by cranius » Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:23 pm
Long story short: I got pulled over for the first time today since owning the Atom for a whole month! I wasn't breaking any laws, fortunately. It was a local cop who wanted to play hardball. He gave the car a real looking-over and even kicked the front plastic radiator cover (thanks asshole) while asking me where my 5mph bumpers were. He was a true jerk in ever possible sense. Anyway, after seeing my license, registration, and insurance, he RELUCTANTLY decided to let me go but warned that if a state trooper or sheriff pulled me over that he probably wouldn't go so easy on me. Hence, my question.
I bought my car used from Gage & Moysley. My purchase included a friendly little title with the words "Ariel Atom" on it from the good state of Mississippi. My registration process here in Indiana was easy and they just made a special classification for "Ariel Atom" in their computers. I simply showed them the title, showed them the VIN-plate on the car, the insurance card, and away we went. I was given an Indiana title with Ariel Atom on it the same day. No inspection, no nothing (no emissions tests in my county). What I'm wondering is if this cop actually was telling the truth. Could a state trooper/sheriff pull me over and say "Oh, look, no 5mph bumpers. Your car is not street legal." ? Basically, the cop said "Just because the DMV registered it, doesn't mean its legal!". This is my first encounter with the classic WE MAKE THE LAWS AROUND HERE, SON style police officer, so maybe I should just not worry about it? Advice please!
Long story short: I got pulled over for the first time today since owning the Atom for a whole month! I wasn't breaking any laws, fortunately. It was a local cop who wanted to play hardball. He gave the car a real looking-over and even kicked the front plastic radiator cover (thanks asshole) while asking me where my 5mph bumpers were. He was a true jerk in ever possible sense. Anyway, after seeing my license, registration, and insurance, he RELUCTANTLY decided to let me go but warned that if a state trooper or sheriff pulled me over that he probably wouldn't go so easy on me. Hence, my question.
I bought my car used from Gage & Moysley. My purchase included a friendly little title with the words "Ariel Atom" on it from the good state of Mississippi. My registration process here in Indiana was easy and they just made a special classification for "Ariel Atom" in their computers. I simply showed them the title, showed them the VIN-plate on the car, the insurance card, and away we went. I was given an Indiana title with Ariel Atom on it the same day. No inspection, no nothing (no emissions tests in my county). What I'm wondering is if this cop actually was telling the truth. Could a state trooper/sheriff pull me over and say "Oh, look, no 5mph bumpers. Your car is not street legal." ? Basically, the cop said "Just because the DMV registered it, doesn't mean its legal!". This is my first encounter with the classic WE MAKE THE LAWS AROUND HERE, SON style police officer, so maybe I should just not worry about it? Advice please!