trailer or drive unregistered vehicle?

[BigShooter]

Hey Y'all!
My car is almost done and I'm getting ready for the Texas custom vehicle inspection. I'm about 30 miles from the inspection station. So far my ability to secure a suitable car hauling trailer has failed. So my options are:
1. rent a u-haul open trailer, which would require a lot of wood planks to load and unload to get proper angles without scraping anything. Difficult to fully secure safety chain and not sure if it will really fit (e.g. can Daytona door even open above the trailer wheels/etc?)
2. drive an unlicensed/unregistered car to the inspection station and 'chance it' with any LEO's. (could put an old TX plate on it, or fake a temporary tag so it's not so obvious, then drive it like a Grandpa on the way down.)

A few other considerations: Austin, TX police are overburdened and possibly unlikely to enforce unlicensed vehicle issue. I will have full collision insurance on the car prior. Inspections agent hadn't had this question before and thought to just drive it, and explain to LEO that I'm on my way to inspection if pulled over. Trip is from Georgetown, TX to central Austin, TX - basically a 30 mile one way drive from suburb to central.

Any other ideas or thoughts? Would like to hear pros and cons of each. Appreciate any thoughts on this!

[Jeff Kleiner]

An unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured vehicle is not a problem…until something happens. Then it’s your a$$ whether it’s your fault or not.

Jeff

[Its Bruce]

I paid the certified master tech an extra $50 to come to me in the Houston area. See if that's an option.

[BigShooter]

I paid the certified master tech an extra $50 to come to me in the Houston area. See if that's an option.

Was that someone that worked for the state?
I can ask about that, but in Austin they seem to have just one facility that does this type of thing.

[BigShooter]

If anyone has trailed their car in anything other than a covered car hauler, please let me know the trailer type and any issues with straps/tie downs, or clearance.

[Its Bruce]

Was that someone that worked for the state?
I can ask about that, but in Austin they seem to have just one facility that does this type of thing.

No, I don't think the state has anything to do with being an ASE Certified master tech. What inspection are you pursuing here?

I used this: https://www.ase.com/repair-centers

And started calling them to confirm master tech status of certs A1 through A8 to complete form VTR-64.

[GoDadGo]

An unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured vehicle is not a problem…until something happens. Then it’s your a$$ whether it’s your fault or not.

Jeff

Yep & Double, Double Ditto!

[BigShooter]

No, I don't think the state has anything to do with being an ASE Certified master tech. What inspection are you pursuing here?

I used this: https://www.ase.com/repair-centers

And started calling them to confirm master tech status of certs A1 through A8 to complete form VTR-64.

I guess I need to clarify that. I was told I need a state inspection and they said they would provide a 'waiver'. I am confused by all this....ugh. Is there a good thread on the process in Texas and a sequence of what exactly is needed?

[Jeff Kleiner]

I guess I need to clarify that. I was told I need a state inspection and they said they would provide a 'waiver'. I am confused by all this....ugh. Is there a good thread on the process in Texas and a sequence of what exactly is needed?

Reach out to Mike Bray. He just went through it.

Jeff

[Its Bruce]

I guess I need to clarify that. I was told I need a state inspection and they said they would provide a 'waiver'. I am confused by all this....ugh. Is there a good thread on the process in Texas and a sequence of what exactly is needed?

Read this: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/p46bvfNViyfeVZsM/

And please note my replies in the comments. A VIN inspection is NOT required. I'll also note that my tax office accepted credit card payment. It was about $140 with a personalized plate.

[Dgc333]

If anyone has trailed their car in anything other than a covered car hauler, please let me know the trailer type and any issues with straps/tie downs, or clearance.

I trailered my 33 on an open trailer to and from paint. This trailer had ramps that slid out of pockets under the deck and hooked to bars welded to the rear of the trailer. The bottom of the grill would not clear the 2"ish lip between the ramp and the deck. We put 2x6 planks on the ramp. The doors did not clear the fenders but would open enough to get in and out.

When I trailered it to the state police title center for the VIN I borrowed my brother in-law's open trailer. The ramps for this trailer hooked onto the top of the deck and there was no issue driving onto the trailer. Same as the first trailer the doors don't clear the trailer fenders but open enough to get in and out.

We used ratch straps to secure the car to the trailer both times.

[House Money]

Check with you local DOL office and see if they have trip permits. Here in Washington State we can get one for I think $30 and it is good for three days once you fill it out.

