CHP Rumor Regarding Restored Cars

[Andy]

Mike.C
I think the what you should have said from the get-go is
i have a letter from a the CHP allowing me to display CHP
decals on my restoration....... basically common sense in writing
when you use the term Sanctioned restoration it kinda cheapens
everyone else's efforts and i know there is allot a nice chp/ssp
cars around (not mine) Also the term sanctioned seems to give
a ((CHP Approved)) status when in reality all were talking
about here is a set of decals.
why the secret Master switch? you play with the lights/siren
or you don't or in my case you don't even connect them up.

[FHP813]

Let's take it easy Gentlemen. We are all HERE for the same reason.

[Kevin]

Just to add to what Mike C. said, it's been well over 5 years since CHP stopped giving permission for decals. When they were approving decal usage they would deny anyone out of state since there was no way for them to enforce their usage. Way back in the 90's CHP would even send you the decals with their approval letter. The offical line is this all changed after 9/11.

The California vehicle code states something to the effect that no vehicle built after 1/1/79 may be painted to resemble a police vehicle, so technically all SSPs are prohibited. There are exceptions for cars belonging to dealers, manufacturers and movie companies. There is no exception for privately owned collector cars. I'm lucky that like Mike I've had permission for my cars from way back so we would be allowed to have the cars painted and the decals and lights installed but covered while on the road. The only people who are approved now are CHP employees.

The gray area is that CHP will invite restored cars to participate in their open houses, retirees days, etc and never ask if the cars are approved. Like most large agencies the right hand may not know what the left is doing. The new comissioner is more "old car friendly" but I don't see anyone changing the policy out of fear of liability.

I both drive and trailer my cars and I've never been stopped. I've found passing Chippies will give a thumbs up and some even take pictures when I'm driving my '67 Oldsmobile. I haven't been stopped in my Mustang but the reaction is much more reserved, almost suspicious. I guess the difference is due to the Mustang looking like a much more modern car.

Since I have written permission I'll continue to drive my cars (properly covered) to close shows and trailer to others but it would be a different story without permission.