Emissions Test Surprise

[Tigershark48]

Had my recently purchased 2000 M Roadster delivered to Wisconsin from Virginia where I bought it. Took the old title to the local DMV for the new title, plates and registration. I was told the I was all set and the car was exempt from emission tests due to its age. Winter is here, so I went ahead and insured with comprehensive only and covered the car in my garage. This week, I got a notice from the DMV. All newly registered cars must be inspected for emissions within 1 month of notification or the registration will be forfeited. Now, I get to drive it to the DMV with no collision insurance (very carefully). One good thing is we just had over 2” of rain, so there’s no salt on the roads.

I don’t know how other states are, but here in Wisconsin first time registrations in this state require an inspection. Good to know.

[Randy Forbes]

I'm sure if you call your agent, you can get coverage for the time needed. Then drop the collision again, if there's that much of a savings.

[Tigershark48]

Good thought. I’ll call and explain the situation. I have yet to get a full coverage policy on the Roadster, but the Comp only is $28/year. I suspect the savings is substantial.

[aba4430]

Just FYI - When we moved to PA from FL in 2017, we registered our 1998 Z3 in PA as a Classic Vehicle and attached PA Classic Vehicle Plates. Cars, 15 years or older are eligible for Classic plates in PA. We recently registered our 328Ci also as a Classic vehicle (I recently moved from Chicago to PA). Classic cars are only required to undergo safety inspections in PA. Might want to check Wisconsin requirements; you may be able to skip emissions inspections going forward. One requirement is that driving should be limited to 5K miles or less, I think (at least in PA).

[Tigershark48]

Thanks. My insurance requires 20 calendar years for classic status, so 2020 for me. A plus to that is being able to insure for a specified value.

The Wisconsin DMV said the car is already exempt from annual emission tests, but requires a one time test when it’s first registered in the state.

I called my insurance agent and got a “verbal binder” for collision coverage to take it in for the test. No charge. I just need to get it done and remove the binder in a reasonable amount of time. Good call Randy.

[PbFut]

You'll be just fine with that verbal till you need it.

[Tigershark48]

I’ll just have to make sure I don’t need it.