Gary

[Namrups]

If anyone has trailed their car in anything other than a covered car hauler, please let me know the trailer type and any issues with straps/tie downs, or clearance.

I had to trailer my coupe three times during the registration process here in NY. I used the Uhaul trailer every time without issue. I put 2 foot long 2X8 pieces under the front wheels for clearance. With 4 inch ground clearance I did not drag. The doors clear the wheels when open. I would use their trailer again if needed.

[RoadRacer]

You can get temp plates (paper) for driving around to appointments during the registration process. They last 30 days but you can get 4-5 of them.. I did.

All perfectly legal

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/regis...porary-permits

[PNWTim]

My only comment would be to question whether your insurer will insure your vehicle over the road with no registration or title? If not, I would tow. I built a car several years ago which I had towed 4 times - twice to and from bead blasting and twice to and from body and paint. I located a guy with a flat bed and explained what I needed and he was great. He only used straps, not chains, and was very careful. Best money I ever spent when doing that car.

[Its Bruce]

You can get temp plates (paper) for driving around to appointments during the registration process. They last 30 days but you can get 4-5 of them.. I did.

All perfectly legal

http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/regis...porary-permits

Have you read your own link?

"TxDMV issues 72-Hour Permits and 144-Hour Permits for the movement of commercial laden trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or semitrailers or motor buses on the highways of Texas."

How does an assembled vehicle fit that?

OP - the process really isn't that difficult. PM here or on FB if you want something more direct. The Texas DMV has an assembled vehicle handbook that details what needs to be done.

[RoadRacer]

Have you read your own link?

"TxDMV issues 72-Hour Permits and 144-Hour Permits for the movement of commercial laden trucks, truck-tractors, trailers, or semitrailers or motor buses on the highways of Texas."

How does an assembled vehicle fit that?

OP - the process really isn't that difficult. PM here or on FB if you want something more direct. The Texas DMV has an assembled vehicle handbook that details what needs to be done.

Please try not to be so condescending. I’ve done this.

Scroll down and open the 30 day permit section.

[Its Bruce]

I'm seeing a lot of bad information being provided. Even the 30 day permit requires a passing safety inspection, which is the original subject of this thread. Such a permit also requires a VIN. How does one provide a VIN for an unregistered and untitled vehicle that has no VIN? Did you successfully get a 30 day permit for non-VIN'd vehicle that hadn't passed a safety inspection?

[RoadRacer]

I'm seeing a lot of bad information being provided. Even the 30 day permit requires a passing safety inspection, which is the original subject of this thread. Such a permit also requires a VIN. How does one provide a VIN for an unregistered and untitled vehicle that has no VIN? Did you successfully get a 30 day permit for non-VIN'd vehicle that hadn't passed a safety inspection?

Again, you're already convinced I'm passing on bad information, but I'll at least answer for the OP.

My car has a VIN stamped on the chassis by FFR, which I used throughout the process, and it's still the car's VIN. I got insurance first.

Yes, I got a temp tag that allowed me to drive to get weighed (local truck weighbridge in Taylor), drove to Excaliber Auto (my go-to for Master-certified iand FFR-friendly shop) for the inspection, many trips around Austin for state, police, DMV, county tax, etc, etc. This was during Covid so many places were closed or by appointment so it took longer than normal, and I ended up with 4x30 day permits before I had plates in my hand.

You'll also find that 4 is "not possible" - 3 is the maximum allowed, but I got 4. Throughout, everyone was very helpful and friendly if you were nice to them.

A persistent bad attitude may mean that you get a very different perspective on the process and the people.

FYI, here's my build thread post from Feb 2021:

> Step 1 was easy.. went to the county office today and with my insurance cert and $30 I walked out with a 30 day permit. I’m going to use that to drive to alignment, weigh station, inspection etc. no form to fill in or anything..

[dstelter]

I did what James was mentioning. got the 30 day temp tag. didn't use it for the ASE inspection. mine was done at the same place James used. In Austin Excalibur off of 183. Trailer it there, but did use if for the County Inspection and weight station.

