Need LEO opinions
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Some other things you are not aware of concerning FL, the days of cardboard tags are gone here, all temp tags are computer generated, hence the DMV no longer issues temp. tags accept in rare occasions.
FL highway patrol is under a severe money crunch. They have had their funding cut almost in half. Tickets issued for one non working license plate light, etc. Crap that used to get a friendly warning. With that said, the highway patrol are issuing tickets at an alarming rate. Its all about revenue. So I can guarantee you that at some point, you will draw a FL LEO's attention. If you are not legal, you will get pulled.
According to my friend who is a deputy, from there you are at the mercy of the mood and attitude of the LEO who pulled you as well as the time of day, (end or beginning of shift).
Start adding up the costs of the worse case scenario:
Vehicle impounded and towed 150.00 plus daily storage 25.00 ???
Felony Ticket 200.00 ???
Court costs 185.00 ????
Loss of wages ????
Overnight accommodations 69.00
Return trip possibly to FL if issued a court date ?????
Insurance rate hike ?????
Why start your new Corvette experience off on a bad note?
Take the Friday off from work and drive down leaving Thursday night. Do you really make more then 400-500 a day that you can't take it off? Or tow it home. Truck rental and a trailer is still less then the fines.
You can ask every FL LEO under the sun what they would do if they pulled you over, but more them likely it will not be anyone on here that will. The LEO that pulls you over won't give a crap and will throw everything at you.
Plus you will not enjoy the ride home in your new car because your constantly looking over your shoulder worried about a LEO popping up in your rear view mirror.
As an example in the post I quoted, crossing the T's, did you know that FL has a move over law? In FL you must move over and slow to 20 under the posted speed limit when a LEO, ambulance or tow truck is on the side of the road with their emergency lights on. You could violate that law and not even know it. FHP purposely sets traps to see who moves over and issues tickets in groups to drivers who don't.
Do it right and save yourself the headaches, hassles and money.
Safe trip
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
But after all the debate, we can come to one conclusion: DMV's don't want you to buy vehicles on weekends.
Those who suggested take friday off. Well, first of all, the ticket is already booked and paid. Second, it's not about the money I make in 1 day. It's responsbility. Just like when I was in high school, lots of kids skip on a weekly basis. I, almost never called in sick. I might have missed like 2-3 days out of 4 years in highschool. I'm responsible for what I do.
If god says I should not have a vette, then that's how it is. If my new car gets impounded, I get a huge ticket or even arrested, that's fate.
Thanks for all the input/advises.
I'm not going to worry about this too much. I still have a list of things to do:
1) Pack clothes/whatever else I bring, laptop, etc.
2) Finish homework for the week, take the quizzes...
3) Get some MP3's, camera, cell phone, and accessories ready
4) Get the money ready, tickets, etc.
Good news is, the seller is fine with me bringing another friend. He's already going to be in Orlando this week, so he'll just join up with me. I think it's much safer to have a buddy along the trip.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 7
From: Fort Oglethorpe GA
If you have the title and a bill of sale that has ben signed by a notary. most states give you 30 days to get your paper work done. I bought a 99 vette in Ormand beach , they left there tag on it and I mailed it back when I got back to north GA. Not one problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
I came up with another idea though. What about going to a currency exchange? Don't they do title/plate registration/transfer?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
OK Karate. I think i've solved to puzzle. Seller is Florida and you are in IL correct? If yes to both here's what you do.
Call the TAX COLLECTOR M-F (they handle tags/title work here) in the home county of the Seller to verify the following: Get what they call a "drive-out" temp tag by taking transferred title plus written proof of insurance to the local florida tax collectors office. Pay the fl tax on the car. You will get credit for any tax paid when you return to IL. It's reciprocity and works both ways. 6.25% is the max allowed by IL but verify that too. Each Fl county's tax may vary but expect ard 6-7%.
