CA Air Resources Board (CARB) SB100 Process

i only buy vehicles that are already registered in CA..bought a Por in Canada..what a nightmare, customs both sides, fees...special smog test, more fees, etc..CHP

Is it easier to transfer a title than get an original?  If so, I’d find a relative in another state to register it for you then transfer.

Is what you have now an MSO from JPS?

When you register with the SB100 process in California, the vehicle owner has 2 options for registration: 1) register the car with manufacturer's date of the vehicle it represents (1957 Porsche for example) OR 2) the year the car was made by the manufacturer, in your case JPS 2020.

Naturally, almost all owners choose option 1, since no smog test is required for the life of the vehicle.  I suggest you check your documents to make sure you haven't chosen option 2 by mistake. 

As you progress with registration, please keep the group informed.  That's how we all learn.

Jim brings up a good point.  One little slip-up in the paperwork can easily get you.

Have you called the arb office at +1-800-242-4450  ?

Thank you to all for your suggestions.  Yeah I tried the ARB 800-242-4450 and they play a message to just email the helpline.arb.ca.gov, but that group mailbox hasn't responded in 1.5 months despite multiple attempts.

Jim Kelly - Thanks for the suggestion.  I used what JPS Classics provided as instructions and they stated to put down 20## in the DMV forms.  I used 2020 because of the instructions.  Year 2020 in listed in the forms REG 343, REG 256, REG 5036, Brake & Light certs (B-91, L-91).  Now I have to figure if that is the reason and if I have to resubmit everything all over again.  I'll try contacting the BAR referee again to see if he has any ideas on how to resubmit the year.  I hope I don't have to redo all the paperwork again.

Just register the car in Vermont.

https://www.cartitles.com/title-option-2/

I don't understand. You're in California and you bought it from JPS.  Why isn't John providing you with a title? 

maybe John bought it in Vermont? for resale:}

@356speedster

I don't understand. You're in California and you bought it from JPS.  Why isn't John providing you with a title?

The problem with this process is everyone involved has their own interpretation of what the rules are, and some individuals seem to live to exploit whatever little power they've been handed. Ours was registered as a 2020 SPCNS with no mention whatsoever about meeting 2020 standards. The smog year is determined at the final in-person BAR appt., at which time they typically give you the option of engine year or replica year. None of this, however, makes any difference to the person who's decided they'd like to make your life as miserable as possible. You're only real hope is to get this into somebody else's hands, and hope their idea of how this works lines up closer to the actual stated policies.

We took on the SB100 process simply because we wanted to 'do the right thing'. If I could do it over, I never would have done it. I hope others find all this info on this site before they make the mistake of trying to get into the SB100 program. It's a complete joke from start to finish, something that started as a means to help this community, but has been turned into a weapon to prevent us from registering our cars at all.

Be especially nice to everyone you talk to and try to get your paperwork into somebody else's hands than whoever is currently handling it.

The original poster bought a car from JPS and they are both in California.  That car should have come with a title from JPS be it SPCNS or VW.  I suspect his car is one of the JPS Brazilian built cars that doesn't use a VW pan and I'd love to know what the original poster was told by JPS @356speedster

If it's a Brazilian-built car it is basically an early Beck design without Beck's involvement (or quality control), so it will be more difficult to register in many states.  @chines1 you have any advice for this fellow?  I would assume the process he would need to follow would be similar to Becks registered in CA.

I certainly don't speak for the man, but to my knowledge JPS is 100% against the SB100 route, as any affiliation with JPS would cause the vehicle to immediately be disqualified. As confusing as the whole SB100 process is, one thing is clear: any vehicles completed by a builder do not qualify. If the OP has stated the car was completed by JPS, that's going to be a hurdle they're most likely not getting over. But I would hope they knew enough going in to avoid that.

