Call to Action against BAD car legislation in NC
Fellow Mustangers and Classic Car Enthusiasts, I have just recently become aware of new legislation that is currently being considered by the Finance Committee of the NC Senate that could create MAJOR PAIN for those of us involved with classic cars (35+ years old). As you may already know and can see from the attached documents (Official Bulletin 203 Antique Vehicles.pdf and NCDOT Press Release - New Titles for Antique Vehicles.pdf), the NCDMV instituted new rules at the beginning of this year that require any antique (35+ years old) or custom-built vehicle brought into North Carolina to go through a detailed and time consuming inspection process before a title will be issued. I have been told that the DMV inspectors have the authority to take whatever steps they deem necessary, including the removal of paint and/or parts, to verify the authenticity of the vehicle. I have also been told that these inspectors have been given the latitude to permanently reclassify a vehicle as a "Reconstructed Vehicle" if they find (what they believe to be) even the most minor of modification of the vehicle from its factory original condition. What's more, since EVERY out-of-state vehicle of this type must go through this new process, the amount of time required to get this completed is rapidly growing (currently 3+ months calendar time and 1-2 full days of personal time on the part of the car owner). According to Cary Attorney Jim Lore, a fellow car buff, the DMV did not follow proper procedure when it instituted this new titling rule and therefore overstepped its authority. Senate Bill 2010 appears to be an attempt to legitimize the new rule by creating NC legislation that would dramatically expand the title issuing authority of the DMV. I have attached a copy of the first draft of the bill (NC Senate Bill 2010 - First Edition.pdf) for you to see for yourself. Status of the Bill can also be found online at http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2007%20%20&B illID=s2010 We certainly need laws to protect hobbyists and the public from title fraud, but I and many others believe SB 2010, as currently written, is NOT the way to do it! I have attached opposition letters from Jim Lore and Gordon McGilton (Auto Engineer / Force Protection CEO / Antique Auto Enthusiast) to help clarify some of the reasons why SB 2010 should be defeated. If you know anyone that has tried to title an out-of-state antique car this year, I'm sure they can provide more fuel to this fire. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please call your NC State Senator and tell them you are opposed to this legislation. A phone call should only take a couple of minutes and is MUCH more effective than an email. The main number for the Legislature in Raleigh is 919-733-4111. You can also find contact info for your Senator online at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us or by entering your zip code at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/GIS/Representation/Who_Represents_Me/Who_Represe nts_Me.html Also, please pass the word on to other NC hobbyists who might be affected by this. This bill is under consideration RIGHT NOW so PLEASE talk to your Senator and inform your fellow hobbyists at your earliest convenience! Sincerely, Edward (Chip) Hill Mustang Club of America member (and former Board member) Heart of Carolina Mustang Club member (and former officer) MCA 64-66 Mustang Gold Card Judge

Call to Action against BAD car legislation in NC

Fellow Mustangers and Classic Car Enthusiasts,

I have just recently become aware of new legislation that is currently being
considered by the Finance Committee of the NC Senate that could create MAJOR
PAIN for those of us involved with classic cars (35+ years old).

As you may already know and can see from the attached documents (Official
Bulletin 203 Antique Vehicles.pdf and NCDOT Press Release - New Titles for
Antique Vehicles.pdf), the NCDMV instituted new rules at the beginning of
this year that require any antique (35+ years old) or custom-built vehicle
brought into North Carolina to go through a detailed and time consuming
inspection process before a title will be issued. I have been told that the
DMV inspectors have the authority to take whatever steps they deem
necessary, including the removal of paint and/or parts, to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle. I have also been told that these inspectors
have been given the latitude to permanently reclassify a vehicle as a
"Reconstructed Vehicle" if they find (what they believe to be) even the most
minor of modification of the vehicle from its factory original condition.
What's more, since EVERY out-of-state vehicle of this type must go through
this new process, the amount of time required to get this completed is
rapidly growing (currently 3+ months calendar time and 1-2 full days of
personal time on the part of the car owner).

According to Cary Attorney Jim Lore, a fellow car buff, the DMV did not
follow proper procedure when it instituted this new titling rule and
therefore overstepped its authority. Senate Bill 2010 appears to be an
attempt to legitimize the new rule by creating NC legislation that would
dramatically expand the title issuing authority of the DMV. I have attached
a copy of the first draft of the bill (NC Senate Bill 2010 - First
Edition.pdf) for you to see for yourself. Status of the Bill can also be
found online at
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2007%20%20&B
illID=s2010

We certainly need laws to protect hobbyists and the public from title fraud,
but I and many others believe SB 2010, as currently written, is NOT the way
to do it! I have attached opposition letters from Jim Lore and Gordon
McGilton (Auto Engineer / Force Protection CEO / Antique Auto Enthusiast) to
help clarify some of the reasons why SB 2010 should be defeated. If you
know anyone that has tried to title an out-of-state antique car this year,
I'm sure they can provide more fuel to this fire.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Please call your NC State Senator and tell them you are opposed to this
legislation. A phone call should only take a couple of minutes and is MUCH
more effective than an email. The main number for the Legislature in
Raleigh is 919-733-4111. You can also find contact info for your Senator
online at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us or by entering your zip code at
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/GIS/Representation/Who_Represents_Me/Who_Represe
nts_Me.html Also, please pass the word on to other NC hobbyists who might
be affected by this.

This bill is under consideration RIGHT NOW so PLEASE talk to your Senator
and inform your fellow hobbyists at your earliest convenience!

Sincerely,
Edward (Chip) Hill
Mustang Club of America member (and former Board member)
Heart of Carolina Mustang Club member (and former officer)
MCA 64-66 Mustang Gold Card Judge