely asked me where I would like the sticker affixed. They did not put my car on rollers or hook it up to any machines, and never even started the engine.
Appointment about two weeks in advance.
~ 20 minutes wait; 1 hour of activity (they are thorough!).
Polite and knowledgeable as before.

YMMV - no reason to expect your local office will be like mine, but I made sure to be polite and respectful throughout, and was treated the same in return.


edit -- Hey Aaron! How about a new thread with some photos of the new ride?

[mca]

Sean,

Thanks for the detailed info. I'm just waiting on my SB100 sequence # certificate to arrive in the mail so I can schedule my BAR appt. I'll call the CHP on Tuesday to schedule my vehicle verification.

I'm at work today and I've got family in town until Wednesday. I should have some time to get fresh pictures and a new thread started once they leave.

Aaron

[johnh]

B&L: checked low/high headlights, turn signals, running lights, brake lights, and emergency flashers (they did not check the back-up light). They glanced at my brakes and paperwork, asked if the components were new - which was obvious - and did not check further, as I suspect the brake part is aimed more at salvaged vehicles rather than new kits. They did not ask about or check for the functionality of the parking brake.
Same-day appointment.
No wait; 5-10 minutes of activity.
Polite and inquisitive demeanor.

At my brake inspection they also checked that a low brake fluid level would turn on the idiot light on the dash...

FWIW...

---john.

[randychase]

A couple registration questions.

1. Are the supplied Caterham (Euro style) headlamps okay as compared to DOT headlamps?

2. Does the car require side running lights? I was told by Jon in Denver that he does not install a running light on the side of the car as it was not required, but it seems like it is part of a Brake and Light check?

3. Does the car need a working wiper? I have heard it does, but obviously not all cars have a full windscreen. What about wiper washer? That seems silly on a car such as this (IMO).

4. There is a mention of an external VIN plate. Is this true? Where do you put it?

[Sean]

A couple registration questions.

1. Are the supplied Caterham (Euro style) headlamps okay as compared to DOT headlamps?

2. Does the car require side running lights? I was told by Jon in Denver that he does not install a running light on the side of the car as it was not required, but it seems like it is part of a Brake and Light check?

3. Does the car need a working wiper? I have heard it does, but obviously not all cars have a full windscreen. What about wiper washer? That seems silly on a car such as this (IMO).

4. There is a mention of an external VIN plate. Is this true? Where do you put it?

Hi Randy,

1. I believe the standard Caterham headlamps will pass most any B&L inspection. Can't speak from personal experience though, as mine has 5-3/4" aftermarket headlamps, and it passed without question or incident. Had it not passed, my plan was to simply find another B&L place where it would pass.

2. Side running lights are not required in California (ditto the rear fog lamp - the red one).

3. Not sure if wipers/washers are required, but they come with the car, so no problem. However, nobody checks for these anyway. B&L only check brakes and lights (obviously), CHP only verify VIN, and BAR check VIN and smog. I went through it all with the c/f aeroscreen, and nobody even brought it up.

4. CHP puts the VIN plate wherever they damn well please, but I have been told that if you are nice to them, they may place it in a spot of your choosing. In my case, I drove to the CHP VIN check with no bonnet on the car - only because I had not cut the hole for the filter by then - and I suppose because both the VIN stamped in the frame and the plate from the factory were clearly visible, they did not affix any VIN plate of their own. YMMV.

[mca]

I just received my SPCNS Certificate of Sequence today in the mail. I have BAR referee scheduled for January 4 and CHP scheduled for January 9. I'll do B&L as soon as I can get headlights mounted (integrated turn signals).

Since my car was previously registered in another state with aftermarket VIN plate attached in engine bay, will I need the MSO for CHP? I plan to bring everything I have but just wondering if they'll need it.

Aaron

[mca]

Sean,
Do you have a link to your aftermarket 5 3/4" headlamps?

[randychase]

. I'll do B&L as soon as I can get headlights mounted (integrated turn signals).

Aaron

Aaron, did you go with ones like these?

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/15610.html

LED Version




We were thinking this is a better look than the supplied Caterham turn signals.