SPCN process requires that the end user 1) buy his own motor, 2) buy his own transaxle and 3) install the aforementioned items themself.  Thus, JPS would not be able to provide a SPCN title since he is supposedly not involved in doing those things.  Year for SPCN is now 0000, not 2020 or 2021.  Unfortunately, once it has been rejected it is VERY difficult to get it changed.  IF you have all the proper paperwork and can prove that you did the things required by SPCN/SB100n processes then you have a chance.  I've gone through this with clients before and won, but it was not easy and we had to provide several photos and letters, etc...

@chines1 posted:

SPCN process requires that the end user 1) buy his own motor, 2) buy his own transaxle and 3) install the aforementioned items themself.  Thus, JPS would not be able to provide a SPCN title since he is supposedly not involved in doing those things.  Year for SPCN is now 0000, not 2020 or 2021.  Unfortunately, once it has been rejected it is VERY difficult to get it changed.  IF you have all the proper paperwork and can prove that you did the things required by SPCN/SB100n processes then you have a chance.  I've gone through this with clients before and won, but it was not easy and we had to provide several photos and letters, etc...

Another vote for registering it in Vermont.

@dlearl476 posted:

Another vote for registering it in Vermont.

Or Montana.

I just wanted to post an update for anybody that goes through the same process. It seems like this SB100 process going through BAR and CARB is taking close to one year for approvals.  I didn't register it in Vermont or another state like some members suggested. I continued trying to get it all done through BAR and CARB. I made phone calls to my BAR referee and he told me to talk to CARB. I received a call from a CARB representative in August who reviewed my case submission again. They told me their review can take up to the end of the year. In November they approved my BAR station appointment to get the smog exemption. I went to the BAR station and had to get a small modification performed to get the smog exemption.  During the BAR station visit I had a conversation with the owner of a replica Shelby Cobra that he assembled. He told me it took him 10 months to get to the same point for this SB100 BAR visit. It seems like this SB100 smog exemption is taking a year to complete. I'm happy because I have my finally legally registered in CA. Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. Happy holidays to all!

Good for you. Patience, preparedness, and persistence appear to be what you need to get this done.

I second Danny's congratulations.  This process is the epitome of the "Three Ps": Patience, Persistence and Perseverence on the part of the car owner.  

I suppose that they figure if it takes a year to get certified (and the state DMVs certainly don't care how long it takes as they slow-walk their way through the paperwork), that, in itself, will turn some people away and that keeps more of those awful, polluting, ICE cars off the road.  It seems to be working, at least from the frustration level of the owners.

And BTW:  There's a bit of talk around here that Vermont, the "Green Mountain State" is debating whether to take up a DMV process similar to Massachusetts, NH, RI and CT which is a lot like the SB-100 process but usually takes 3 months or less to get through.  Those other states are all running the same DMV management software (along with something like 25 other states) making it easier to pass registration info between states.  Not saying any of this is good or bad, it just is.

Congratulations @356speedster  I've done the SB100 dance (Oct '20 till Apr '21).  It is beyond frustration.  I know what a relief it is to get that behind you.

Ironically, everyone in the process knows what they are doing and are over-the-top responsive and helpful. "Everyone" meaning the CHP, Brake and Light Inspection station, and the BAR.  "Everyone" does not include the California DMV.  The California DMV defines the term:  cluster _ _ _ _.  They are clueless.  The only thing California DMV excels at is earning their reputation for incompetence.  They are really good at that.

Footnote:  6 months ago we moved from California to Florida, and naturally had to register our vehicles in our new state.  OMG!!!!  What a pleasant difference!  And, compared to CA, so cheap!

NY is certainly not cheap, but it's got to be cheaper than CA. I'm not looking forward to moving to VA, I'll lose my one-plate privilege on the Spyder.

Glad you found Florida DMV friendly, Mark.

@DannyP posted:

I'm not looking forward to moving to VA, I'll lose my one-plate privilege on the Spyder.

Illinois is also a 2-plate state and I've got a front plate on the Speedster (which I mounted in 2005), but in keeping with my new philosophy (I'm not following any more stupid laws), I'd not do it again.

