CA street plate for a Buggy - anyone have a resource?

[Bigbore500r]

I want to plate my rail, the car has 70% of what would be required to be CA street legal already. I'd need to add a horn, windshield wiper, turn signals, and fenders.
It's already got a full body, glass windshield, mirrors, brake lights, headlights, treaded tires, etc.

Does anyone have a "service" or resource who has some juice to get these plated?

The normal process would involve CHP Vin inspection, inspection to verify presence of all required street equipment, and then there is the Smog aspect......it's titled as a SPCN, so I believe you have to apply for an exempt permit which are issued yearly and limited to 500 per year from what im told.

I'm willing to pay to skip alot of that if its possible......

Most of the services I see advertised, offer plating them in a different state. That's not gonna work - CA isn't gonna let you drive around with a Montana plate on a sandrail lol.

I appreciate any leads

 

[Englewood]

I DO...

Just did this on my Monster Manx. Shoot me a DM.

 

[lf2]

The one other thing you will need is a cable operated parking brake

 

[Bigbore500r]

The one other thing you will need is a cable operated parking brake

Aside from the typical requirements I physically need, i'm more interested in ways to get this done legit without running the entire SPCN process, applying for a smog exempt SPCN spot on the 1st of the year, etc etc.

 

[whiteworks]

My buggy is Cali plated, has VIN on the chassis, paperwork says 1970 VW. I don’t push my luck around town, but i don’t have a problem hopping on a road out in the desert for a bit if I have to. I’m sure law enforcement could jam me up pretty good if they wanted to, however it came with a plate, so I just pay the fees, licensed and insured, fuck it LOL

BTW this car is for sale, $13k if anyone’s interested.

 

[rivrrts429]

Aside from the typical requirements I physically need, i'm more interested in ways to get this done legit without running the entire SPCN process, applying for a smog exempt SPCN spot on the 1st of the year, etc etc.

Only way I’ve seen it done legit is welding in a vin tag from an old VW pan. Can’t say I’ve ever seen a rail registered for the street and driving around in my 44 years except for the Monster Manx style cars. I’m pretty sure those use the VW vin tag method.

 

[Doc]

Aside from the typical requirements I physically need, i'm more interested in ways to get this done legit without running the entire SPCN process, applying for a smog exempt SPCN spot on the 1st of the year, etc etc.

If you can get around that that would be great. So you're rail already has a vin or does not?

 

[Bigbore500r]

My buggy is Cali plated, has VIN on the chassis, paperwork says 1970 VW. I don’t push my luck around town, but i don’t have a problem hopping on a road out in the desert for a bit if I have to. I’m sure law enforcement could jam me up pretty good if they wanted to, however it came with a plate, so I just pay the fees, licensed and insured, fuck it LOL

Whats your buggy look like?

Curious to get peoples feedback on what they are rolling around in as "street legal" lol....

This is what would be pulling up next to the Sherriff at the stop light.......

 

[Bigbore500r]

If you can get around that that would be great. So you're rail already has a vin or does not?

Yes, but Vin is for special construction (like most rails) and it is registered green sticker for offroad use only

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Seems like it would be a lot easier to just buy helmets

 

[Bigbore500r]

Seems like it would be a lot easier to just buy helmets

Is that gonna let me drive across the Needles or Topock bridge to access the AZ side of the river?
Cause if I can just strap a helmet on and do that legally - super easy!

 

[whiteworks]

Whats your buggy look like?

Curious to get peoples feedback on what they are rolling around in as "street legal" lol....

This is what would be pulling up next to the Sherriff at the stop light.......

I added some photos to my original post above, it’s not a real steeet legal looking thing LOL. I think windshield wipers, and fenders of some sort are needed. It has windshield, turn signals, and a plate. I had one BLM guy try to jam me up over not having helmets, and I told him it’s street legal, fugoff LOL there is more to the interaction as our group got separated and I was bringing up the tail, when I caught up the dip shit who got separated led the pack 10 miles off course following some other jackass, he pulled over on the street and BLM dude was fired up. I told him I’d take care of my dimbfucks and he can go take care of the rest of the dimbfucks out there, then I dismissed him, poor kid wasn’t ready for me at all

 

[Meaney77]

Street Legal and knock on wood no issues...She's a grocery getter, kid taxi, town car and never had a problem. Some of the liberal moms at school drop off and pick up look at me a little funny!

