Tips for DMV approval

[uncle sticky]

My camp has decided to do an art car this year, but are a little nervous about getting DMV approval. How difficult is it to get approved? Any tips or tricks that will increase the liklihood of approval? We're converting an old datsun wagon into an igloo, floating on ice floe, as part of an overall the future as a frozen wasteland theme camp.

[spectabillis]

good question as things start to get underway, sorry that i dont know the answer except to go through the website and process early to make time for any changes. i think purplekoosh works the dmv, or used to...

[dragonfly Jafe]

...first be sure to read the DMV application (all of it), and be sure that you meet EVERY requirement and are able to articulate why you meet it. Being "in theme" is a plus, but is not required as long as your vehicle is well decorated. Remember the part about permanently altering the vehicle if possible.

If you have a trailer, or bar, or are going to create a "party barge" or offer passenger transport (sort of a "requirement" unless you are a pure art vehicle), pay extra attention to passenger safety, keeping people from jumping or falling off (or on), and do not allow people to transit from the vehcile to the trailer while it is in motion (be prepared to show that you have thought this through).

If you want night liscencing, be sure to check it out at night first, then double the lights. It needs to SCREAM "here I am!" at night.

Be sure the vehicle and decoratoons can handle 50 mph+ winds...

Be sure you can easily keep the speed to 5mph or less...

Good Luck!

[Dork]

Have a plan for how the final thing will look, that hopefully includes hiding as much of the car as possible. Think through the issues in the application like lighting, how the driver will be able to see out, how passengers will get on/off, etc. Take some time on the application and demonstrate you've thought things through.

They really aren't as strict and some people fear. Their main concerns are that some work was put into making it not look like a car and that you can operate it safely.

I like your idea, btw.

[uncle sticky]

Thanks for the suggestions! I got confirmation, 12 hours after submitting, that we can bring the car, subject to DMV approval. Thanks to posters, and to the DMV hotties, this gets me even more motivated to make the vehicle great.

Look for the "FLOE" at camp Fimbulvinter![/img]