May I see your license and registration, please?

[skullandbones]

It seems like I have seen more than a few "Go kart" videos of the roadsters and others lately. Just wondered if anyone has had a run in with the law since I was getting to that point. I don't remember seeing any on line temorary permits for road testing the vehicle. So what have you done or what would you do if you hear that infamous greeting, "licenses and registration, please" from a state trooper smiling from behind mirrored sun glasses? I'm not sure if I would be as cool as Burt Monroe in the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian". I guess if you were lucky the guy could be a gear head!!!! Good luck, WEK. :cool::cool::cool:

[JeepFlyer]

I'm not even close to this stage, but why would a lack of experience stop someone from posting here???

Logically, there's nothing that comes to mind that would be grossly unsafe about driving a go-kart stage vehicle around. A body is going to afford you negligable protection from anything larger than a pebble. The windshield would probably be the biggest safety factor on a finished vehicle.

Legally, there's nothing that comes to mind that would justify driving a go-kart stage vehicle beyond the local neighborhood just enough to test all systems, get the engine up to temp, etc. I personally won't be driving more than a mile or two, through a 30mph residential area. Too many risks for crazy people in this town (I check both ways at stop lights around here). One mistake, not even on your behalf, and there's $30,000+ down the drain, not to mention possible injuries, none of which would be covered by insurance.

[Someday I Suppose]

I think this is also something that is very state subjective, in some states I think you can actually get a temporary permit which allows you to drive a car in for the titling process, and that may also cover something like a go-cart. I've seen some guys drive miles in the go-cart, personally I kept it just around our cul-de-sac. I had thought about driving a mile or two stretch over to one of the schools and back, but at the end of the day the risk vs. reward just wasn't there for me.

-Scott

[edwardb]

I've seen some guys drive miles in the go-cart, personally I kept it just around our cul-de-sac. I had thought about driving a mile or two stretch over to one of the schools and back, but at the end of the day the risk vs. reward just wasn't there for me. -Scott

I agree with this 100%. The risk vs. reward is very high. There's nothing legal about it, and if you were to have an accident it could get difficult. I've heard stories of guys getting stopped, with the policemen being gearheads and all was OK. But for me it wasn't worth it. My go cart was up and down a street in my sub that only has a couple of houses and a cul-de-sac at the end. Made it all the way to 2nd gear and maybe 25 mph. Did that several times, and it was huge anticipation waiting for it to be done and legal, but just not worth the chance for me. I've seen numerous go kart videos where guys were in traffic, going pretty fast, etc. All the while sometimes no seat belts, one guy admitted that his seats weren't even bolted down yet, no turn signal or brake lights, parts dragging, etc. So I don't accept that it's no more dangerous than the completed car with the body on. This is a great fun hobby, and I don't want to be a kill joy, but just be very careful. OK, safety police have now left the building...

[SStrong]

In my country neighborhood everybody drives golf carts and 4 wheelers on the roads, and I ride my mower in the street occasionally. The county mounties are real easy going on the locals thankfully. Doubt if I'll get stopped, but you don't know.

[MPTech]

I thought I heard or read previously that if the local authorities really wanted to enforce the law, driving an un-titled / un-licensed car could result in a felony arrest and forfeiture of the vehicle. Now, most the time, I think the LEO would let you off with a warning, but it only takes one guy in a really bad mood to ruin you dream and cost you BIG bucks (if it would even be possible to get it back) and I'm sure there would be lawyers and court dates involved.

It's enough to convince me to license it asap after a couple brief go-karts in the subdivision.

[The Stig]

This was a thought that crossed my mind as well, when I took off down the roads of my neighborhood for the first time...

I figured that if I were pulled over, I'd just explain that it's a private build, and that I needed to run it to check that the transmission is working as it should, and that there are no leaks. Then I would count the mercy of a fellow gearhead! I'm lucky in the fact that the only "police" near my house, is (usually) the neighborhood security gaurds that patrol the area.

They usually just like to look at it wen they have the chance anyway... Something about seeing the engine and exhaust throught the hatch glass, combined with the sound of the Kooks exhaust, gets a big grin on their faces.

So far So Good...

