New member in Massachuestts

[ihmcguinness]

Just joined because my father and I are looking to buy an Atom. Have heard some troublesome things about the ability to register one in MA. However, reading the law (the SEMA statutes from 2010), it seems like it would fit nicely in the Specially-Constructed Vehicle category. Anyone with any experience?

[MadMaxAtom]

Ma. says NO to the Atom as constructed,and seeing as the Atom is a "replica" of nothing from the past,it will be a battle to register even as a kit car.The hurdles will be high,if not impossible as the Ma Registry considers the Atom as "off road use only" from past denials. Not to dampen your spirits,but I have seen what lies ahead of you and all I can say is don't hold your breath...

[ihmcguinness]

Hey, I saw some of your previous posts, and have been meaning to message you. Do you know what clause(s) exactly are the barrier? From reading the law, it seems that it fits under the SCV category, and that the only other barrier would be that the motor would need to pass the same emissions test as the current Civic Si (same motor).

[MadMaxAtom]

I have been in the auto repair/sales/reconstruction business in Ma for over 30 years,and have been through the registration/inspection process of vehicles from A to Z. Getting through the twisted maze of Ma regulations with anything but a Ma recognized DOT approved,EPA certified motor vehicle is such a battle,I rarely ever try any longer,as it is SO aggravating and frustrating..but you are welcome to try. I don't want to dissuade you but...you are in for the fight of your life.


Specially-Constructed Vehicles
A specially-constructed motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that was reconstructed or
assembled by a non-manufacturer from new or used parts, and that does not replicate or
resemble any other manufactured vehicle.
To register and title a specially-constructed vehicle, it must have a vehicle identification
number assigned from the Massachusetts State Police Salvage Unit or from another
jurisdiction. You must present the vehicle's previous Certificate of Title.

You MAY convince a Registry officer to assign your "kit" car a identification number,and MAY even get a title and registration, BUT you will then have to comply with the states VERY strict yearly state inspection regulations...and by the time you make an Atom compliant,it will look like a Honda Civic. The link below will bring you to some of the challenges you will face...every year.

http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/source...xt/540CMR4.pdf

[ihmcguinness]

So a used Atom with a title from another sate would be a lot easier?

[bolus]

I, for one, am no happy that the DMV keeps us safe with all these rules. Im so glad that the requirements for windshields, windshield wipers, fenders, bumpers, airbags, and seatbelts and there for those motorcycle owners. I cant imagine the pandemonium that would occur if motorcycles, which is inherently much less safe than a car, didnt have the same requirements for 4 wheel vehicles.

/sarcasm

there is never certainty with the DMV. Because they take pride in shutting people down for no other reason as to make the world a worse place. They are the paid sociopaths.

The car is different. No one likes different.

[MadMaxAtom]

"So a used Atom with a title from another sate would be a lot easier?"

Nope...same deal...."Off road use only" for the Atom in the commiewealth of Ma.,especially for one already assembled.
You may get away with buying a roller and installing a pre 1949 drivetrain in one,plus the necessary safety equipment mandated for said year to pass state inspection...maybe register it as a Mercer Runabout...however the first time you bring it in for inspection..be ready for a fight.

It's basically illegal to register and operate an Atom in Ma.

I can get away with driving my Atom on public roads in Ma to a point with my dealer plate,but technically,by the letter of the law,I am not suppose to be operating a motor vehicle that does not conform to Ma vehicle State inspection guidelines on Ma public roads,even though vehicles being driven using a dealer plate do not have to be inspected. Catch 22..

[Greggour]

ok so us poor massholes are sol, are there New England states that make the process easy?
Wich states are the easiest to register the Atom for normal road use?

thanks everyone