Insurance coverage must be for the acquired vehicle vin specific. That can be faxed to the specific Fl tax collect office by ins co after you check out the car and you buy. Can be handled from sellers home by you, by phone, via your ins co.
I called and was advised that otherwise you have a gray area. Even after a transfer of title, the seller is still the "registered owner" who technically could allow the use of existing tags as the 'registered owner'. But as as you found out from all the LEO's here, it's all up for some interpretation. You might or might not win a court battle but who wants to go back to court in any of the states in & between IL to FL?
Trust but verify is an old Reagan tune - he said that abt the Russians. Verify everything if you pusue this one. I'm not an LEO here.
final tip: tag must be displayed in tag spot. This Fl temp won't last in rain so get it laminated at a office supply store or WMart? before going too far north. It's good for 30 days.
But wait.. that's not all.... this doesn't help you on weekends does it? Best then to have the seller reduce the price further to cover a transport. If all else fails, call it the day and wait for a local. That's my action plan.
Call the TAX COLLECTOR M-F (they handle tags/title work here) in the home county of the Seller to verify the following: Get what they call a "drive-out" temp tag by taking transferred title plus written proof of insurance to the local florida tax collectors office. Pay the fl tax on the car. You will get credit for any tax paid when you return to IL. It's reciprocity and works both ways. 6.25% is the max allowed by IL but verify that too. Each Fl county's tax may vary but expect ard 6-7%.
Insurance coverage must be for the acquired vehicle vin specific. That can be faxed to the specific Fl tax collect office by ins co after you check out the car and you buy. Can be handled from sellers home by you, by phone, via your ins co.
I called and was advised that otherwise you have a gray area. Even after a transfer of title, the seller is still the "registered owner" who technically could allow the use of existing tags as the 'registered owner'. But as as you found out from all the LEO's here, it's all up for some interpretation. You might or might not win a court battle but who wants to go back to court in any of the states in & between IL to FL?
Trust but verify is an old Reagan tune - he said that abt the Russians. Verify everything if you pusue this one. I'm not an LEO here.
final tip: tag must be displayed in tag spot. This Fl temp won't last in rain so get it laminated at a office supply store or WMart? before going too far north. It's good for 30 days.
But wait.. that's not all.... this doesn't help you on weekends does it? Best then to have the seller reduce the price further to cover a transport. If all else fails, call it the day and wait for a local. That's my action plan.
We agreed on a price, and we'll stick to it. I try to be responsible about what I do. If you recall, I had bad experiences with a dealership because they are full of lies. I'd never do that.
Shipping is not really an option either. I don't feel safe buying a car before I see it and test drive it. I'm trusting the guy enough to fly down there but shipping is something different. It's not that expensive though. I'm not flying down to save money.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 458
Likes: 8
From: Wickliffe OH
Do you know a "Dealer"? A person that is a tennant in our industrial park is and he would loan me one of his "Dealer" tags to use to transport a vehicle. I would of course have all of the required pap er work with me also.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
I'm planning on switching my insuarnce as I found WAY better rates. I walked in today to their office and talked with an agent. At the end I asked him about my situation as far as the plates go. He recommends that I just drive with NO plates. He says it's worse to use another vehicle's plates, and from what he knows (and many of you have said), as long as you have paperwork/documents proving you just bought the car and you have insurance and stuff, the police isn't going to care much.
I'll also try to convince the seller to let me use his plates when we're driving to his house (it's like a 90 minute trip).
So now that insurance is taken care of.. I just have to pack, get more sleep this week and be ready for the trip!
Speaking of packing, I don't think there will be anything other than clothes. As far as I understand, our government is not allowing anything from a bottle of water to toothpaste. So I guess I just have to buy all the shampoo/soap/toothpaste down there...
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Here's another thought. Have the seller turn in his tag when he sells and have seller apply for temp transport tag. Not to be confused with the drive-out temp tag I talked abt. I think that option is available in FL.