I didn't put a front plate on Jeanie's minivan, and she's been tooling around with if plateless for almost 3 years.

You do you, but I'd not mess up the lines of a Spyder with a front plate.

@DannyP posted:

I'

@DannyP posted:

I'm not looking forward to moving to VA, I'll lose my one-plate privilege on the Spyder.

Danny,  "one plate" is not a privilege in FL, it is mandatory.  When you register your vehicle, you only get one plate.  There isn't even a choice for two plates.

In the past 6 months we've found FL culture/politics a welcome relief from CA.  On the downside, I think the closest 2-corner switchback road is in another time zone.  And, although the weather is excellent (even when compared to CA) the constant high intensity sunshine makes it a non-starter for spyder driving.  So I had to say goodby to the spyder.

Ironically, where I live, there are more six-figure dollar exotics driving around than Prius.  And the only corner they will ever likely see is a freeway onramp.  But they do go quick, for one block to the next stoplight.  It's crazy.

Oh, and because there is no smog testing in FL, there don't seem to be any restrictions on exhaust modifications.  So the exoticars sound even more exotic.  But then, so do the G-wagons.

Glad you like it, but I'll just say "no thanks" to Florida.

If we ended up in North Carolina, they only have one plate.

Same for SC and TN.  Not sure about GA, but I think they're one platers as well.

Stan, I don't ever run a front plate on my sports cars, Don't even have one on the Alfa Gulia.  just stay out of Chicago proper.  They will stick it to you.

@DannyP posted:   . . . . but I'll just say "no thanks" to Florida.

Oh come on Danny.  I've got the perfect place picked out for you.  It's right on the beach only a couple hundred yards south of me.  We could be like next-door neighbors.   And, there's a garage (aka: showroom) big enough for your whole fleet!: Living Large: Porsche Design Tower Elevates Life Of Luxury In Miami - YouTube

Don't you think you could change your mind?  Besides, you'll feel right at home; there is a LOT of New York accent moving in around here

hi-rise condos are going cheap

I live in VA and never run rear plates. I also never get my car inspected. I’ve never had a problem. That might change if I got pulled over for speeding. My car is titled as SCV so I run conventional plates. However if you can title your car in VA as an antique you can run one plate and you don’t have to get your car inspected. But the best thing about antique plates is you don’t have the pay the dreaded personal property taxes every year which amounts to about 4% of the estimated NADA value of your car. Every frikin year. It stinks.

Do you mean you never run front plates, Phil?

@RS-60 mark posted:

Oh come on Danny.  I've got the perfect place picked out for you.  It's right on the beach only a couple hundred yards south of me.  We could be like next-door neighbors.   And, there's a garage (aka: showroom) big enough for your whole fleet!: Living Large: Porsche Design Tower Elevates Life Of Luxury In Miami - YouTube

Don't you think you could change your mind?  Besides, you'll feel right at home; there is a LOT of New York accent moving in around here

No thanks. I don't have that heavy accent, I'm not from the five boroughs or LI...

“LI”

Is that , like, “Lon-Ghiland”?

I once had a room-mate from “Bren-Wd” Lon-Ghiland.  Couldn’t unnastan half of what he said.  He never got what he thought he ordered from any fast food place in Boston.

@550 Phil posted:

I live in VA and never run rear plates. I also never get my car inspected. I’ve never had a problem. That might change if I got pulled over for speeding. My car is titled as SCV so I run conventional plates. However if you can title your car in VA as an antique you can run one plate and you don’t have to get your car inspected. But the best thing about antique plates is you don’t have the pay the dreaded personal property taxes every year which amounts to about 4% of the estimated NADA value of your car. Every frikin year. It stinks.

No vehicle inspections in CA, ever, just smog checks every other year. We're supposed to run with two plates but almost no one gets hassled over it except the criminal types when it is used as a means to stopping them and talking to them. It's also sometimes used when the driver has a real attitude. I have never understood paying Personal Property Taxes on a boat, car, or any other personal conveyance.

