Special Service Mustang.net Forums - CHP Rumor Regarding Restored Cars

Special Service Mustang.net Forums (http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/index.php)

- Agency-Specific Restoration (http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6)

- - CHP Rumor Regarding Restored Cars (http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1894)

Before I responded to this I went to my local CHP office today and asked the sargent about this Rumor. The sargent said that as long as the car is not driven on any public roads you can do anything you wish to replacate any police vechicle. My car will be restored to in service look so I did not go into the laws re driving your cars to a show etc etc. I just wanted everyone to know that it is pure BS that your car can be impounded for looking like a CHP car.

RICH

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHP8336 (Post 14069)

To further clarify the above, restored and replica police vehicles ARE currently being permitted to operate on public roads in California if they comply with the conditions listed earlier (covered lights & decals, "not in service" signage displayed, etc.) and are operated in a responsible manner. Some are also being permitted by the CVC section regarding "movie cars." However, this is not to be confused with the issue of scrutiny, which they all receive in varying degrees depending on the area, the circumstances and the personnel involved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac88chp (Post 14053)

"There was also word going around that if an on duty CHP officer was at an event ( parade , car show, safety fair etc.) he or she has the power to cite or impound the vehicle, if the owner could not produce documentation showing that CHP sanctioned the vehicle restoration or replication."

Any LE officer in CA, not just CHP, has the power to investigate any vehicle that appears to be out of compliance with any of the existing CA vehicle codes surrounding emergency vehicles and related equipment and they can do it anytime, not just at an event. I know this firsthand as I've been pulled over on the highway in my sanctioned restoration on several occasions.

To date, I haven't heard of or witnessed any systematic crackdowns by the CHP at events or even on the road for that matter. So far, as long as hobbists have been following the generally accepted methods of keeping in compliance with the CVC (covering lights & decals, displaying appropriate "not in service" signage, etc) and in general keeping a low profile, there has not been any major problem out here.

___________________

So much like the FHP paint scheme being illegal this too is not so. You may get pulled over but as long as you don't act like an idiot you should be ok.

I'd rather avoid the scrutiny and just trailer to the shows. Problem solved. :yes:

Quote:

just trailer to the shows

But what if.... never mind.

http://www.hmc-china.com/images/SpeakNoEvil.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by FHP813 (Post 14074)

So much like the FHP paint scheme being illegal this too is not so.

Wait a second, now. The cousin of a brother of a friend of a US Marshal who knows a Trooper told me that it WAS illegal, at least according to my friend. :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImEvil1 (Post 14075)

I'd rather avoid the scrutiny and just trailer to the shows. Problem solved. :yes:

I'm with you...now who wants to buy me a trailer, and a tow vehicle, and storage for them? :D

I think there is a simple fix to this problem.

If you live in Ca and your car is restored to in service look. TRAILER IT!

If you live in Ca and your car is back to a civilian paint job and all li
ghts/emblems are covered. DRIVE IT!

I just dont know why you would want to even risk getting pulled over with a in service looking CHP car. I think that the $53.00 for a 24 hour U haul car trailer is worth the money. Money well spent in my mind. What do you think ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHP8336 (Post 14083)

I agree with you! :yes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac88chp (Post 14081)

I'm with you...now who wants to buy me a trailer, and a tow vehicle, and storage for them? :D

Didn't you just buy a HHR or something?? ;)

Last time I trailered, it was an Expedition courtesy of a popular rental car agency and a rented trailer. I'm in the process of buying a truck now, though.