Hmmmm...can't be driven there? I've seen plently of tat out there which would not pass a MOT here in the uk (minimum road worthy test) and even some imported cars like a 2CV being used in America...is that correct or do you just insure yourself to the hilt in case there is an accident?
Some 'funny cars' must be rather far from the permitted regs?
The interesting thing is, okay so this is the way it works. So say I own my own repair shop or dealership. I am in various states able to apply and obtain specialized plates that have like a big "R" (For licensed repair facility "REPAIR" or "D" for licensed dealership) here in MA. In such situations if pulled over (Police) the registration is registered to the plates (Dealer or Repair) and not the car. The car for all practical intents and purposes doesn't even need an inspection sticker, which would I believe be the equivalent of an inspection by the MOT. It's a tricky situation because all they have to do is tell the Police they are in route to such and such place for either testing for Repair, or Delivery etc. MOST of the time the police will let them go none the wiser. Especially if it's a high end car like a Mas. BUT, will the insurance cover it? I don't know. There's cars like the COPO Camaro, and the Cobra Jet (Chevy and Ford) built only specifically for drag racing from the manufacturer they didn't even put VIN#s on them and they are factory built with roll cages. Will they let a car like that go? It's a roll of the dice for the Police, maybe if you agree to let him try it out! Again, not positive. If you wreck the car I am sure the insurance companies will not cover a fully race ready vehicle on the street. Some might if you had a personal relationship with the Adjuster or if you call first in advance and gave them all the details but highly unlikely, they are going to tell you to tow it. Most insurance companies here will not even insure the Mas.
I know here in MA. You used to be able to get away with a lot of different infractions for lighting, such as aftermarket HID Fog lamps, LED lighting etc. As well with exhaust systems, you could do straight pipes right out the back of the vehicle, gut the cats, pretty much whatever. Kick the guy inspecting the vehicle a couple extra $20s and they would be okay with it. Tires 35"; 37" etc for trucks same thing. I just spoke to my inspection friend I use all the time locally after repairing a friends New model Mercedes C300. He specifically told me that the State Police are visiting them personally now. All of our inspection stickers in MA are computerized with a bar code that states specifically who inspected the vehicle and where it was done at. IF you have a sticker on your car like a Mas. or anything else and there's been illegal modifications to the car.....ie..the window tint is to dark. The State Police can go right to the Inspector give him a warning and tell him next time he can lose his license to inspect cars in the state. If you do happen to mod a car and get pulled over and the State Police asks you if the car was like that, you either burn the Inspector (which I don't highly recommend) or tell the Statie you modified the vehicle with Tint; Tire; exhaust; etc; etc; ....after it was inspected. I have to admit I've been down that road a time or two, and the higher the class the vehicle, a lot less likely they are going to think it's humorous, adventurous, or "cool". If you can afford the modifications, you can afford the ticket. If I remember correctly one of the highest tickets I received was close to $300 for aftermarket lighting. This is anything that wasn't factory original. So for instance, I took the chance on putting the Halos in my Mas. headlights, if any Statie is the wiser about the design of the car that's going to be another ticket, because they are sealed in the headlights I will either keep them off while driving/ alternatively only in parking lots or keep paying tickets.
I remember even taking a newer Mercedes over for inspection one time. The car was just bought. Ironically I checked the ball joints, tie rods, shocks etc. But the tires were low-profile, and dark lettering that blended into the side wall. I checked the tread without checking the BRAND NAME. All the sizes of course were the right-sized. They all looked identical at first glance. Took it to the inspector and I failed inspection. The car was a 4 matic also known as AWD or equivalent for inspection purposes. Because of this all of the brand names and sizes much match identically. Working on cars all the time I knew this but it was a mere oversight. They put a big red "R" on the inspection sticker until I got it fixed. Every time it's on the street and the Police see it, it's a ticket regardless of why it failed.
Anyway I think this became longer than necessary but, I suppose I kind of wanted you guys to know it can be rough over here. Additionally, if you see something that is totally un-inspectable on the streets it's probably because it is. Just someone rolling the dice that day..........