I don't think that I would take off outside of the neighborhood to make a quick run down to starbucks or anything though... :cool:

Mike

[QSL]

I will admit, i am one of the guys that has go karted with no floorboards, seats not bolted down and the front end not totally snugged up... but it was fun as hell! Heck when i was a kid, i was driving cars worse then that and they were legal on the street :) LOL.

We dont have police in our area really. We are too far out of the city. But we do have private securtiy that patrols. They have seen me driving the kart around. When they see it in the driveway and i am working on it, they slow down, stare and wave.

I really think enforcement would really need to be jerks to give you a hard time about this and i dont think thats the case... UNLESS you were out of your neighborhood, driving fast, or unsafe. But putting around up and down your street at 20MPH seems reasonable to me.

[RooRocks]

I had to drive gokart style from my house to the interior shop which was roughly 7 miles away but I know a couple local Sheriff so I just gave them a call to be on the lookout for a big go-kart ont he road. None of them were working that day but they must have spread the word since I had a local Sheriff practically follow me the entire way.

[skullandbones]

I think this is also something that is very state subjective, in some states I think you can actually get a temporary permit which allows you to drive a car in for the titling process, and that may also cover something like a go-cart. I've seen some guys drive miles in the go-cart, personally I kept it just around our cul-de-sac. I had thought about driving a mile or two stretch over to one of the schools and back, but at the end of the day the risk vs. reward just wasn't there for me.

-Scott

I know about the 3 day permit you can get for driving to the facility to have emissions or registration for a vehicle that has been out of service (registration expires). Then I found out that this permit will cover a vehicle that has never been registered (no VIN). But you have to got to the DMV to get that the old fashioned way: no on line purchase. That's in AZ. But I have not seen anything that will allow you to drive just for testing the vehicle.

I think I will get my son to run recon for me and call when it is safe to venture out to the edge of the "neighborhood". That way I will have at least a couple of blocks of straight road to change gears and test braking a little. There are no houses in that area and it is still clear of traffic except for a few coming and going residents. I think going beyond the safe confines of the immediate area of your house is really asking for trouble. You would be at the mercy of whatever agency stopped you. That's the first I heard about felony and impounding your car. That would really ruin your day, wk, month, and year. Then there is the added paranoia of after it's registered will the local boys follow you a little ways just to see if you get on it so they can pull you over and say, "licenses and registration". WEK.

[Flip Smiley]

Whatever you do be careful Cops or not! You have very little protection if one of the radiator hoses blows off. Many of us have had a hose slip off during 1st start or shortly after. A lap or face full of hot antifreeze would not be fun for you or your passenger! Kart On, but beware.
Flip

[David Hodgkins]

Whatever you do be careful Cops or not! You have very little protection if one of the radiator hoses blows off. Many of us have had a hose slip off during 1st start or shortly after. A lap or face full of hot antifreeze would not be fun for you or your passenger! Cart On, but beware.
Flip

This happened to me and I got splashed with antifreeze. LUCKILY my thermostat hadn't opened yet and it was not hot! The first start and run are probably the most dangerous parts of the build. After 1st start, bring the engine up to temp but don't sit in the car! Also please make sure you have the seats bolted in and the belts too before your 1st go cart.

The 1st start and go-carts are VERY exciting but IMO the biggest chance for a BIG failure so have fun but be safe!!

:)

[Ray]

...Logically, there's nothing that comes to mind that would be grossly unsafe about driving a go-kart stage vehicle around.

You mean besides no head lights, no turn signals, no brake lights, no tail lights, no windshield and possibly no seat belts?

I know that a lot of builders go-cart around several more than once. When asked, I always tell people to only take the amount of risk that they can afford to pay for.

Ray

[QSL]

Ray, what if i just say i am undocumented? Thats my backup plan. :cool: I see people driving around like that with cars that are NOT in go kart stage! LOL!!!!