Have him call his tax collector to verify if that can be done. He will need to continue insurance till the temp expires I know that but so what? If you wreck, the Ins will work it out if both carry that VIN # I would think.
Have him call his tax collector to verify if that can be done. He will need to continue insurance till the temp expires I know that but so what? If you wreck, the Ins will work it out if both carry that VIN # I would think.
Last edited by cor28vettes; Mar 6, 2009 at 01:29 AM. Reason: spel
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Here's another though. Have the seller turn in his tag when he sells and have seller apply for temp transport tag. Not to be confused with the drive-out temp tag I talked abt. I think that option is available in FL.
Have him call his tax collector to verify if that can be done. He will need to continue insurance till the temp expires I know that but so what? If you wreck, the Ins will work it out if both carry that VIN # I would think.
Have him call his tax collector to verify if that can be done. He will need to continue insurance till the temp expires I know that but so what? If you wreck, the Ins will work it out if both carry that VIN # I would think.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
[QUOTE=pearlwhite;1569164445]
I know no plate or wrong plate will get me stopped, but all I can do is explain the situation...
Do you know anything about currency exchange places? I know some of them do title/plate transfers and I'm guessing they are opened on weekends? I'll see if I can stop by one in my town and ask them about it.
"doing" all sat/sun? If you mean driving, yes.
I'm planning on switching my insuarnce as I found WAY better rates. I walked in today to their office and talked with an agent. At the end I asked him about my situation as far as the plates go. He recommends that I just drive with NO plates. He says it's worse to use another vehicle's plates, and from what he knows (and many of you have said), as long as you have paperwork/documents proving you just bought the car and you have insurance and stuff, the police isn't going to care much.
I'll also try to convince the seller to let me use his plates when we're driving to his house (it's like a 90 minute trip).
So now that insurance is taken care of.. I just have to pack, get more sleep this week and be ready for the trip!
Speaking of packing, I don't think there will be anything other than clothes. As far as I understand, our government is not allowing anything from a bottle of water to toothpaste. So I guess I just have to buy all the shampoo/soap/toothpaste down thereQUOTE]
I highlighted some issues above.
No plate is bound to get you stopped. Could lead to "driving unregistered veh on hwy" V. stiff fine.
Never use a plate not issued for the vehicle. Could lead to "Attaching unauthorized veh reg plate w/ intent to conceal/misrepresent ID". (That's a Must Appear)
I don't get the 90 min drive to his house part.
Don't count on police not caring much. May be best to be at Tax collectors office M-F like I said before.
toothpaste -mini size travel version will pass
I'm planning on switching my insuarnce as I found WAY better rates. I walked in today to their office and talked with an agent. At the end I asked him about my situation as far as the plates go. He recommends that I just drive with NO plates. He says it's worse to use another vehicle's plates, and from what he knows (and many of you have said), as long as you have paperwork/documents proving you just bought the car and you have insurance and stuff, the police isn't going to care much.
I'll also try to convince the seller to let me use his plates when we're driving to his house (it's like a 90 minute trip).
So now that insurance is taken care of.. I just have to pack, get more sleep this week and be ready for the trip!
Speaking of packing, I don't think there will be anything other than clothes. As far as I understand, our government is not allowing anything from a bottle of water to toothpaste. So I guess I just have to buy all the shampoo/soap/toothpaste down thereQUOTE]
I highlighted some issues above.
No plate is bound to get you stopped. Could lead to "driving unregistered veh on hwy" V. stiff fine.
Never use a plate not issued for the vehicle. Could lead to "Attaching unauthorized veh reg plate w/ intent to conceal/misrepresent ID". (That's a Must Appear)
I don't get the 90 min drive to his house part.