 

[Bigbore500r]

I added some photos to my original post above, it’s not a real steeet legal looking thing LOL. I think windshield wipers, and fenders of some sort are needed. It has windshield, turn signals, and a plate. I had one BLM guy try to jam me up over not having helmets, and I told him it’s street legal, fugoff LOL there is more to the interaction as our group got separated and I was bringing up the tail, when I caught up the dip shit who got separated led the pack 10 miles off course following some other jackass, he pulled over on the street and BLM dude was fired up. I told him I’d take care of my dimbfucks and he can go take care of the rest of the dimbfucks out there, then I dismissed him, poor kid wasn’t ready for me at all

yea, i'd imagine ultimately it is all about who stops you, under what circumstances, and how far they wanna take it.....
Maybe i can title my rail as Trans LGBTQ+ and say it identifies as a 2012 Camry

 

[whiteworks]

yea, i'd imagine ultimately it is all about who stops you, under what circumstances, and how far they wanna take it.....
Maybe i can title my rail as Trans LGBTQ+ and say it identifies as a 2012 Camry

I asked the chief of police in our town if I could run it, he said don’t ask me these types of things and I won’t tell you no

 

[Bigbore500r]

Street Legal and knock on wood no issues...She's a grocery getter, kid taxi, town car and never had a problem. Some of the liberal moms at school drop off and pick up look at me a little funny!

View attachment 1222798 View attachment 1222799

Looks legit to me!

I'd feel more comfortable about rolling my setup around as a VW titled deal if I had manx type body on it and a piece of the pan with Vin built into the car.

 

[Backlash]

Looks legit to me!

I'd feel more comfortable about rolling my setup around as a VW titled deal if I had manx type body on it and a piece of the pan with Vin built into the car.

As much as I love your ride, I think you're going to have a hard time convincing someone that it is street legal here in CA.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Whats your buggy look like?

Curious to get peoples feedback on what they are rolling around in as "street legal" lol....

This is what would be pulling up next to the Sherriff at the stop light.......

When I had mine it was registered as a 1970 VW. One thing you’ll need to know if they haven’t changed the law is your car needs to weigh less than I 1900lbs or 1600lbs somewhere in that range to not require wheel well or covers for debris that might fly up from your wheels. I just carried a receipt from a weigh station just incase since mine was a open wheel car like yours. But that could’ve changed from when I had mine done 10yrs ago.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Is that gonna let me drive across the Needles or Topock bridge to access the AZ side of the river?
Cause if I can just strap a helmet on and do that legally - super easy!

Isn’t street reg for AZ easier to obtain?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

As much as I love your ride, I think you're going to have a hard time convincing someone that it is street legal here in CA.

This.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Isn’t street reg for AZ easier to obtain?

It's not legal to run AZ plates on CA roads, especially when applied to an OHV. That's an easy option, but not the option I'm interested in.
I want to run small sections of highway to access desert areas in CA, and sometimes this is nowhere near the AZ border.

I also want to pick the kids up from school on a Friday, and risk it as "safety" as possible. School is 3 miles from my house

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

It's not legal to run AZ plates on CA roads, especially when applied to an OHV. That's an easy option, but not the option I'm interested in.
I want to run small sections of highway to access desert areas in CA, and sometimes this is nowhere near the AZ border.

I also want to pick the kids up from school on a Friday, and risk it as "safety" as possible. School is 3 miles from my house

I was talking AZ road registration for the car, not OHV reg and street legality like a UTV.

Does CA DMV still give out the 500 or so “homebuilt” registrations a year?

I don’t think there is any other way that is happening in CA. At a minimum you are gonna need a 75 or earlier vin on the thing.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I was talking AZ road registration for the car, not OHV reg and street legality like a UTV.

I don’t think there is any way that is happening in CA. At a minimum you are gonna need a 75 or earlier vin on the thing.

I was also talking AZ street registration.

The CHP / CA LEO's are not gonna care if a sandrail has AZ street plates, it may be legal in AZ but "it aint legal here".....
Plus, my CA Drivers License is gonna get pulled in this event, and further torpedo the situation with the AZ street plates.

My thought is that getting CA plates for it would introduce some level of legitimacy to the situation. How much? Well, maybe not enough anyways lol.....

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I was also talking AZ street registration.

The CHP / CA LEO's are not gonna care if a sandrail has AZ street plates, it may be legal in AZ but "it aint legal here".....
Plus, my CA Drivers License is gonna get pulled in this event, and further torpedo the situation with the AZ street plates.

My thought is that getting CA plates for it would introduce some level of legitimacy to the situation. How much? Well, maybe not enough anyways lol.....

How is a street registered car (not OHV) legal in one state and not another? If you get the car titled as a car in another state.. it’s a car, not an OHV.

I’d have the car in a business name to avoid the AZ registration and CA driver license thing all together.

CA used to give out a certain number of “homebuilt” registrations per year. Do they still do that? That would be the path of least resistance.

