Was just talking to the neighbor who is a cop, but he is a detective and doesn't know a lot about motor vehicle laws, but he had a friend over who is a Wisconsin state patrol and I asked him about running "NO" fenders on a model A either highboy or old school hot rod and he said........a car that was manufactured with fenders needs to have fenders and will be pulled over and ticketed if modified from original and registered as a original model A. He said in order to modify it, it needs to have pictures taken of it and sent to the department of motor vehicles and will be retitled as a 2013 modern project.......does this sound like a total crock to anyone else? What do you guys that run fenderless cars think about his reply and are there similar rules where you are.......and do ya just run them like ya want anyways? I don't get the logic behind this all, isn't it kind of like riding your Harley with no helmet???? Haaaaaaa, not robbing a bank, just driving a hot rod and didn't know it was a federal offense!!!
That may be true, but you will most likely never get bothered by the cops as long as you don't drive like an asshole. 17 years of daily driving in my obnoxious hot rod and the police have never cared about my lack of fenders. Don't worry about it, -Abone.
In Mass a car before 1949 (I think that's the year) does not need to have it's original fenders. But it varies state to state so check your own state law.
It just amazes me.......I think there are bigger problems in this world to solve other then giving a guy that works and builds a car in his free time to go have some fun......go figure!!
Don't worry about fender laws in Wisconsin when you're living in Minnesota.........and if I were you I wouldn't mention it again to my neighbor.
Washington's law RCW 46.37.500 Fenders or splash aprons. (1) Except as authorized under subsection (2) of this section, no person may operate any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is not equipped with fenders, covers, flaps, or splash aprons adequate for minimizing the spray or splash of water or mud from the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. All such devices shall be as wide as the tires behind which they are mounted and extend downward at least to the center of the axle. (2) A motor vehicle that is not less than forty years old or a street rod vehicle that is owned and operated primarily as a collector's item need not be equipped with fenders when the vehicle is used and driven during fair weather on well-maintained, hard-surfaced roads. [1999 c 58 § 2; 1988 c 15 § 2; 1977 ex.s. c 355 § 41; 1961 c 12 § 46.37.500. Prior: 1947 c 200 § 3, part; 1937 c 189 § 44, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 6360-44, part. Formerly RCW 46.36.130 (second paragraph).]
His answers are " Politically correct" as for an officer enforcing the rules. chances are it aint gonna happen unless your screwin around and pissed old Mr police ocifer off
It can be enforced in most states by officer discretion. Check with your local PD and get their view.
Lots of interesting takes on it, seems to me as most say that if you are not being an ass and just out for a ride, the officer would really have to be a Barney fife type to issue you a ticket....or so it would seem?
In wi. we have a "hobbist plate" that covers modified cars. also "collector plate" for 20 year and older, stock appearing. I ran a High Boy roadster for 8+ years, no problems, of all the Hot Rodders I know and have spoken to thru the years, nobody has ever had a problem w/ law enfocement. I'm sure the exception to that is, If you drive like an "Idiot" they can and will make a problem for you. I'm sure your state has a booklet or internet site that will cover the details for you on registration & requirements. I guess my point is, behave yourself and the Sherrif will leave you alone, Law Enforcement has way more to do and not enough time to do it in, than harass hot rodders. John
wicarnut.... Your reply is exactly how I thought, if a guy is just out and about you would think he should be fine. I currently have a Minnesota "street rod" plate on it and it still has the fenders also, but I am still going to run it without fenders when done, but I also came across a 29' original license plate that I plan to switch the car over to and with either plate on and just driving normally, I really wouldn't think they would make a big deal out of it. It is like you said and a few others posted earlier.....they have better things to do!
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