[dallas_]

I just try to putter around the neighborhood and avoid major streets. Our neighborhood has a patrol car driving through frequently so I'm a bit worried that he might see me one of these days. The car is so loud it's hard to be stealthy. I try to be really friendly whenever I see him. You know, just in case. :)

[AZPete]

WEK, I'm glad to hear you are getting close to go-karting. I think you have it right - stay withing a few blocks and don't go out where the cops are. In your hidden neighborhood I doubt cops are patrolling often. Is it illegal? Of course. Is it necessary? Yes, to test it. Is it a thrill? Absolutely.
Pete

[skullandbones]

It's funny but after thinking about it, the only tickets I've gotten my whole life are 2 speeding tickets for going 36 in a 30 mph zone. Considering some of the stupid stunts l've tried, I don't see how I dodged the bullet so many times. I think my luck may be running low as well as with > age also comes > wisdom. Hopefully that is true. Too bad there isn't a trial permit for testing the go kart. WEK.

[Gumball]

I'm getting very close to first start and go-kart. I moved my build to a local airport, with private roads, so that's the primary plan. But, if I want to venture out onto local backroads, I have a back-up:

1) I live in the country;
2) Our sheriff is a long-time friend and a car guy; and
3) He volunteered to be my escort with his very visible old Ford (which all his deputies know), so long as I stay away from any of the towns in the area and I have brake lights and eye protection.

[skullandbones]

That's just not fair. Gumball you're too well connected. I did have a fleeting thought of going to the AJ Police department to see if I could get a police escort and how I could work it out logisically and financially (sort of like a parade permit). I don't think I have the nerve to really do it but you never know.

WEK.

[tjmotter]

I thought I heard or read previously that if the local authorities really wanted to enforce the law, driving an un-titled / un-licensed car could result in a felony arrest and forfeiture of the vehicle. Now, most the time, I think the LEO would let you off with a warning, but it only takes one guy in a really bad mood to ruin you dream and cost you BIG bucks (if it would even be possible to get it back) and I'm sure there would be lawyers and court dates involved.

It's enough to convince me to license it asap after a couple brief go-karts in the subdivision.

Maybe I am just too paranoid but my go-kart stage was spent primarily up and down my driveway. Having said this, just because I am paranoid doesn't mean they AREN'T out to get me. Case in point, back in my 20's I got a $400 fine for driving a motorcycle without insurance. The fine has since gone up to over $2000 but the crappy thing was that I was on private property (signs posted) and the only reason I was on the bike was that I had a bad accident and had just finished putting it back together again so I did a short spin around my apartment complex to see if the transmission was working properly (never got over 15mph). The Police officer argued (successfully enough that the judge agreed) that despite the sign, the area allowed public access and was therefore a public highway. The risks are pretty big and reality is that these cars draw attention so imagine what would happen if a small child ran out on the road and ....

[QSL]

we have full insurance on ours and a temp permit. :) Sure there are no lights or windshield but who the heck needs them?!

[McLovin]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones with one of the county's most senior state troopers living right across the street from me, and wanting to build one himself! With FL tags and now living in NC, he had to actually convince me to take him for the first ride out of the neighborhood, which worked out well as I found out my terminal connector at the cutoff switch was loose. It worked out even better when I discovered the alternator wasn't switching on with the ignition and he had his buddy flatbed us home for free. We DID have a working brake light on the back, and went out in full daylight so he insisted headlights weren't necessary. Beyond that, county/country roads with a decent shoulder, plates and insurance...the car was well assembled with none of the typical dragging fuel connections, etc that make good videos go bad, and it was a blast. I never could have gotten it out of 2nd gear in my neighborhood with a speed limit of 15 and respect for those around me.

In a few months if I don't have the body on yet, I'll probably put some fog lights on the front and take it to the office for a safety stand down to discuss some of the things a lot of our younger (military) guys can do safely while still having fun. We have a couple guys with dune buggies that show up from time to time and a helmet or eye protection is fine from all I have found.

[skullandbones]

I have been doing more final checkouts hoping not to have any failures out on the road. But you can't always anticipate everything. I am going to do a somewhat modified "gokart". I think I will put the body on and put the lights in. They are mounted on now temporarily to straighten out the wiring (no blinkers yet). But we have had the body off and on enough that it isn't any big deal anymore. I had major wheel issues so now that is OK. So I don't know what it will be called maybe "gokart plus" or something like that. We could strat a new trend and milestone maybe. See you later. WEK.