Texas Revoked My Title

**CobraCollector** · February 25, 2015, 11:55 PM

I received a letter today from Texas DMV stating that they had mistakenly issued my Atom's title 3 years ago, and the Atom was not designed to be driven on the street only on closed course tracks. They went on to say that the Atom was a threat to the safety of other motorists, so they have revoked my registration and title. They enclosed an envelope and demanded I send the plates, stickers and title back to them. This in effect leaves me with an untitled car that I can use as a $70,000 paperweight. I am so mad right now I can't see straight.

Get ready the rest of you Texas owners.

**MadMaxAtom** · February 26, 2015, 04:41 AM

How in anyones eyes can an Atom be a threat to the safety of another motorist? I will never understand that babble. it sucks that there is not a different classification for a 4 wheel vehicle that weighs under 1500lbs. and has all the necessary safety equipment (lights,mirrors,brakes etc etc) The FAA says an ultralite airplane is fine to fly..and they do not even require a license to fly one! Why can't those paper pushers do the same for the Atom and any other car that is under 1500lbs? Hell, motorcycles are approaching that weight,and many trikes are over that.How is a trike less of a "threat" to motorists than an Atom? (think Slingshot) I really don't understand the whole argument against not allowing the Atom on roads. I feel your pain.

**s2kseven** · February 26, 2015, 05:19 AM

i'm convinced registering the Atom as a KIT or COMPOSITE or REPLICA has a better chance owning it for longevity instead of
registering it as an Ariel Atom. No such thing as Ariel Atom in "most" of the 50 states. They are illegal. It's just a matter of time when some state DMV open the can of worms.

Sorry to hear - ask them your recourse and if you are allowed to register it as a kit-composite-replica. Follow the rules of the registration.
Don't lose hope.

**beckertb** · February 26, 2015, 06:51 AM

Sucks to hear. I haven't seen anything yet..........but not to say it isn't coming

**Atommatt** · February 26, 2015, 07:47 AM

Could you take the car apart and reassemble it while taking pictures showing that you built it ? Maybe remove Ariel stickers and call it a replica? Maybe it could be registered as a assembled vehicle . You might have to fill out a special form or something like that but it better then getting rid of it. You could have the car down to bare frame in 1 weekend.

**RyanD** · February 26, 2015, 07:55 AM

I would demand that they return your taxes and fees before sending back the title. I paid Texas $3-4k to register my Atom when I got it.

**dpert1** · February 26, 2015, 08:41 AM

Perhaps you could seek registration in another, more friendly state?

I would seek a refund of taxes paid, and invest that money into a Montana type situation.

**s2kseven** · February 26, 2015, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by RyanD

I would demand that they return your taxes and fees before sending back the title. I paid Texas $3-4k to register my Atom when I got it.

Good idea....hire a lawyer and let him handle the taxes & fees issue....maybe they will change their mind (lol)

**Atommatt** · February 26, 2015, 11:33 AM

Even more money to spend not knowing what the out come will be. $300 + per hr. to throw away. I guess you do what have too. All the best of luck to you.

**CobraCollector** · February 26, 2015, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by MadMaxAtom

How is a trike less of a "threat" to motorists than an Atom? (think Slingshot)

The Slingshot is also illegal in Texas! The only state in the union you can't own and drive one. I don't know what's happening to our once great state.