NJ Registration

[shotgunslade]

I have pulled the trigger and ordered a WCM Ultralite from Brian Anderson, for delivery in March. I am interested in registering it for street use in NJ. I assume that my situation will be similar to that other "clone" owners on this issue. I understand that there are several categories into which my car may fall. It could be a collectible car, a "street-rod" or a "kit-car." Since I am buying it ready-to-drive, I wonder if the latter two categories apply. There is the issue that the engine for the car was previously in another car, which has been demolished.

 

 

 

I expect that I will have to get the state DMV to issue a VIN, unless the engine number of the demolished car can be used.

 

For inspection, I assume I need to watch out for the usual suspects, turn signals, brake lights, windshielf wipers, headlights, etc, and, of course, properly functioning equipment. Does NJ have any unexpected issues. I spoke with someone from Maryland, who said that state required windshielf washers, even if there wasn't a windshield.

 

Does anyone have any guidance on this matter?

 

Thanks.

[Al N.]

I sent you an email. I think I am the most recent NJ registrant. It wasn't that simple, alas.

[shotgunslade]

Got it, al. Thanks. Have asked Brian about registering the car in texas first.

[Al N.]

I would also solicit input from your other WCM brethren. Even if they aren't in NJ, they can probably share stories and fixes, some of which have a funny habit of falling off the car once you drive home from a successful inspection.

[JBH]

I have to believe that having the car titled before taking receipt can solve some major headaches. The only issue you face is how the car is titled in Texas and how that will translate to NJ.

 

Here in NC, having the car titled in CO, with a Colorado VIN, made registration and title transfer a breeze.

[JohnCh]

I have to believe that having the car titled before taking receipt can solve some major headaches.

 

That's what I thought when I bought my Westfield which had been registered for the previous 5 years in CA. I even checked with WA state prior to buying the car to confirm my assumption was correct, and I was told there was no problem. The car would only need to undergo a basic safety inspection (wipers, signals work, etc.) and a VIN check to make sure it wasn't stolen. However, when I brought the car in for the inspection, they took one look at it and told me I needed to make an appointment to see the specialist. When I questioned this and pointed out that the car was currently legally registered in CA, the person trumped me with "This is not California." Kind of hard to argue with that logic. I was able to eventually register the car, but it was a bit of a hassle.

 

-John

[Mondo]

Brian is building a car for me as well. Should have it by the end of the year. In California you can register on January 1st as they give out 500 smog exempt registrations for kit cars. That doesn't exclude a safety check.

As far as it being registered first in another State, California says it needs to have at least 7500 miles on it to be exempt. You might want to check that angle. Guess I could get a drill hooked up to the speedo..