DOT pulled my Japanese import over today. Need some help (1 Viewer)

[Previa Diesel]

Passing on a 2 lane highway. If it's straight and flat, and you're behind a big square boxy truck, you just can't see. You either sit behind slow poke, wait for a bend in the road which enables you to see past the slow vehicle, or, if you have a passenger who's judgement you REALLY trust, they can advise you on the passability of the oncoming traffic. The only remaining option is to pull WAY out into the oncoming traffic lane to see around him.

The other option is to move over to the right a bit and look up that side.

Good to have your comments. Anyone else?

 

[84crewcab]

I have checked 3 different Mercedes Smartcars in the past week and I cannot find any DOT or SAE markings on the headlights or taillights. The 2 small clear lenses on the lower valence/bumper have DOT on them but nothing else. Right now I feel like test driving a new Smartcar down to the CVSE office and demand a inspection order placed on it. I wonder how that would go over when I returned the car to the dealership.

 

[light_duty]

I have checked 3 different Mercedes Smartcars in the past week and I cannot find any DOT or SAE markings on the headlights or taillights. The 2 small clear lenses on the lower valence/bumper have DOT on them but nothing else. Right now I feel like test driving a new Smartcar down to the CVSE office and demand a inspection order placed on it. I wonder how that would go over when I returned the car to the dealership.

I saw one in the Starbucks parking lot this morning, and it's true: not a single SAE or DOT marking on any lens on that car. Just E-codes.

I find this interesting because I thought that new car importers were required to show that their cars conformed to the MVA before they could be sold in Canada. Perhaps Daimler-Chrysler lobbyists were responsible for TSD 108.1 that allows for E-codes on headlamps?

Very interesting...

 

[cruiser_guy]

Now all you owners of Japanese imports need to do is see what E-codes are on the "Smart" car and see if they match your lights. If so, point it out to the inspectors and see what happens! If they are letting the Smart car in then in all fairness if your 15+ year old Japanese import meets the same criteria it would be tough to deny entry.

 

[lshobie]

The little Suzuki Carry and Every have E codes on thier lights, the windows all have the AS.. markings and DOT stamp as well.

Regards

 

[Psilosin]

Posted this in a new thread over in the 70 forum but it ties in here:

LJ78 Tail light Interesting Observation

That would be sweet if the SMART car is what might 'smarten' up the regulations (ugh thats a bad pun )

 

[Previa Diesel]

I saw one in the Starbucks parking lot this morning, and it's true: not a single SAE or DOT marking on any lens on that car. Just E-codes.

I find this interesting because I thought that new car importers were required to show that their cars conformed to the MVA before they could be sold in Canada. Perhaps Daimler-Chrysler lobbyists were responsible for TSD 108.1 that allows for E-codes on headlamps?

Very interesting...

Well that will make the Feds happy, but unfortunately BC seems to require DOT/SAE markings.:whoops:

I see little problem brewing here...

 

[mreekster]

does that mean we should report smart car owners to the police for breaking the law in BC?

 

[Hawke]

does that mean we should report smart car owners to the police for breaking the law in BC?

Yes. Smart cars need to be squashed. Now.

EDIT: Although I would like to have one.

 

[Previa Diesel]

does that mean we should report smart car owners to the police for breaking the law in BC?

No. to the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Branch. They need to explain in writing why this apparent contradiction in enforcement.

 

[mreekster]

I hope this example will put them to the test. They are by the letter of the law people, and therefore shall have to take them off the road. If they do not, then the same exceptions must apply, they cannot pick and choose. That would be automotive racism.

 

[Stone]

Well, I think everyone has obsolutely thrown in their pennies into this conversation, and there really hasn't been any other new and useful information that has come up the last number of pages (I haven't even bothered to read the last few pages)...so I think I'm just going to go ahead and lock this one up.