DMV inspections and weight, Why?

[shadow1967]

I was reading a thread(MYLOW53 and TRI5NERD). And there were a couple of comments about DMV inspection and a weight. Why?

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by shadow1967

I was reading a thread(MYLOW53 and TRI5NERD). And there were a couple of comments about DMV inspection and a weight. Why?

You really need to put this in context or put a link to the thread.

[shadow1967]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

You really need to put this in context or put a link to the thread.

Sorry about not being specific. But thanks kabwe and G&R's57GMC.

[Kabwe]

Well weight is because its a considered a commercial vehicle. If its has not been registered in Cali or is not in the records you will need a weight certificate. I bought my truck without a title with just a bill of sale and there was no DMV record. So when I went to get the title I had to have the vin verified and a weight certificate. If your truck has been registered in the state of California and its still on the record and you have title I don't think you have to jump through all the hoops we did. You still would need a weight certificate if you bought a out of state truck even if you have title.

This is only DMV info for us Cali guys each state is different.

[G&R's57GMC]

I see your from California, The state feels that all pick ups are commercial vehicles and have weight classes that in addition to the registration fee, license fee there is also a weight fee. The weight fee is based on vehicle weight. There are weight classes like up to 4000 lbs, is so much, to 6000 lbs , etc.

Example my 56 Chevy 3100 long bed with 6 cylinder,4 speed is about 3500 lbs and fits in the first class.

My 57 GMC NAPCO 4x4 v-8, 4speed long bed is 4200 lbs and is in the next weight class.

Boy that makes a difference in the weight fee.

[PJF]

aha!
After spending 2 hours at the DMV yesterday they couldn't complete my registration as I had to take my truck to a weigh station first, which I did today. It was a surprise for me.

(I called ahead of time to make sure I brought all the required documentation in with me but they failed to mention the weigh station printout)

Now I get to go back to the DMV again next week.

[mr48chev]

I don't know if they still do but Texas used to base the license fees on cars by their advertised shipping weight or by the scale weight of a vehicle that didn't have a shipping weight listed.

Most guys run the rig to a truck stop with a certified scales or some other scale house and get a weight slip. It usually costs between five and ten bucks at a truck stop now but you get a good printout that any govt agency will accept.

The dmv inspection is to check for vin numbers on the vehicle or no vin in some cases where the inspector will assign a state vin number if everything is in order.

I've suggested having a "build book" here and on other forums before and feel it is a must do if you want to go through the titling and registration of a build that didn't come with a good title.

Mine usually include every bill of sale or reciept for major parts plus a written and photo description of what was done similar to one of our build threads but simpler and more to the point.

Such as

1948 Chevrolet 1/2 ton pickup.

Truck purchased non running and missing pieces from:
Fred Jones xxxxIIII North highway Byron, Wa
Notarized bill of sale and photos on page 3. 300.00

Engine purchased as crate engine from Hall Chevrolet Receipt on page 4.
4200.00

Rebuilt 700R4 transmission from Trans world
Receipt on page 4.
1400.00

Wheels and tires purchased at Les Schwab tires
Receipt on page 5.
1800.00

Other parts and services listed on pages 6 to 10

That might sound extreme but things like having a copy of the title for the 77 Camaro that you junked out to get the subframe, engine and transmission for the 56 Pickup plus the receipt from the scrap yard showing that you hauled the hulk for scrap and turned the title in go a long way towards showing that you obtained all of the pieces through legal channels and may in the long run aid in your arguement that your truck is only worth the 6K you showed it as and not the 20K that they want to tax you on.

[OrrieG]

Glad I live in the wild west. Under 8000 pounds is considered a passenger vehicle. More than 7 years old registration is $24 per year. Vanity plate is $25 initial and $15 per year afterwards. Stage coaches depend on the horsepower (4, 6 or 8 horses).

[72lb4x4]

The purpose of the dmv is to separate you from your money. questions?

[xaircav]

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

The purpose of the dmv is to separate you from your money. questions?

And make you wait two hours to take it.