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Safety Inspector Conversation

Jim B

Active Member
Met and spoke with a gentleman today at a Hod rod Club lunch who is a retired US Marshal. At present, he is an NSRA Florida Safety Inspector. We were standing by a bunch of hot rods and he said most law enforcement types don't really know what is legal and what is not.
For example- on Federal Interstates;
1. Exhaust pipes must exit at least one inch past the back of the drivers door and they cannot be pointed down.
2. Cars titled newer than 1912 must have electric windshield wipers.
3. Tires cannot be over 9 years old.
Non-compliance with the first two items can result in impounding your vehicle, I cannot remember if the "old tires" could get your car impounded or not.

Additionally he said that some things are mistakenly thought to be required but are not.
1. No requirement for emergency brake
2. No requirement for dual master cylinder, single is fine.

He said these are some of the Federal Guidelines for Federal Highways (interstates). Of course, each state can control what is required on other roads. He tells me the yellow sticker I see on some of the cars was put on by him after the car passes an inspection by him. He certifies that the car is legal to drive on any state or federal road. He says street rods with that rating are easier to sell nationally. Makes sense.

Also, not one T at this little gathering of about 25 street rods.
 
For example- on Federal Interstates;
1. Exhaust pipes must exit at least one inch past the back of the drivers door and they cannot be pointed down.
2. Cars titled newer than 1912 must have electric windshield wipers.
3. Tires cannot be over 9 years old.
Non-compliance with the first two items can result in impounding your vehicle, I cannot remember if the "old tires" could get your car impounded or not.

Well . . . I better stay off Interstates! :cool: Funny, Missouri Highway Patrol, who inspected and passed my car, said nothing about those 3 things . . . o_O

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He said last week, he met with a bunch of Florida HiPos and presented a complete lecture on things you can stop cars for on the interstate. The goal was to teach them things they could look for in order to make a legal stop. Apparently I-75 in Florida is one of the big drug routes. AND I doubt if electric wipers and lake pipes were in his lecture. :roflmao: (note to self: Don't let Sally on the interstate too much)
 
Interesting. I wonder how many of us have wipers and tires over 9 years old. What of you don't have a door?
 
There is only ONE hot rod shop in Naples, Florida and it is high end stuff way out of my pay grade. That is where the Naples hot rod club met today. I am not a member of the club (probably wouldn't accept me anyway). This place gave me a free t-shirt, fed me ribs, beans, cornbread and let me walk all around their shop. BAR's performance, restoration. Wow.
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So is it legal to keep your electric windshield wiper in the trunk, when it is not raining? Asking for a friend!
 

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