Specially Constructed or Modified Vehicle Registration - California DMV

Register a specially-constructed or modified vehicle (built for private use and not constructed by a manufacturer for resale) with the California DMV

www.dmv.ca.gov

The smog cert is gonna be the pain point. I recall 20 years ago, that not being a thing.

This is how it used to happen 20 years ago. The car was classified as a 1960 vehicle.

California Opens Specially Constructed Class To Previously Registered Vehicles | SEMA ACTION NETWORK

www.semasan.com

 

[FlyByWire]

I was also talking AZ street registration.

The CHP / CA LEO's are not gonna care if a sandrail has AZ street plates, it may be legal in AZ but "it aint legal here".....
Plus, my CA Drivers License is gonna get pulled in this event, and further torpedo the situation with the AZ street plates.

This is 100% accurate.

 

[69hondo]

I want to plate my rail, the car has 70% of what would be required to be CA street legal already. I'd need to add a horn, windshield wiper, turn signals, and fenders.
It's already got a full body, glass windshield, mirrors, brake lights, headlights, treaded tires, etc.

Does anyone have a "service" or resource who has some juice to get these plated?

The normal process would involve CHP Vin inspection, inspection to verify presence of all required street equipment, and then there is the Smog aspect......it's titled as a SPCN, so I believe you have to apply for an exempt permit which are issued yearly and limited to 500 per year from what im told.

I'm willing to pay to skip alot of that if its possible......

Most of the services I see advertised, offer plating them in a different state. That's not gonna work - CA isn't gonna let you drive around with a Montana plate on a sandrail lol.

I appreciate any leads

Let me know so I can do it as well. LOL

 

[EarpRider]

If you do figure it out, be ready to get pulled over constantly and politely educate the officer that stops you.

 

[FlyByWire]

Edit: Nevermind. Lol

 

[Kachina26]

My buggy is Cali plated, has VIN on the chassis, paperwork says 1970 VW. I don’t push my luck around town, but i don’t have a problem hopping on a road out in the desert for a bit if I have to. I’m sure law enforcement could jam me up pretty good if they wanted to, however it came with a plate, so I just pay the fees, licensed and insured, fuck it LOL

BTW this car is for sale, $13k if anyone’s interested.

View attachment 1222785 View attachment 1222786

What are the details on this thing?

 

[mjc]

What if you get it plated and reg in AZ then just do a transfer, they should not ever need to see it.

 

[Bigbore500r]

What if you get it plated and reg in AZ then just do a transfer, they should not ever need to see it.

The issue is "what would AZ plate it as" - If its as SPCN street legal, it's not gonna transfer across state lines and get CA plates / smog exemption

 

[whiteworks]

What are the details on this thing?

Chenowth Explorer 4 seat frame.

CA. Plated buggy

registered as a 1970 VW.

2.4 Eco tech motor

TomFace exhaust

Short shift bus tranny

2.5 fox coil overs on all 4 corners

Electric power steering

Independent suspension cycling 14" in the front and 17" in the rear

RaceTrim hubs

Wilwood brakes all 4 corners

Baja UMT race 33" tires up front

BFG 33" MUDs in the rear

Adjustable driver seat

Tool boxes mounted to roof

Dual 8" speakers with amp and iPod hook

up

Custom radiator mount

UMP air filter

New spindles

Upgraded swing arm tabs

New 930 micro stubs

CBM dyno tune

Car was professionally built, is well sorted for long desert runs, has been properly maintained, with spare parts onboard.

turn key. $13,000.00



Height 58” frame 66” boxes

Length 172”

Width 78”

 

[Ziggy]

The issue is "what would AZ plate it as" - If its as SPCN street legal, it's not gonna transfer across state lines and get CA plates / smog exemption

I still think your best bet is to find a bug pan/title and weld the rear section to your chassis in the proper place. Or buy my Manx

 

[77charger]

Best bet is to do the ca deal where they allow 500 home built per year. Look it up now get car squared away be there early in first day

Some of the monster mynx we’re just cutting the vw pan with the number on it. Heard they got told no more. Guy I dune with has a monster mynx he did the specialty build route and was one of the 500 to get one.

 

[Big B Hova]

Just applied for my plate on my
Kustom LSV golf cart

 

[Fabhouse]

Technically legal, legit 1973 Thing. I would understand if I were stopped though....Both pan and body VIN's, licensed and insured.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Technically legal, legit 1973 Thing. I would understand if I were stopped though....Both pan and body VIN's, licensed and insured. View attachment 1222871

Now that is super cool.