[sread]

James is right. Very easy to get the 30 day permit. I needed several also. Most of all, read the Texas Assembled vehicle manual. It spells out every detail about what needs to be done for the whole process.
But here's the rub - at that point you will probably know more about process than 95 percent of the DMV clerks you are likely to encounter. They likely won't care what the manual says and aren't interested in learning. You will then have to jump thru numerous hoops and return several times until you escalate and get to someone in authority who actually follows their own policy. The reality is it all depends on which clerk you end up with each time you go to the window. This was my experience with the Houston Regional DMV office (mandatory location if in Houston) It may be different in Austin. Those morons even kept and then lost my original bill of sale which was my only proof of purchase because I bought from the original kit purchaser. Luckily I was able to contact the guy I bought from (2 years later in another state) and he signed another bill of sale and mailed it to me.
I also second going to Excaliber for the ASE inspection. They do alot of them and don't make a big deal of any details. Good luck!

[Its Bruce]

Again, you're already convinced I'm passing on bad information, but I'll at least answer for the OP.

My car has a VIN stamped on the chassis by FFR, which I used throughout the process, and it's still the car's VIN. I got insurance first.

Yes, I got a temp tag that allowed me to drive to get weighed (local truck weighbridge in Taylor), drove to Excaliber Auto (my go-to for Master-certified iand FFR-friendly shop) for the inspection, many trips around Austin for state, police, DMV, county tax, etc, etc. This was during Covid so many places were closed or by appointment so it took longer than normal, and I ended up with 4x30 day permits before I had plates in my hand.

My hat is off to you (and the others in this thread) for being able to get a temp tag that requires inspection, without an inspection. Did they ask about it? It was for that reason and the lack of a Texas-recognized VIN that I didn't pursue that option.

[RoadRacer]

My hat is off to you (and the others in this thread) for being able to get a temp tag that requires inspection, without an inspection. Did they ask about it? It was for that reason and the lack of a Texas-recognized VIN that I didn't pursue that option.

I just went there, not knowing what to expect. Just with a simple question - how can I legally drive my car to get x, y or z, before it has x, y, or z? I don't have a trailer or any way to tow one. They offered the 30-day tag as the solution.. with no caveats (except insurance). Said that was the whole point of the 30-day plate. I didn't even have to fill in a form; I just showed them insurance and a photo of the VIN number stamped on the chassis. Not just once either, everytime I renewed was just as easy.

[sread]

I think they have updated the requirements for getting the temp permit. There was no requirement previously for getting an inspection. All they wanted was proof of insurance and they gave you a paper tag good for 30 days. Now they are calling it a permit. Texas is in the process of getting rid of paper tags because of rampant fraud and abuse so that probably has something to do with it. Still shouldn't be a big deal - only requires a safety inspection...i.e. lights, signals, tires, brakes, etc. Should cost $7.50. Use the FFR provided vin. Just go to the place doing the inspection and ask - take a copy of the permit application to show them.
Or, you can wait a month or 2. As of Jan 2025 they are doing away with the safety inspection requirement altogether for non-commercial vehicles. You still have to pay the fee - just don't have to get the inspection - they just add the fee to your registration.

[sread]

https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/dps-r...ection-changes

[BigShooter]

Again, you're already convinced I'm passing on bad information, but I'll at least answer for the OP.

My car has a VIN stamped on the chassis by FFR, which I used throughout the process, and it's still the car's VIN. I got insurance first.

Yes, I got a temp tag that allowed me to drive to get weighed (local truck weighbridge in Taylor), drove to Excaliber Auto (my go-to for Master-certified iand FFR-friendly shop) for the inspection, many trips around Austin for state, police, DMV, county tax, etc, etc. This was during Covid so many places were closed or by appointment so it took longer than normal, and I ended up with 4x30 day permits before I had plates in my hand.

You'll also find that 4 is "not possible" - 3 is the maximum allowed, but I got 4. Throughout, everyone was very helpful and friendly if you were nice to them.

A persistent bad attitude may mean that you get a very different perspective on the process and the people.

FYI, here's my build thread post from Feb 2021:

> Step 1 was easy.. went to the county office today and with my insurance cert and $30 I walked out with a 30 day permit. I’m going to use that to drive to alignment, weigh station, inspection etc. no form to fill in or anything..

At what point did anyone inspect or ask about the serial number from engine or transmission? Also, the FFR provided VIN plate has a given serial number but the VIN is blank - I was thinking the state would issue a new VIN that I would engrave on the plate - was this not required?

[RoadRacer]

On my car the serial number was stamped onto chassis and matched the certificate of origin paperwork FFR provides. Do you have a similar stamping and COO?

