TheSamba.com :: View topic - has anyone titled a buggy in the state of Indiana lately

Mon May 18, 2015 12:57 pm

Hey guys I recently trying to get a Vin number for my buggy in the state of Indiana. I received my Vin From the state, I installed it and had a police check done . I then head to the local bmv to get my title and tags. The person at the bmv tells me that the state has titled it as a off road only vehicle. So the supervisor shows up and says that she doesn't think that you can license them in the state anymore. So I am waiting to hear back from Indianapolis, but I wanted to know if anyone recently has filed for a Vin in Indiana with luck? Please let me know, I am a nervous wreck about this I have I bet 10k plus in this thing.

Tue May 19, 2015 3:27 am

Tue May 19, 2015 7:22 am

This information here may help you...

http://www.semasan.com/semaga/TagTitleToolbox_IN.pdf

For others...

http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA

And don't be so impatient to "bump" your messages, it takes time for all those to stop in here to see your question...

Dale

Tue May 19, 2015 7:40 am

I did mine it was in 07, but it was simple in indiana, took same steps you have taken but there was no question when i went to bmv, mine is titled assembled with an "mvin" is that how your is?

Tue May 19, 2015 11:12 am

I did mine last fall. I bought it in Wisconsin and brought it back. It was titled as a 61 VW. The guy who sold it to me made the bill of sale and put "I _____ sold my dune buggy to Chris ____ for $$". That was the catching point for me. When I went in everything was in order, but because the bill of sale had the term dune buggy in it, the lady at the DMV said she would have to call the manager. Well, the manager came out and said "He can title it, but he can't have plates because its off road", and walked away. I was just beside myself as this buggy was nothing for off road. The clerk was sympathetic as she said her husband does off roading and can't get his rail plated anymore because 2 weeks ago the state sent out letters saying all off road vehicles couldn't get plates to be on the street. I tried to explain that it wasn't an offroad vehicle, that it was more like a kit car for the street, and then pulled out my phone to show her the picture of it. She looked at the picture and sat for a minute and said hold on. She took the phone back to her manager and they talked. After a couple minutes they both came back and the manager said "Since the title is for a 61 VW, and judging by the picture it is clearly not an off road vehicle I'll pass it so you can get plates." Handed me my phone and walked away. The clerk then told me that whatever I do, in the future don't have anything in the paperwork that says dune buggy, off road, or anything like that or it will get denied.

TL;DR - Last year Indiana sent out the memo that anything off road related (dune buggy included) would not be able to get plates. So make sure your paperwork has nothing that pertains to that, INCLUDING the bill of sale ;)

Your mileage may vary, but if your buggy/kit car looks nothing like an off road vehicle, take a picture with you...it may save you if there is any scrutiny regarding what it is. Otherwise, if the title says vw or something like that...then thats all you need to worry about. Also, getting the VIN check was no problem at all for a couple buggies I've worked on.

Fri May 22, 2015 4:31 am

What You are looking for is a MVIN.

https://secure.in.gov/bmv/2664.htm

I did mine a couple of yaers ago, was real painless.

Let me know if You need more info.

Have a Great Day,

Bill

Fri May 22, 2015 6:12 am

Well the state will not help me because they don't like the sand rail look. But if it was titled it in a different state and brought here, as long as the title didn't say sand rail or dune buggy, there be no problems. The title can say kit car, convertible, roadster, the manufacturers name, etc. As long as it doesn't say dune buggy or sand rail. Wow really? ??? Wtf Indiana? And I always liked this state.

Fri May 22, 2015 6:40 am

A lot of states are getting on board with the same mentality. The DMV clerk told me the email was about getting things like sand rail type dune buggies, ATVs, golf carts, etc off the road as a plated vehicle. Sadly, you can plate a high powered crotch rocket, but buggies are somehow "unsafe" :roll:

Sat May 23, 2015 7:03 am

And here in NC.. a law was adapted a few years ago and legalized "golf carts" or "low speed" vehicles for the street....
They must be titled, insured and pass a NC state inspection..for lights etc...

I agree.. using and having the term "Buggy" added to anything.. casues most registration and insurance is turn their noses up...

My first approach using that term didnt go well.. I learned....
"Kit car" or "custom" .... :wink:
.