Texas Revoked My Title

[Napalm]

Oh man, that is bad news.

[Napalm]

Just a thought, but I wonder if this is related to the Polaris Slingshot being deemed non-registerable in Texas. I wonder if Polaris made a stink to cause more scrutiny towards Atoms.

[CobraCollector]

The Slingshot is banned because Texas has decided it doesn't fit the definition of a motorcycle due to it not having a "saddle" that you straddle. Polaris did make a stink, but used the T-Rex as their example. The Atom not being classified as a motorcycle wouldn't have been an argument.

As for re-registering mine as an assembled vehicle that's not really an option. Part of the value of my car is that it's the first one made, VIN #000001.

I would really like to hear from any other Texans who have received this letter, you can reply in a PM if you want. I have talked to FourFather on the phone, when I got the letter he hadn't heard of this situation yet.

[Napalm]

I think the Montana method is still open to us. That is probably the route I'll go if I get the dreaded letter.

[silver]

I am sending out my request today under the Texas Public Information Act, §6252-17a et seq., to the signatory of my revocation letter at the Texas DMV, as follows (CoT number redacted):

Under the Texas Public Information Act, §6252-17a et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that serve as the basis for your decision to revoke the Texas Certificate of Title number ****************** issued on November 21, 2011 and further described in your correspondence dated February 17, 2015, attached.

I requested a waiver of fees as follows:

However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of the revocation of this title and those other owners of the same model of automobile, and further title issues affecting the automobile industry in general, as your office has gained notoriety with regard to ‘erroneously’ issued information and titles. This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.

They have 10 days to promptly produce the requested information without seeking an opinion from the Attorney General's office.

good luck....are you an attorney?

[silver]

No, but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

As for notification of revocation by the DMV, I believe it is not if but when.

Here is the form you can use. It doesn't take but 5 minutes to fill out and I think it would be good for everyone to do it. You never know:

Texas Sample FOIA Request | Texas FOIA Request | NFOIC

gotcha...I sold mine in 2012 which is why I say I'm glad It's not me.

I honestly think you'll never hear back from them without an attorney to know who to contact, BUT I wish you the best of luck b/c I think it's utter horseshit

[CobraCollector]

I have made an appointment to have a sit down with my state representative next week, my suggestion is that every Atom owner do the same thing. These are (allegedly) our elected "representatives" and as such have to answer for the things they do that effect us. One thing that hasn't been answered yet as far as I know is did the legislature do this or is it the work of one person at the DMV who decided they don't like these cars? Either way our representatives have some answering to do.

[RollingThunder]

Good to luck to everyone fighting the fight. What makes no sense to me is that the rationale for not registering an Atom is "safety." But Texas will allow a car built by someone in his garage as long as it resembles some recognized brand car, and here is the kicker -- the car only needs to pass the safety requirements that were in existence at the time of the car being copied. So if you build a replica of a 1920 car, you only need to pass the safety requirements in 1920. Does a car built in 1920 have safety features not present in the Atom -- I doubt it. And would love for someone to explain how an Atom is less safe than a motorcycle.

[silver]

It has been suggested that those that applied for a title as a 'kit car' may not have their titles revoked, where as those that transferred a title into Texas may be revoked. I am looking into this.

I'm kinda shocked by that as to my knowledge Texas does not offer a kit car title

Mine was titled as an assembled vehicle which is what changed in 2014 when they actually defined the word "assembled vehicle" to mean what Rolling Thunder is referring to....prior to that it did not have to be assembled from cars which previously passed NHTSA

[RollingThunder]

Silver is right. There is no "kit" car in Texas, but there is an "assembled vehicle" option. If the assembled vehicle is not a replica of an earlier recognized vehicle, it can still be registered, but it must meet all current federal safety regulations (e.g., airbags), which obviously the Atom does not meet.