Car building regulations

[andrew]

could anyone tell me what are the regulations for building a car from the ground up in the states?

as an example i seem to recall there was a reason why ultima and factoryfive etc 'kit' cars are sold without the drivetrains but i forgot what it was and am having trouble finding info on the subject. particularly what would i have to do if i wanted to do a small number of turnkey vehicles.

i also seem to think i heard that there were certain regulations that small car productions (sub 10,000 annual units) were exempt from since they wouldnt have the funding that a major car company has.


thanks

 

[Mark]

I think a call to Fran Hall at RCR may be in order..........

 

[Ben]

I'm pretty sure that they sell rolling chassis because if they put in an engine they would be considered an auto manufacturer, and for them it would be a whole new set of rules, and liabilities. As far as the states, I believe it depends on your state. For the most part, I believe it's mostly basic. Lights, horn, brake lights, backup lights, etc. There are some other things though like distance of the lights from the ground, distance of the rear view mirrors from the ground, and regulations for doors as well. I found one link, but it didn't seem to be too accurate. Search the DMV site for your state and I'm confident you will find what you're looking for.

 

[Jimmy P]

I would have to believe the Feds will get their paws into it also. EPA, DOT etc.

 

[Lloyd]

In the state of CT if the car doesn't have a manufacturers title its considered home built. they don't distinguish from scratch or kit built. Its a serious inspect for these cars. Must be towed to DMV only at the main inspection garage. Its about a 2-3 hour inspection. They have a book and start with point one, and verify the car satisfies all of the points. They inspected welds. The three issues that bag most people, they are as follows: the brake pad test which test the braking of all four wheels. You drive over this large pad and nail the brakes. very few cars pass this one. Ride height 4.5 inches nothing can hang below that 4.5 inches, and lastly noise level of the exhaust.
They offer a book on line, if you make sure all the points have been addressed you'll do fine.
the car is registered as the year it was inspected along with being registered as a composit vehicle