So the government there is taxing you twice? Once when you bought it through sales taxes and every year after that through PPT? We pay Property Taxes on our homes but we don't pay sales taxes when they're purchased.

Lane I never run front plates on my Spyder. My Spyder lives in Charlottesville and when I get in it I head out to the mountains. It doesn’t see a lot of time in town. And it has never worn a state inspection sticker. Again antique cars (25 years old or more) can run single plates and they need no inspection sticker. Cops probably look at my car and think antique.
Yup Robert can’t tell you how much I hate personal property tax on vehicles. It’s Virginia’s way to stick it to people who make more money. Since you don’t pay PPT on antiques I’ve thought about maybe getting an old Bmw or VW as my daily driver. Unfortunately my Spyder is titled as a special construction vehicle so I pay PPT. And there is no way to depreciate it since it’s not in the NADA. So every few years I call them and insist that they depreciate my car. It’s such a racket.

@Marty Grzynkowicz posted:

Stan, I don't ever run a front plate on my sports cars, Don't even have one on the Alfa Gulia.  just stay out of Chicago proper.  They will stick it to you.

Every time (and I do mean every last time) I venture into the "Second City", I end up either with a ticket or towed. There are bonus points awarded, but only if you can get both in one weekend.

My daughter lived there for 10 long years, always in the belly of the beast: Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, Boys Town, and Pilsen. She never owned a car while there, which was a huge part of the appeal to her.

As I find even the idea of being at the mercy of the capricious irregularities of the CTA to be untenable, and as hubris is one of my defining character flaws, I was wont to drive my vehicle(s) to visit my daughter. This necessitated attempts at "on-street parking", which is a pleasant euphemism for abandoning one's personal transportation to the tender mercies of the city, or worse, to the pirates paid to police it. This folly invariably meant a 20 minute hike from a parking place somewhere within the same area-code as her various apartments.

As you know, Chicago is a fetid sinkhole of corruption - long ago displacing NYC as the true Gotham City of this nation. The constabulary have a certain reputation to maintain, and during Kristen's time in the naked city, the Chicago Police Department did all they could to uphold it.

I've got some crazy stories - my daughter was riding her bicycle to work once and had her arm broken in a hit and run. She got the bone set at Rush Hospital, and her attending physician actually recognized her. In a bit of freak serendipity, he had actually witnessed the guy running her down, AND had taken the plate number. When Kristen called the police with this information, "there was nothing they could do" - they were apparently too busy ticketing guys with no front plates.

But I digress...

My personal tales of a vehicle in Chicago are many. I was towed during a blizzard once, for parking in the lot of an Animal Hospital (which was closed) on a Sunday afternoon. I had zero desire to be shot for parking in a cleared on-street spot (assuming there was one somewhere between Waukegan and Gary, which there wasn't), so I parked where it was clearly posted, "No Parking, except for Animal Hospital patients". I had nowhere else to go. The business was closed. I even left the car running, so everybody would know I wasn't "parking". I was there for 10 minutes while I brought some things down the 458 steps from Kristen's apartment.

I had just descended the last flight of stairs in time to see my car being towed down the street, still idling. It was aboard Charon's boat, headed into the underworld, and nothing or no one could stop it once underway.

Once Cerebus the Hell Hound, who guards the gates of Hades (Lincoln Park Towing) sinks his teeth into the bones of a car, it has crossed the river Styx and cannot ever cross back. It's like the Hotel California, except there are no mirrors on the ceiling or pink champagne on ice.

As a downstate bumpkin, I naively misread the situation and thought I would be dealing with actual humans, rather than zombies who had not only their brains but their hearts sucked out. I beat the tow truck back to the impound yard, walking the 5 blocks on foot (through the blizzard, remember). So I got to stand there in the blizzard (while Jabba the Hut read a racing form on the other side of the bulletproof glass) until my still idling 540i made it back from its encore tour of the Lake Michigan watershed.

