6stringpicker
12-05-2008, 11:02 PM
I own a 1996 sportscar that I have painstakingly cared for since the day it was new and consequently have kept the milage relatively low. It has always been my plan to retain ownership of the vehicle until it reaches official "antique vehicle" status and place the car up for auction at that time and reap the financial benefits of my foresight. I have clear title to the vehicle and, until this past October, have always renewed the vehicle's registration with the state. This past October I decided to allow the license plate registration to expire because I have no plans to drive the vehicle for the foreseeable future and the added expense of registration for use of the vehicle on the highway is unnecessary. I notified the state of my intention to store the vehicle and the state has not informed me that to do so was illegal in any manner. I keep the insured car in my private driveway, off the public street and still care for its appearance and mechanical systems. Today, I was sent a letter by the local village police code enforcement department stating that I was in violation of the code referenced below and that if I didn't register the vehicle they would refer the matter to the courts and force me to register the vehicle's expired plates.
"Inoperable vehicle/major repair of vehicle on the property
302.8 Motor Vehicles
Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth."
Since the vehicle is neither an eyesore nor a hazard, and since I own title to the vehicle and keep it stored on my private propery, and since the state is the only governmental body with the jurisdiction to require registration of vehicle license plates for the sole purpose of use of the vehicle on public roads, is the above referenced code enforceable in my case. Is it even legal?
"Inoperable vehicle/major repair of vehicle on the property
302.8 Motor Vehicles
Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth."
Since the vehicle is neither an eyesore nor a hazard, and since I own title to the vehicle and keep it stored on my private propery, and since the state is the only governmental body with the jurisdiction to require registration of vehicle license plates for the sole purpose of use of the vehicle on public roads, is the above referenced code enforceable in my case. Is it even legal?