New Jersey Inspection Documents Question

[montyals]

I submitted original receipts for the purchased parts of a Mark IV build. The car passed inspection so I called Trenton (as I hadn't heard from them two months later) inquiring as to when the three-hole binder of receipts would be returned since the process is completed. The employee who has walked me through the submission process said that they don't return the materials, they keep them for their records. Is this true? Has anyone had the same experience? I think they may have simply lost the binder of receipts.

[Olli]

Same experience. They don't return the receipts. I knew that, so I made copies for my records.

Olli

[KeyserGogo]

Thanks for asking this question, I now know to save copies of receipts during this part of the process. On a side note - I know that windshield wipers are required in NJ, and recently heard a rumor that a heater/defroster is also a requirement. Is this true?

[Olli]

Heater/defroster is not required for a topless Roadster. When I had my topless '33 inspected I told him that I had heat/defrost. He said that I didn't need it to pass inspection. But he added that is only true since there was no top.

Olli

[KeyserGogo]

Glad to hear that - heaters are expensive! Thanks for the super fast response.

[montyals]

Thanks for the responses Gents! I took photos of all the documents I submitted just to be on the safe side in case they had misplaced the original 3-hole binder of original receipts. I also didn't realize they'd be keeping all of those documents (about 70 all together) As Olli stated, no heater or defroster required.

[Jonweisw]

Here is everything I know on this subject...

http://factory5roadster.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/11-4-11-nj-state-legal/

This applied identically to each of my consecutive builds.

Hope this helps for those who have not gone for inspection yet.

Jon

[montyals]

Hey Jon,

Thanks for your list. It's was my go-to guide before I went to inspection. It is extremely helpful. You could remove letter "J" from your list. It's the note about the need for a passenger roll bar. Cars will pass with one roll bar.

[KeyserGogo]

I've seen "street version" cars with no roll bar on the forums with NJ license plates. That is how I would like to build mine - I wonder if they had to have them inspected with the bar installed and then remove it afterwards, or if its not actually a requirement.

[Jonweisw]

I think the rule is that as long as there is a seat, there has to be a roll bar and seatbelts. I seem to remember the inspector telling me that directly on the phone.

[KeyserGogo]

Thanks for the heads up Jonweisw. I've been meaning to call over there and ask directly. Looks like I'll be getting it inspected before paint... Because I'll have 3 holes to fill!

[montyals]

I passed in Asbury Park, with Joe B. in August with one roll bar and two seats. Not an issue.

[Someday I Suppose]

Jon,

Awesome to see the ole list on a page where it will get lots of life. On the emissions, you mentioned a sticker, did you get a sticker or a letter?

On the two roll bar thing, I've recently heard a few people say that they passed without a second roll bar as well. I guess if anyone fails its easy enough to pull the seat and go back down.

Hope life is treating you well and look forward to seeing the new car!

Scott



Here is everything I know on this subject...

http://factory5roadster.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/11-4-11-nj-state-legal/

This applied identically to each of my consecutive builds.

Hope this helps for those who have not gone for inspection yet.

Jon

[Jonweisw]

Montyals - I guess I stand corrected. Just goes to show you how not-uniform the process is. Even the issue with the brake light is not spelled out that way in the rules (which, if taken as written, would eliminate the need for one).

Scott - thank you! I got the letter but have yet to go get a sticker. Not long ago, went through one of those wonderful 'inspection sticker checkpoints' that litter our state these days. There was a Tesla in front of me; neither of us had a sticker. The cop let me pass with a smile and a big wave, but pulled over the Tesla. Ridiculous. Not sure I will get a sticker.

[montyals]

Jon, how long did it take before you received your letter? I was told by the inspector that they were going to send it a few weeks after the safety inspection as they had to check to see if I needed the smog/pollution sensor installed in the exhaust pipes. I took the car to the safety inspection with the bung filled with the threaded cap. That was in August and I haven't received the letter yet. I've been driving without an inspection sticker since getting the plates two months ago. Got a few "nice car" and thumbs ups from a few state troopers and local cops, but no tickets yet. Still waiting for that letter so I can go to emissions inspection. How long did it take to get your letter?