The driver must have stopped for lunch, or to get a pack of smokes in Milwaukee, or perhaps he went home and made love to his woman to celebrate him claiming his prize - but regardless, it took about an hour for him to reappear with my car. Apparently, it's a status thing among non-English speaking eastern European tow-truck drivers in Chicago to cruise around in a snow-storm with a 10 y/o E39 on the hook. It lets your Latvian tow-truck rivals know not to mess with you.

$500-ish later, I was on my way - one more provincial oaf taught a lesson by the City with Broad Shoulders.

My wife was ticketed once for illegal parking, in a space clearly marked as being OK to be in at the time the ticket was issued. The cop told her to take it up with the court. She did, and won! But not before entering into an outer circle of Dante's inferno. If she had been paid for her time, it would have worked out to about $.09/hour.

I never fought them. I just figured it was my punishment for having the chutzpah to cross over into Cook County without a city sticker in my windshield, and expect anything other than the beating I invariably got.

"Abandon hope, all ye that enter here", or some such thing. "Thank you sir, may I have another?" more closely like it.

So... the minivan has no front plate, but the speedster does. With any luck, I'll never drive into "the city" in either ever again.

You haven't lived until you get caught in a crossfire between two gang members in broad daylight in Wrigleyville! The sound of a sawed off 12g. on an otherwise lovely Sunday in July tends to get one's attention.

I used to love Chicago, and spent a lot of time there on business and otherwise. Never got a ticket Stan, but sure saw a lot of wreckers with cars in tow every time I was in town.

The heck with Chicago. Sounds like somewhere I'm never going to go.

In the same vein, we went to NYC in November and caught "The Book of Mormon".

We left the house around 9:30 and were home by 11 p.m. Caught the 2:00 matinee.

We took the train. It was expensive to cab/Uber. It was expensive to eat and drink. But a fabulous time was had by all. The show was so funny, endearing, and entertaining I had tears of laughter rolling down my face. The South Park boys wrote a great show. Well worth the trip.

I love New York and Chicago. My oldest son was in Chicago 4 years doing his residency. My daughter is in New York now at Mount Saini doing her residency. Never ever take a car to either city. They are expensive particularly NYC. But I would say NYC at Christmas is something everyone should experience. If you have a daughter she will love NYC for Christmas. My wife is Greek and we both love ethnic food. Can’t beat NYC for great Greek and Italian food. Shows have gotten so expensive it’s almost not worth it particularly during Covid. Chicago is different than NYC. You can only walk a couple of blocks from Michigan avenue before it gets dangerous. For me the fun in Chicago is the Burroughs. And if you don’t know the city you won’t know where to go. Luckily my son is very adventurous and found all of the great bars and restaurants out in the Burroughs. My son wanted to stay in Chicago and had job offers. But he decided the taxes were prohibitive.  Now he lives in Tampa FL. Smart boy.

I, too, like NYC much better than Chicago.  Been to both many times each, but just feel more comfortable in NYC and totally agree that Christmas in New York is very magical.  Lots of memories leaving our company offices there and venturing out to a customer site with some field service folks.  We'd hop on the subway carrying boxes of spare computer parts and toting oscilloscopes and test gear and nobody else on the train gave it a second thought.  Haven't been back in a while, but did a number of Broadway and off-Broadway shows over the years (when they were still affordable).  Also once went to this bar at 2nd ave and 22'nd street decades ago that was recommended by local co-workers and told to get there just before 11pm.  They had this great, 150 year old(?) piano player who was fabulous all by himself, and after the Broadway shows ended, many of the show performers ended up hanging out at this bar and would sing along with the piano player.  Pretty cool couple of nights for a bunch of computer geeks.  We usually stayed in Mid-town, close to company offices but many of our customer sites were in the financial district way downtown so taking the subway was the best way to get around.