I used that (starts F5R1000xxxx..) as my VIN and never asked if i could change it.

The engine number “issue” came up quite early (on a form I gave to the police - I believe they do the “is it stolen” checks) but it took a while to escalate enough to get a proper answer (which was that a surety bond was needed). That derailed my process a bit because I couldn’t then use the “street rod” process. Instead I ended up with an “ASVE”. Transmissions aren’t tracked.

[Its Bruce]

The engine and transmission information (PN or SN) is required on form VTR-61. To make things clearer on the VIN, FFR does not provide a VIN with their kits because the kits aren't vehicles. However, your goal is to turn FFR's kit serial number into a VIN with the state of Texas.

[Skuzzy]

I may end up going the Montana LLC registration route. The engine issue is going to bite me as I built my own. I have all the receipts for the parts and machine shop work, but that does not appear to be enough. Like others have noted, it all depends on the DMV you go to as they all seem to have their own idea of how the registration is supposed to work.

I know one guy who had to start all over again when he switched DMV offices due to a move. I think being contentious is a job requirement at the DMV.

[sread]

I was worried about the engine s/n issue with my car also. All I had was a copy of the ebay ad where the guy I bought the kit from had purchased it. In the end , it never even came up. When I went to the cop shop for the vin verification form to be completed the officer never even looked at it. Just asked me "Is that the number that is on the car now?" " Yes sir". "OK, you're good to go"

[BigShooter]

Again, you're already convinced I'm passing on bad information, but I'll at least answer for the OP.

My car has a VIN stamped on the chassis by FFR, which I used throughout the process, and it's still the car's VIN. I got insurance first.

Yes, I got a temp tag that allowed me to drive to get weighed (local truck weighbridge in Taylor), drove to Excaliber Auto (my go-to for Master-certified iand FFR-friendly shop) for the inspection, many trips around Austin for state, police, DMV, county tax, etc, etc. This was during Covid so many places were closed or by appointment so it took longer than normal, and I ended up with 4x30 day permits before I had plates in my hand.

You'll also find that 4 is "not possible" - 3 is the maximum allowed, but I got 4. Throughout, everyone was very helpful and friendly if you were nice to them.

A persistent bad attitude may mean that you get a very different perspective on the process and the people.

FYI, here's my build thread post from Feb 2021:

> Step 1 was easy.. went to the county office today and with my insurance cert and $30 I walked out with a 30 day permit. I’m going to use that to drive to alignment, weigh station, inspection etc. no form to fill in or anything..

It sounds to me like you listed the FFR frame number as serial number on everything and it worked out just fine. I may give that a try and thank you for the tip about the 30 day permit. That would make at least some of this easier by not having to trailer everywhere. My coupe came with a metal plate listing the frame number and then a VIN slot which was blank. Did you engrave the frame number on that mounting plate in the VIN slot too?

[BigShooter]

The engine and transmission information (PN or SN) is required on form VTR-61. To make things clearer on the VIN, FFR does not provide a VIN with their kits because the kits aren't vehicles. However, your goal is to turn FFR's kit serial number into a VIN with the state of Texas.

Thanks Bruce, that makes sense and is the approach I'm adopting.

[BigShooter]

On my car the serial number was stamped onto chassis and matched the certificate of origin paperwork FFR provides. Do you have a similar stamping and COO?

I used that (starts F5R1000xxxx..) as my VIN and never asked if i could change it.

The engine number “issue” came up quite early (on a form I gave to the police - I believe they do the “is it stolen” checks) but it took a while to escalate enough to get a proper answer (which was that a surety bond was needed). That derailed my process a bit because I couldn’t then use the “street rod” process. Instead I ended up with an “ASVE”. Transmissions aren’t tracked.

Yes, I have the same type of number on the COO, which I'll try to use as VIN. It seems that not everyone needs a surety bond and this process is slightly different for everyone. Sigh.....part of the adventure! Good to know about the transmissions, one less thing to worry about.

