A few CA equipment questions

[JohnK]

I have a few questions about what's required to register a roadster in CA. If anyone has a document from the CHP (or the relevant agency) outlining what's required, that would be very helpful. My specific questions are:

- Do I need wipers? I would opt not to install them if they're not legally required.

- Do I need backup lights? I'd probably install them anyway, but I'm on the fence at the moment.

- Do I need DOT-approved safety harness?

I know that many folks have gotten away with not having these things in CA because the inspector didn't look for them, but my luck being what it is, I'm sure my inspector would look for them so I'd rather plan for them now and have them if they're legally required, rather than trying to retrofit them later.

With regard to the harness, I'm guessing the answer is no, because the FFR-supplied harness is not DOT-approved and I've never heard of anyone being turned away because of them. The only DOT-approved harness I'm even aware of is this one from Schroth:

https://www.schrothracing.com/item/p...tion-harnesses

If DOT approval is not a requirement, I'd prefer to use this cam-lock harness from Simpson (with the rotary buckle and 2" shoulder straps for a HANS device for track days):

https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/...amlock-harness

Thanks,
John

[Mark K]

Hi, John.

Wipers not needed.

I installed a removable backup light under the rear of the car just for inspection, then took it off. I don't know if they checked for it.

I got the car through the registration process using just the Simpson harnesses from the kit. Later on, I switched to Cipher:

https://cipherauto.com/products/cpa4...bolts-sfi-16-1

There are a lot of threads on CA registration. Look for SB100, have all your documentation ready, and if you have an influence on the DMV person on your first visit, try to convince them to use your FFR serial number as the VIN to get the voucher number from Sacramento. Will eliminate one extra visit to the DMV.

- m

[JohnK]

Thanks Mark. I appreciate the reply. I agree, there are a lot of good threads on the CA SB100 process. I think I have a handle on the paperwork required. My main questions at this point were on the hardware items, as it wasn't completely clear to me whether folks have "gotten away" with not having items because the inspector didn't look for them, or whether they're not legally required.

[Straversi]

I have a few questions about what's required to register a roadster in CA. If anyone has a document from the CHP (or the relevant agency) outlining what's required, that would be very helpful. My specific questions are:

- Do I need wipers? I would opt not to install them if they're not legally required.

- Do I need backup lights? I'd probably install them anyway, but I'm on the fence at the moment.

- Do I need DOT-approved safety harness?

I know that many folks have gotten away with not having these things in CA because the inspector didn't look for them, but my luck being what it is, I'm sure my inspector would look for them so I'd rather plan for them now and have them if they're legally required, rather than trying to retrofit them later.

With regard to the harness, I'm guessing the answer is no, because the FFR-supplied harness is not DOT-approved and I've never heard of anyone being turned away because of them. The only DOT-approved harness I'm even aware of is this one from Schroth:

https://www.schrothracing.com/item/p...tion-harnesses

If DOT approval is not a requirement, I'd prefer to use this cam-lock harness from Simpson (with the rotary buckle and 2" shoulder straps for a HANS device for track days):

https://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/...amlock-harness

Thanks,
John

I don't have a document but my experience was wipers were not required, back up light was required and seat belts just had to be there.

Three inspections. CHP is first and they just wanted to make sure the parts were not stolen. With a receipt for the complete kit and a crate motor, their inspection shouldn't take more that 20 minutes and 15 of that will just be talking about how much they like your car. CHP didn't notice I didn't have a back up light.

2nd inspection was brakes and lights. Mine was done at a smog station near my house when I googled brake and light inspectors. He said I had to have the back up light. I put a 1" light that is under the car. It is a DOT light but he never bent over to look at it, just checked the box. I had to get some stick on trailer reflectors for the side of the car. I put them on my freshly painted car with the minimum tack double stick tape and pulled them off as soon as he took his photos.

3rd inspection was BAR station. He noted that I had a functioning CVS, disappeared into his office for 30 minutes and came out with the prized smog-exempt-for-life sticker.

I'm sure if you are building something from scratch or using wrecking yard parts, this process can get more difficult. This was amazingly simple considering nothing is simple in CA. I feel for the guys in TX and states that treat you like you are building production vehicles that need wipers and door ajar lights.

Thanks for the e-brake boot also.
-Steve

[Ray]

The Calif Vehicle Code requires both wipers and a backup lamp. However, the CHP only inspects the car for stolen components. Our car doesn’t have either and we haven’t had a problem yet.

Ray