GA Title and Registration

[Commissioner]

According to what I can find, the HB950 Bill passed GA House by a vote of 159-0, and it's now in the Senate as of 2/19/08. If they vote for it, it goes to Gov. Sonny for signature. I read FL's amendment to the DMV rules and it was very simple to read, I find this to be beauracratic "Bravo Sierra", that sort of doesn't make sense... or maybe it's just me? You can read it word for word here:

Georgia General Assembly - HB 950


Commish sends....

[svobud]

In case you guys arent sure what all that legal mumbo-jumbo says in the new Bill, they are clearing up conflicting language from previous GA Codes. Nothing has really changed by way of the law.

If you have a newly built Kit, Replica, Homebuilt ride ... and this Bill includes those homebuilt (choppa) motorcycles as well.

You will have to obtain a TITLE (proof of ownership) for it in order to obtain a REGISTRATION (tag).

Upon buying a new or completing the assembly of your Cobra replica, if you want to TITLE it in Georgia .. you will need a State safety/equipt inspection. Your car will then be titled the year of inspection for title (ie: 2008 model) and you will have to meet emission standards in 2 years of new title issuance ... in order to obtain a REGISTRATION (tag).

For all those with a 1965 Titled/Bill of Sale vehicles ... this Bill does not apply.

[khansmith]

Thanks for the info. So I see the issues as two fold:
1.) The ability to title and register a kit vehicle
2.) Obtaining some type of relief from the emmission standard to allow for more "classic" engines on the grounds that these are limited use vehicles.

From the string thus far, issue #1 seems to be addressed if HB90 gets approved but it only gets us half way there. Looks like the next challege will be to lobby for relief of emission standards on kit cars as they are relatively low volume/recreational use vehicles that have very little threat on the carbon footprint.

If the above assessment is correct, if we were to lobby against a cause, it would be to leverage SEMA and the collective strenght of the kitcar/hot rod/chopper community in GA to obtain legislation that is specific to specialty vehicles to relieve the emission standard. It also seems that a serious organized attempt to make this change has yet to occur. Is this right?

[Commissioner]

Well, the last way to get the safety inspection was to get it done at a salvage inspection, something that was stopped last year. I guess they would have to bring it back. When we would title an SPF demo car for the dealership, we'd get the "rebuilt" title, because that's what we were told to have. Local customers in smog counties would then "apply" for a 3 year emissions' exemption and then would be on the hook at the 3 year mark to meet emissions. So, I guess I just don't see this accomplishing anything. Now, I did hear that one of my SPF guys went to re-new his 65 plate, and they would not do it, due to it being a replica. I don't see how that can happen, but then again, the amount of bravo sierra he went thru with Dawsonville, (I think), I am not surprised. My counsel: Find an address or a 5th cousin twice removed who lives in FL and avoid all this headache and do the title/rego down there. This does not need to be this painful!!!!!

[svobud]

Commish ...

I do believe this Bill clears up the salvage title issues they were having before. There wasnt any dialog for kits/replicas/homebuilts in GA Code prior to this at all (having the big book of knowledge issued to you yearly helps ). Now they have included a definition of "kit/replica" etc and how they are to handled. ie: they have to pass a state inspection for equipt standards (40-8-whatever) is for such things like lights, windshield, wipers, etc. to obtain title, blah blah blah.

What I'm not seeing if an exception for emissions. The (B) If applicable, federal emission standards issued pursuant to 42 U.S.C.A. Section 7401 through Section 7642, the 'Clean Air Act,' as amended. only hints to it, but that could be only associated to motorcycles .. they dont have to meet an emission standard.

I was hoping the State would make an emissions exception for replica/kit cars seeing how they are such a niche market, but it doesnt appear to be happening (yet). I guess you could always temporarily drop in a turbo diesel for your state inspection and smile.

[khansmith]

It is too hard but some folks shouldn't have to find out of state means to get these cars built and on the road. We are hobbists and have such a miniscule impact on the carbon foot print that we should be exempt as well (or at least held to the emission standard the year of our engines). When I move down there (next 2-4 months), I going to get off my rump and do something about it now that I know that there has been no movement to organize and scare the **** out of the reps that we mean business. I AM MAD AS HELL AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE!!!!

[svobud]

careful khansmith ... it might seem like Atlanta (and surrounding area) is cosmopolitan and up to date with the world, but there's 159 counties in this state. Only 13 of them are civilized and the term 'carpetbagger' is still used quite often in the rural areas.

To give you an example, rural Georgia residents managed to have an exception for our mandatory State seatbelt law. People over 18 yrs old are not required to wear a seatbelt in a PickUp Truck. Every other vehicle (except a motorcycle) requires Driver and front Passengers to wear a seatbelt regardless of age.