[BigShooter]

Bruce - just following up on the issue of this other inspection that the person at the state said would provide a 'waiver'. I think this has to do with waiver of need for emissions inspections since our type of assembled vehicle is exempt. I know that some counties are doing away with that requirement in 2025, unfortunately mine - Williamson county - is still one that will require it. Once I get this inspection done I'll confirm on here just so everyone knows about it. Here is the TX site listing which counties do and don't require for emissions going forward:
https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/...omery%20County

[BigShooter]

Here is the official Texas listing of requirements for an assembled vehicle in case anyone wants to reference it:
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/assembled-vehicles
Note that if you scroll to the bottom there is the link for the 'Assembled vehicle manual'

[RoadRacer]

It sounds to me like you listed the FFR frame number as serial number on everything and it worked out just fine. I may give that a try and thank you for the tip about the 30 day permit. That would make at least some of this easier by not having to trailer everywhere. My coupe came with a metal plate listing the frame number and then a VIN slot which was blank. Did you engrave the frame number on that mounting plate in the VIN slot too?

I did.. two years after the fact, and I didn’t use the FFR one. Bought a nicer one off eBay. But it’s not required - the chassis stamp is all that needed.

[Its Bruce]

Bruce - just following up on the issue of this other inspection that the person at the state said would provide a 'waiver'. I think this has to do with waiver of need for emissions inspections since our type of assembled vehicle is exempt. I know that some counties are doing away with that requirement in 2025, unfortunately mine - Williamson county - is still one that will require it. Once I get this inspection done I'll confirm on here just so everyone knows about it. Here is the TX site listing which counties do and don't require for emissions going forward:
https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/...omery%20County

FWIW - I'm in Harris county and did not need a waiver. The VTR-852 form that the certified master tech completes (and provides proof of his valid certs with) doesn't even include an emissions assessment.

[BigShooter]

FWIW - I'm in Harris county and did not need a waiver. The VTR-852 form that the certified master tech completes (and provides proof of his valid certs with) doesn't even include an emissions assessment.

Glad to hear that you got it done with out that inspection. I have an appointment next week with the special inspections station, which I understand gives me a permanent waiver for emissions testing, and I think also does the safety inspection that goes along with getting the windshield license sticker. The tax assessors office seemed to agree that this step was necessary (in addition to the ASE master mechanic signing the VTR 852!). It is clear to me from these threads that every case is treated differently because the government employees are generally uninformed or confused. Glad yours seemed pretty easy. I'll post again to let everyone know what my process was.

[BigShooter]

Trailer update on uhaul car hauling trailers and Daytona:
These do work, but the process was not easy. My ride height is 3.75"-4" and a coordinated dance performance of 4 people moving various 2x8's around vigorously to avoid the frame scraping on the trailer finally worked with a few back and forth attempts.
For the unload I decided on a simpler approach - drive the back axle of my F250 up on blocks of 2x8's to get the trailer hitch elevated about 6" additional height, then use far less (but still a lot of) 2x8's to keep things from scraping.
Since the 30 day temporary permit requires an inspection, I have discovered that the tax office will provide a "one trip" permit which I think lasts 15 days, withOUT asking for an inspection. So assuming that info is correct, I can now avoid having to trailer this low-rider to my other stops which is a big help.

[Peter Ross]

Trailer update on uhaul car hauling trailers and Daytona:
These do work, but the process was not easy. My ride height is 3.75"-4" and a coordinated dance performance of 4 people moving various 2x8's around vigorously to avoid the frame scraping on the trailer finally worked with a few back and forth attempts.
For the unload I decided on a simpler approach - drive the back axle of my F250 up on blocks of 2x8's to get the trailer hitch elevated about 6" additional height, then use far less (but still a lot of) 2x8's to keep things from scraping.
Since the 30 day temporary permit requires an inspection, I have discovered that the tax office will provide a "one trip" permit which I think lasts 15 days, withOUT asking for an inspection. So assuming that info is correct, I can now avoid having to trailer this low-rider to my other stops which is a big help.

I dragged my unfinished car to a couple car shows recently. Friends of Exeter Animals Car Show and BringaTrailer Alumni Gathering. It is low as well and has trailer scars on the frame from my first experience. The Uhaul jack is very not well suited for lifting an empty trailer. Trying to lift the tongue attached to the hitch was difficult. I use a floor jack to load the car on the uhaul and flatbed equipment trailer. Works well but it is a heavy tool. Pulling it in and out of the truck isn't so bad but it's heavy. The jack is able to lift the tongue and truck on soft ground.
I tried driving onto wood. Worked fine in the driveway but not on soft ground, hence the floor jack.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hyrfAgFFDYkJiBJx6