 

[Croz]

My buggy is Cali plated, has VIN on the chassis, paperwork says 1970 VW. I don’t push my luck around town, but i don’t have a problem hopping on a road out in the desert for a bit if I have to. I’m sure law enforcement could jam me up pretty good if they wanted to, however it came with a plate, so I just pay the fees, licensed and insured, fuck it LOL

BTW this car is for sale, $13k if anyone’s interested.

View attachment 1222785 View attachment 1222786

My old buggy. Been played since the beginning. Registered as a gia on the pan. Miss that car for sure, it was a blast

 

[whiteworks]

My old buggy. Been played since the beginning. Registered as a gia on the pan. Miss that car for sure, it was a blast

It’s been a great car for us, solid and reliable rig for the last few years. I’m not in a rush to sell it as it’s so well sorted I know I will regret not having it in the stable. My daughter is getting pretty tall and I think her days of back seat action are numbered.

This is the perfect Parker Buggy in my opinion that’s where it belongs.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Technically legal, legit 1973 Thing. I would understand if I were stopped though....Both pan and body VIN's, licensed and insured. View attachment 1222871

That’s a thing titled as a thing….yore good to go on all fronts (except lack of fenders….)

 

[Bigbore500r]

Just applied for my plate on my
Kustom LSV golf cart

View attachment 1222873

Totally legit, I see the cart body - carry on sir, sorry for stopping you!

 

[Fabhouse]

That’s a thing titled as a thing….yore good to go on all fronts (except lack of fenders….)

Exactly, and why I chose this to build. But.... its a noisy 4130 chassis buggy with a body and pan wrapped around it-I try to use it in the right conditions. The turn signals work though, and I use them! This doesn't get driven around town much where I live, just down the street to the Pomona Swap, or my office around the corner from that. It was nice at KOH this year to be able to drive down the highway between all the non registered UTV's and be the least likely to be stopped. The kids love it, but I think it will be for sale soon. I want to build a 4wd A-arm K5 Blazer.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Exactly, and why I chose this to build. But.... its a noisy 4130 chassis buggy with a body and pan wrapped around it-I try to use it in the right conditions. The turn signals work though, and I use them! This doesn't get driven around town much where I live, just down the street to the Pomona Swap, or my office around the corner from that. It was nice at KOH this year to be able to drive down the highway between all the non registered UTV's and be the least likely to be stopped. The kids love it, but I think it will be for sale soon. I want to build a 4wd A-arm K5 Blazer.

What are you gonna ask for it?

 

[Thing One]

Vehicle Verifiers - Mobile Vin Verification Vin Verifier

they can help

 

[Fabhouse]

What are you gonna ask for it?

Dm me, don't want to derail OP’s thread-
I may create a build thread later-@riverdave liked it when he was over a few months ago.

 

[Melloyellovector]

I was also talking AZ street registration.

The CHP / CA LEO's are not gonna care if a sandrail has AZ street plates, it may be legal in AZ but "it aint legal here".....
Plus, my CA Drivers License is gonna get pulled in this event, and further torpedo the situation with the AZ street plates.

My thought is that getting CA plates for it would introduce some level of legitimacy to the situation. How much? Well, maybe not enough anyways lol.....

Your rail ain’t gonna pass any ca shit to register for street legal. Mine is full plated in AZ can drive it on the freeway etc.. Would be sketch as fuk though. If I drive it on ca streets I cross my fingers. Iv had cops pass and wave. Technically you have X amount of days on the road to comply w states rules and registration requirements. If I got pulled over, my truck broke down again, had to go to Arizona to get my only other car. It’s temporary.

It’s not like you’re gonna trick an officer, lol. Most of them offroad too, they know the foolery

Not sure how much you’re driven on the street in sandrail, it’s not exactly a fun ride. If you have sequential it’s even less fun.

 

[evantwheeler]

Can someone explain why a 32 ford roadster hot rod is “street legal”, but a sandrail with all the proper lighting and signaling and DOT tires, etc is not?

 

[evantwheeler]

Not sure how much you’re driven on the street in sandrail, it’s not exactly a fun ride. If you have sequential it’s even less fun.

Agreed, its a novelty. Something to do for attention, looks and be different. Have spent a day legally driving all over havasu in one, and it was fun. Wouldnt want to do it often, but would like the option to do it as i pleased, like once a year.

 

[v6toy4x]

get paper work for something similar 73 or older, graft in a VIN put on a little sheet metal and plate it as if original, transfer title a couple times and then claim ignorance.
I have owned several "willys"

 

[Bigbore500r]

get paper work for something similar 73 or older, graft in a VIN put on a little sheet metal and plate it as if original, transfer title a couple times and then claim ignorance.
I have owned several "willys"

I like your style