Natwerk Designs

What does it take to make a car street legal?

I have been looking for info online but haven't found much. Dont just throw out the basic turn signals, head lights, ect ect... if you dont really know. We are going to build a car from scratch and are still in the design phase and need to know EVERYTHING that is needed not one or two things that people can think of. If you know of a website or other resource that has such info then you can provide a link and thats really all I will need. Also if you make a list please list your resources so I know that it is accurate. If you just happen to have built a street legal from scratch then ill be glad on any input you can give me about making it street legal. Sorry if i sound rude to the knowledgeable people out there, I just don't want people to give me what they think or believe I will need when they really have no clue. Just remember its not a production car and the laws to make it road worthy are going to be much different, For the most part I wont need as much, but I have to know what..

Public Comments

1. There is indeed a lot of things to consider when building a car. The complete list of Federal Vehicle Safety Standards that must be met are at this link. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/49cfr571_05.html
2. Check with your state's Department/Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you're building a car " from scratch" you have to eventually title it in your state to put plates on it. They should be able to give you books with minimum guidelines you need to follow. Then after you're done with your 'build', you'll need to have it inspected & a VIN issued, (enter the Feds). I've worked at auto auctions for many years, & usually on sale day there is an FBI guy to verify VIN's on disputed vehicles. Sometimes, he just snoops around to see if a "totaled" car 's VIN's match. This is something you need to do "in person", with people that can give you the proper answers, not from "butt-munches" like me on-line.
3. That depends what state you are in. What makes a car street legal in Ohio would be different than California. My source for the info? Common sense.
4. IN MOST STATES IT IS AS FOLLOWS......... * Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility 1. Horn 2. Windshield Wipers 3. Mirror 4. Steering 5. Seat Belts 6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models) 7. Tires 8. Wheel Assembly 9. Exhaust System 10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models) 11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models) 12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier 13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier 14. License Plate Lamp (1) 15. Rear Red Reflectors (2) 16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models) 17. Head Lamps (2) 18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number 19. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating 20. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.