CHP Booked through September for Vin Cert.

[ByronRACE]

I just thought I'd mention to the group that the CHP is booked through September for VIN cert appointments.

Learned that this morning.

Oops.

Byron

[CoupedUp]

Strange, since I contacted the Westminster CHP office this morning and they have appointments for this coming Monday. Maybe it depends on which office?

Doug

[ByronRACE]

Hey, if I have the option to go to another office that is within reasonable tow range, I'm all for it!

I'm just blindly calling the number given to me by the DMV.

[dlang14]

Gilroy had plenty of appointments when I had mine done. They only do Mondays which was kind of a hastle for my work schedule, but I got it figured out. I'll look up the phone number for you tonight if you want it.

Then again for those guys using TOPs to get through 2006 until they can get an SB100 a booked up DMV is actually a good thing as its a great excuse to need another TOP, but that's another story

[ByronRACE]

So based on that information, I called a few DMVs and Hayward could accomodate me on the July 12th, which is perfect for my needs. I don't have to get this done in San Jose.

Just FYI; don't advertise what area you live in when making the appointment...they don't like it much when people from outside an area come to impact them. I opened my mouth and told him San Jose couldn't help me til nearly October. The penalty for that was being told that they frown upon people "office shopping" for the most convenient appointment.

Byron

[ByronRACE]

Los Gatos DMV won't give me a TOP except for a 1-day.

Are there magic words I should mutter to get a 30-day? I would like to roll this thing around a bit and see what bugs surface between now and the 12th.

[ByronRACE]

Interesting snippet from current DMV registration procedures regarding issuance of TOPs. Note area in bold. I'll go try again, armed with the regs.

25.010 Temporary Operating Permit (VC §4156)
The department issues a Temporary Operating Permit (REG 19) on a completed
transaction when the license plates and stickers will be issued from Sacramento
Headquarters.
A 30-day Temporary Operating Permit may be issued on a one time basis for an
incomplete application under the following circumstances:
• An application for registration of a nonresident vehicle.

• When the vehicle must be referred to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for
inspection/or assignment of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
• For registration of a vehicle subject to Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
(FHVUT).
• To motorists who have paid all the registration fees due and are having difficulty
obtaining the smog certification. The motorist must present the department:
— a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) referee inspection appointment card.
— documented proof of needed smog parts on order for the owner.
— proof of failed smog inspection results such as a vehicle inspection record.
• For a vehicle impounded after the registration fees have been paid.
• When the DMV office manager or designee determines it is appropriate.
An RDF receipt is not a permit. It does not convey authority to drive, move, or leave
a vehicle standing.

[Tinker51]

Originally Posted by ByronRACE

they frown upon people "office shopping" for the most convenient appointment.

Yes, heaven forbid you should be able to make an appointment at a time when there is an actual chance you will be able to make it. As some have noted, the offices don't all do it seven days a week so what are you supposed to do if your local office does not do it on a day that you can make. I just don't get that mind set.

[ByronRACE]

Just thought I'd mention that I went back to the DMV armed with the information above. They again denied me the TOP for the asking.

I then pulled out the guidance, pointed to the section that said I was eligable and asked why I was being denied. She promptly opened her "official" copy, verified that I am indeed eligable, exclaimed "Wow you're right. We're just told not to issue TOPs for specially constructed vehicles; they get 1-day trip permits by default". But, since she clearly saw I was eligable, she asked me how long I wanted the permit for. I told her to do whatever she can do for me, and walked out of there with a TOP for 3 months.

Additionally, the lady I had trouble with in the past was there...and spotted me. She had no interest in spewing venom this time, much to my amazement. In fact, she disappeared into a back room shortly after spotting me. Maybe she was looking for her gun.

[SCOBRAC]

I did my VIN inspection at the CHP office in Fairfield on a walk in. I waited about 5 minutes for an examiner and the whole process lasted about 5 min. The procedure was free.