You moving down here and immediately demanding action be taken ... just might go over like a fart in church.

[lovehamr]

Originally Posted by svobud

You moving down here and immediately demanding action be taken ... just might go over like a fart in church.

And if you have a Jersey accent it'll be even better!
BaaaaaaaaaaaaaHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW bud, I take exception to the inference that I am somehow uncivilized because it doesn't take me 3 hours to drive across town at midnight!

On the real side; a state senator is one of the adult leaders in my son's scout troop. I think I'm gonna have to bend his ear a little and see what pops out.

Steve

[svobud]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

BTW bud, I take exception to the inference that I am somehow uncivilized because it doesn't take me 3 hours to drive across town at midnight!

HA! - yeah, but are you REALLY considered in Georgia or is it Northern Florida?

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by svobud

careful khansmith ... it might seem like Atlanta (and surrounding area) is cosmopolitan and up to date with the world, but there's 159 counties in this state. Only 13 of them are civilized and the term 'carpetbagger' is still used quite often in the rural areas.

To give you an example, rural Georgia residents managed to have an exception for our mandatory State seatbelt law. People over 18 yrs old are not required to wear a seatbelt in a PickUp Truck. Every other vehicle (except a motorcycle) requires Driver and front Passengers to wear a seatbelt regardless of age.

You moving down here and immediately demanding action be taken ... just might go over like a fart in church.

NICE...got a good laugh from your post. There is a bit of sarcasm in my post that was lost in translation but I do intend to get involved with the hotrod/chopper/cobra clubs.

Now calling me a carpet bagger is just plain old mean without askin about a man's roots. I am actually of Tennessee stock so I can pick banjo, shoot squirrels and tend a still with the best of them (insert sarcasm here). I am just up here in New YAWK making money and getting out of dodge.

[svobud]

khansmith - I'm originally from Tennessee as well (Murfreesboro). I hope you're a college football fan ... and I hope you can keep a straight face when you say with a southern drawl ... "how bout them gee-orgia bullDAWGS??" during a board meeting.

[khansmith]

I am from "Tennesse stock" but family relocated to Seattle for work (Boeing). But funny enough, grew up out in the sticks out in WA with same type of folk (big 4x4's, gun racks, hunting, fishing, drinking, etc). I have been called "hick" more times that I care to remember. In fact, my brother spent more on his truck than his house..... and is a union steward....damn rednecks are everywhere

[trs900]

Quoted...To give you an example, rural Georgia residents managed to have an exception for our mandatory State seatbelt law. People over 18 yrs old are not required to wear a seatbelt in a PickUp Truck. Every other vehicle (except a motorcycle) requires Driver and front Passengers to wear a seatbelt regardless of age.

I have a pickup truck so when I am in Georgia I don't have to wear a seatbelt..?? Do I have to remove my teeth or just own a pickup, I am plenty rural

John Bulloch also a Georgia state senator lives right down the road, next time up I will also ask him about this matter..

[khansmith]

Originally Posted by trs900

I have a pickup truck so when I am in Georgia I don't have to wear a seatbelt..?? Do I have to remove my teeth or just own a pickup, I am plenty rural

it depends...are the teeth yours or do you share em with your brother? Law is law..

[trs900]

WE'all shares them ..the whole family of 6 saves a lot of money as only one of us can eat at a time.

[svobud]

Originally Posted by trs900

I have a pickup truck so when I am in Georgia I don't have to wear a seatbelt..?? Do I have to remove my teeth or just own a pickup, I am plenty rural

Maybe find a smiley that doesnt have a full set of teeth next time?

As for removing your toof to drive? Never heard of that. Certainly not part of the State statute. My Papa use to take his teeth out to eat, but he always kept them in when he was driving.

[Ronbo]

You might re-check that law. Florida has no law against people riding in the bed of a truck. (the cop telling me this also found it unbelievable) As far as I recall the people up front were required to wear them.

Unless it's some "farm equipment" exemption that the state couldn't enforce use everywhere???

They did manage to get our motorcycle helmet law repealed about the same time they upgraded seat belts to a primary offense. (they couldn't pull you over for it)

I still forget to put it on sometimes though. Hopfully never in the Cobra.

[svobud]

Originally Posted by Ronbo

You might re-check that law. Florida has no law against people riding in the bed of a truck. (the cop telling me this also found it unbelievable) As far as I recall the people up front were required to wear them.

Nah, I dont need to re-check it .. I wasnt talking about Florida law or people riding in the bed of a truck.

You can check it if you want, http://www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/ - use the site's search engine for 40-8-76.1

[408 stroker]

Any news on Georgias registration?

[Commissioner]

Originally Posted by 408 stroker

Any news on Georgias registration?

According to the link I posted, the State Senate hasn't done anything yet. Wow, go figure....