Quote:
Originally Posted by NotaBRG
I makes a difference on a lot of things from from emission standards, to bumper requirements, to seat-belts.
|
I don't think it does.
These laws are written with the intention of allowing hobbyists to build a car themselves and legally register and insure it once it is complete.
For instance if someone wants to make a '32 Ford and they do so using a fiberglass body and an aftermarket frame they can then register the car as a '32 Ford even though none of the parts they used were around in 1932 and possibly none of them were made by Ford. If they were forced to register it in the year of completion the vehicle would then be subject to 2011 standards and require things like airbags, stability control, TPMS, side crash door beams, OBDII, and the list goes on.
By driving what is
effectively a 1932 vehicle the driver can't be (legally) pulled over for something like a seat belt violation because the original model didn't come with seat belts.
The only other option would be to treat all kit cars and home builds as one offs and have a rigorous inspection for them before they can be used. That option is too costly for the government for what amounts to a handful of cars.