Titling the Vehicle
Published 3/12/2009 - Legal Stuff
Titling the Vehicle
It''s not just a fiberglass shell on an existing car, it''s something completely new!
Registering and titling your custom-built car doesn''t have to be as complicated as the car construction itself. In fact, it''s much like registering any other car, with just a few extra steps along the way.
These steps apply to vehicles constructed from body kits that are attached to existing car frames, new frames provided by manufacturers, or homemade frames. Submit all forms and documentation to your local county tax collector''s office to register and title your custom car.
1) Application for Kit Mounted on a New Car Frame
You''ll need:
- The body kit MCO, assigned to you. A bill of sale is acceptable if the manufacturer didn''t issue an MCO.
- Completed Application for Certificate of Title.
- Notarized affidavit, stating that the vehicle is able to be operated on public roads. The statement must also list the repairs made to the vehicle.
- Bills of sale or receipts for all parts and equipment that weren''t part of the original frame or the body kit. All documents must include name, address, and signature of seller. Components may include front end, rear end, doors, engine, transmission, frame, cowl assembly, and airbag, or any parts of those elements.
- Applicable sales tax (or fill out the statement on sales tax on the application form).
- Florida license plate number for the vehicle, or an affidavit of non-use.
- Applicable title fees. (Use the License Plate Rate Chart to calculate all specific charges.
- Notarized affidavit detailing the frame''s construction. (This can be submitted with the statement of repairs, as listed in item four, above.)
- All documentation listed in items two through eight, above.
2) Title Language
When you receive your title and registration, you''ll notice a few things that will be noted differently than for your regular motor vehicle:
- The year (YR) of the vehicle will be the year the car was built.
- The make will be the make shown on the Manufacturer''s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or the manufacturer''s bill of sale.
- The identification number will be the VIN given on the MCO or bill of sale.
- The words "kit car" will be typed on the title and will carry that brand as long as the vehicle exists.
- All kit cars are titled as used vehicles.
Safety Inspection Procedure
Published 3/12/2009 - Legal Stuff
State Safety Inspection Info
List of everything checked on the car
REQUIRED OFFICIAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Each inspection consists of the following items – for further details consult the "Official Inspection Manual":
1. - REVIEW ALL VEHICLE REGISTRATION & INSURANCE INFO.
2. - DRIVE VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION LANE.
3. - INSPECT BRAKES FOR:
- Worn, damaged or missing parts.
- Worn, contaminated or defective linings or drums.
- Leaks in system, proper fluid level.
- Worn, contaminated or defective disc pads or discs.
(NOTE: A minimum of two wheels and drums must be removed from each vehicle at the time of inspection. Consult the official inspection manual for exceptions.)
4. - INSPECT PARKING BRAKE FOR:
- Broken or missing parts.
- Proper adjustment.
- Standard factory equipment or equivalent.
5. - INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR:
- Approved type, aim, and output.
- Condition of lamp, wiring and switch.
- Beam indicator.
6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:
- Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
- Aim of fog and driving lamps.
- Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
(NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)
7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:
- Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
- Correct indications and tell-tale (visual or audible).
- Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
8. – INSPECT STEERING & SUSPENSION FOR: (Jack up front end as shown in Manual)
- Wear in bushings, kingpins, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rod ends.
- Looseness of gear box on frame, condition of drag link and steering arm.
- Play in steering wheel.
- Wheel alignment and axle alignment.
- Broken spring leaves, and worn shackles.
- Shock absorbers.
- Broken frame.
- Broken or missing engine mounts.
- Lift blocks.
9. – INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS & RIMS FOR:
- Condition of tires including tread depth.
- Mixing radials and bias ply tires.
- Wheels that are cracked or damaged so as to affect safe operation.
10. – INSPECT MIRROR FOR:
- Rigidity of mounting.
- Condition of reflecting surface.
- View of road to rear (Truck mirrors must extend at least halfway beyond edge of body) – (Visibility 200 feet to rear).
11. – INSPECT HORN FOR:
- Electrical connections, mounting and horn button.
- Emits sound audible for a minimum of 200 feet.
12. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS FOR:
- Approved type safety glass.
- Cloudiness, distortion or other obstruction to vision.
- Cracked, scratched or broken glass.
- Stickers. ALL UNAUTHORIZED STICKERS MUST BE REMOVED.
- Sunshading material attached to the windshield to ensure it does not extend more than 3 inches downward from the top of windshield, unless authorized by Medical Waiver Certificate.
- Operation of left front door glass.
13. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPER/DEFROSTER FOR:
- Operating condition.
- Condition of blade.
14. – INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:
- Exhaust line-manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
- Leakage of gases at any point from motor to point discharged from system.
15. – INSPECT LICENSE TAGS FOR:
- Illumination of rear plate.
16. – INSPECT HOOD AND AREA UNDER THE HOOD FOR:
- Operating condition of hood latch.
- Presence of emissions system -Evidence that any essential parts have been removed, rendered inoperative or disconnected.
- Fluid levels that are below the proper level
1. Brake fluid.
2. Power steering fluid.
- Power steering belt - proper tension, wear, or absence.
17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM (1973 and Subsequent Models) FOR:
- Installation.
- Operation.
(NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)
18. – INSPECT DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:
- Anchorage.
- Location.
- Condition.
19. – INSPECT SEAT BELTS FOR:
- Approved type.
- Installation.
20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:
- Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated; or
- The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated); or
- Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle; or
- If the air bag indicator fails to light, or stays on continuously.
21. – INSPECT DOORS AT THE RIGHT & LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:
- Handle or opening device which will permit the opening of the door from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
- Latching system which will hold door in its proper closed position.
22. – INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:
- Any part that is not securely fastened.
- Liquid fuel leakage.
- Fuel tank filler cap for presence.
23. – INSPECT FLOOR PAN FOR:
(a) Holes which allow exhaust gases to enter occupant compartment.
(b) Conditions which create a hazard to the occupants.
Check for additional articles in the listed categories on the right or from the News Article Archives...
|
|
|