Don't count on police not caring much. May be best to be at Tax collectors office M-F like I said before.
toothpaste -mini size travel version will pass
Do you know anything about currency exchange places? I know some of them do title/plate transfers and I'm guessing they are opened on weekends? I'll see if I can stop by one in my town and ask them about it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Before you leave you should watch this video. It has some simple tips that may help you on the trip.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-1Mw...t_pulled_over/
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-1Mw...t_pulled_over/
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
I called my local one just now (Debbie @ 850-892-8121) and was told what you heard before from another post. A mere $4.50 for 30 day tag, 10 day if interstate, can be issued to YOU, plus Fl tax. IL tax is 6.25 they said. Anything you pay to FL below that you pay the diff when you get back. Anything you pay above that you loose. Tax in my county (Walton) is 6%. I'd find a way to do this.
Hope things turn out well for you. Let us know the ending.
Last edited by cor28vettes; Mar 4, 2009 at 11:26 AM. Reason: 66 counties in need of $$$
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
In today's economy it's a buyers market. So this must be a really a super deal or the seller doesn't really want to sell the car that bad.
I'd tell this dude to take a hike. I'm sure there are tons of Vettes closer then 1000 miles with realistic and more cooperative sellers.
I'd tell this dude to take a hike. I'm sure there are tons of Vettes closer then 1000 miles with realistic and more cooperative sellers.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,206
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
In today's economy it's a buyers market. So this must be a really a super deal or the seller doesn't really want to sell the car that bad.
I'd tell this dude to take a hike. I'm sure there are tons of Vettes closer then 1000 miles with realistic and more cooperative sellers.
I'd tell this dude to take a hike. I'm sure there are tons of Vettes closer then 1000 miles with realistic and more cooperative sellers.
but there's 2K deposit on it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
I'm just going to try to convince him when I meet him at the airport. Even if he doesn't let me use his plates (which is legal by the way), he is STILL the owner of the car until I register it in IL. So really he has nothing to worry about. I can even let him make a copy of my license and stuff.
Say I get a parking ticket or a speeding ticket, it'll go to him. But does he seriously think that after I give him thousands of dollars, I'm going to run away from a $25 or $75 ticket?... Not to mention, he will have plenty of evidence to show he's not liable. It doesn't matter what the DMV says, it's what the judge says, right?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
I know. As you see, I'm trusting this guy enough...
I'm just going to try to convince him when I meet him at the airport. Even if he doesn't let me use his plates (which is legal by the way), he is STILL the owner of the car until I register it in IL. So really he has nothing to worry about. I can even let him make a copy of my license and stuff.
Say I get a parking ticket or a speeding ticket, it'll go to him. But does he seriously think that after I give him thousands of dollars, I'm going to run away from a $25 or $75 ticket?... Not to mention, he will have plenty of evidence to show he's not liable. It doesn't matter what the DMV says, it's what the judge says, right?
I'm just going to try to convince him when I meet him at the airport. Even if he doesn't let me use his plates (which is legal by the way), he is STILL the owner of the car until I register it in IL. So really he has nothing to worry about. I can even let him make a copy of my license and stuff.
Say I get a parking ticket or a speeding ticket, it'll go to him. But does he seriously think that after I give him thousands of dollars, I'm going to run away from a $25 or $75 ticket?... Not to mention, he will have plenty of evidence to show he's not liable. It doesn't matter what the DMV says, it's what the judge says, right?
And sadly yes there are guys out there that would stiff a guy for a $75 parking ticket after spending thousands for a car.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Some states have a form the seller sends in when he sells so that it releases him from liability even if the new owner never registers the car. Don't know about Florida
And sadly yes there are guys out there that would stiff a guy for a $75 parking ticket after spending thousands for a car.
And sadly yes there are guys out there that would stiff a guy for a $75 parking ticket after spending thousands for a car.
It's just that I've done my part. I wired him $2K without seeing anything other than the title and his name. I don't see why he can't do the same. Not to mention, what liability can he hold other than paying for a parking ticket? If I rob a bank, he's not going to be liable...