Overhaulin'

Where can I find information on the rules defining building a car?

Granted a car needs basic equipment, lights, e-brake, windshield etc. I am interested in making a car that will be street legal but NOT modifying an existing vehicle. Also I understand that states vary in some aspects. But I am interested in the basics of what I can get away with making. Like if I make my own car for only MY use (not for general sale or whatever) MUST it have airbags, must it withstand an XX mph collision etc. I can't imagine the car companies can only make a vehicle. I am only interested in 4 wheels and an engine. All the rest can be Mad Max for all I care. The power plant for the engine is not exactly set either. I would like to build it in such a way that I could modify it easily for many experiments, a transmission or gearbox that is easy to work with. There must be a US car law or something website somewhere I am not aware of.

Public Comments

1. As long as it meets the requirments of your state or country laws and you can insure it you can drive it.
2. Check your state vehicle code
3. Believe it or not your local MVA should have all the resources you need to do this. Most ( I know Maryland does) have a "home built vehicle" policy and you can always look up what the do's and dont's are in their web sites. They should brake down what is required for a motor vehicle to be deemed legal to drive on your local roads. Just remember, what your state deems legal may not cover what other states require. Good luck.