As I shoveled a little remnant of this last snow storm into the pile, I realized that spring was here. But don't get your hopes up for an April Fools Hot Rod ride.
Remnants of the legislative hoohah are still in the works, with the line being drawn by some for a battle royale of sorts on LD943 and 945. These are bills that would make it a traffic violation to mis-register your vehicle. This violation would have a minimum fine of $200.00 with the max being $1000.00 or more.
So now you get pulled over for a mis-registered vehicle IE the 4X4 with a plow and are handed the summons which you have to sign or lose your license ( Automatically). Then you pay the fine or go to court. If you paid the fine you may get a knock on your door from the Sheriff saying your under arrest for a Class E Felony, Falsifying a Government Document. You could be in cuffs by the time you lose in court for the same thing.
How? You filled out the Affidavit when you registered your shit box as an Antique Vehicle because it won't take a sticker, which clearly states that it's a Class E Felony to Falsify this Document. Antiques are a limited use and are not to be used everyday, or for the conveyance of goods (Plowing Snow). Basically by admitting your Shit Pile on wheels is mis-registered, you admitted to a Falsification of the document you signed. By the way according to my source, a Class E Felony is punishable by up to a 6 month jail term and a $10k fine.
They say you can't fix stupid. But here in the State of Maine we are trying to prove that theory wrong.
Bravo
3/20/13
3/14/13
Settled
Both of the latest bills that could have put a crimp in the hobby have been laid to rest with the following words, "Ought Not To Pass". Although this seems to be the vernacular of a Lobsterman from Tenant's Harbor it is in fact the language used to tell people it died.
Some of the things brought up will however be brought forward in a Departmental "Omnibus Bill" that has more to do with policies of BMV than Law. Knowing this we can monitor the bill and see the wording changes that will transpire and speak as needed.
Some the language changes is the title of Sec. 457 that now says Limited Use Registration. This in all likelihood will read Hobbyist Registration with Sub-Categories for each plate, IE Antique, Custom etc.
The other major change is the Fee related to registration. It is rumored that the Fee for Antiques will rise and be level with the others in Sec. 457.
LD 943 and 945 have yet to be scheduled for hearing but they are of little consequence to those that adhere to the rules & regulations that are now in place. By giving enforcement a little incentive to pull over the violators of the rules governing the Antique Vehicles in the State Maybe people will leave them alone.
Some of the things brought up will however be brought forward in a Departmental "Omnibus Bill" that has more to do with policies of BMV than Law. Knowing this we can monitor the bill and see the wording changes that will transpire and speak as needed.
Some the language changes is the title of Sec. 457 that now says Limited Use Registration. This in all likelihood will read Hobbyist Registration with Sub-Categories for each plate, IE Antique, Custom etc.
The other major change is the Fee related to registration. It is rumored that the Fee for Antiques will rise and be level with the others in Sec. 457.
LD 943 and 945 have yet to be scheduled for hearing but they are of little consequence to those that adhere to the rules & regulations that are now in place. By giving enforcement a little incentive to pull over the violators of the rules governing the Antique Vehicles in the State Maybe people will leave them alone.
3/8/13
Pyro Technics and Religion
Having stated time and again that this rag is for car talk, please feel at ease because this is not about any organized religion or fire bugs.
Having spent the better part of an afternoon in Bugusta at a building, that from here on will be refered to as Adult Day Care, my mindset was to help a group of fellow hobbyists in battling yet another attempt to curtail our hobby with more rules and regulations.
Public Hearings are a freedom that we have and should participate in at every chance given. Being an Official in a National Organization holds a little weight with committee members who usually get Joe Podunk from East Buttlunch who owned a Model A in 1952 but nothing since. Being in a hobby segmented into diverse groups that seldom see eye to eye can be a slippery slope. Over the years a few representatives of these groups have opened a conversation that has been workable.
One of those that has been in the trenches with the hobby is the Right Reverend Fudgewhistle, who over the years has beat a drum that at times is right on the beat and at others not so much. I went to Adult Day Care to help his segment curtail its impending doom and stood in position that showed the committee alternatives to the doom that could be more than workable.
Hearing the Vintage Car Plate bill however did not go so well as the Reverend was a little disorganized and faltered at the podium just long enough to lose the crowds interest and from there it was all downhill. At some point the 457 Bible started to get thumped and the crowd really lost any interest.
After standing again and showing the Committee several alternatives and clarifying a few misstatements by the Right Reverend the bills were sent to Work Session and we adjourned to the Hallway. A discussion between the gathered hobbyists ensued and as always the Reverend turn to the 457 Bible. Attempting to turn the conversation back to the matter at hand was futile and only irritated the Reverend. After trying to explain my stance and telling the Rev. to listen he then lit the match.
Having closed my shop for the day and having no one to answer the phone but an answering machine is pretty hard to take when it’s not for a good cause. Trying to help a segment of our hobby that is not your own was a good intention and a good cause or so I thought
Being Blamed for shit that happened before your time was the match being struck as the Reverend stated as he wagged his finger at me, ”This trouble all started When You Street Rod Guys Asked For Your Own Plates". The bridge caught fire almost immediately. Then to fan the flames the statement of, "Why do you want to change something that has worked for 58yrs," turned it into a 5 alarm fire of almost epic proportions. Yes I will say that bridge burned to cinders in seconds, leaving nothing behind to rebuild.
Two things that never bode well for a good relationship are placing blame as a reaction to one’s own faults and wagging your finger in MY face. I will see these two bills through to whatever path they take.
However at the end of this session of bills I will no longer stand up for the "Tiquers" in any way shape or form. I will not be blamed for close minded thought processes that are as old and antiquated as the cars they drive. It’s time to get off the pot boys and girls and drag yourselves into 21st century as the same song and dance that was played on Wednesday fell upon deaf ears. It might be time for a new Gospel.
Added at 2:00pm 3/8/13
2 more LD's have appeared on the radar both basically the same but dealing with punishment and language making it an traffic infraction to "Misregister" a motor vehicle with one including "Antique Auto". These are list as LD943 and 945
Having spent the better part of an afternoon in Bugusta at a building, that from here on will be refered to as Adult Day Care, my mindset was to help a group of fellow hobbyists in battling yet another attempt to curtail our hobby with more rules and regulations.
Public Hearings are a freedom that we have and should participate in at every chance given. Being an Official in a National Organization holds a little weight with committee members who usually get Joe Podunk from East Buttlunch who owned a Model A in 1952 but nothing since. Being in a hobby segmented into diverse groups that seldom see eye to eye can be a slippery slope. Over the years a few representatives of these groups have opened a conversation that has been workable.
One of those that has been in the trenches with the hobby is the Right Reverend Fudgewhistle, who over the years has beat a drum that at times is right on the beat and at others not so much. I went to Adult Day Care to help his segment curtail its impending doom and stood in position that showed the committee alternatives to the doom that could be more than workable.
Hearing the Vintage Car Plate bill however did not go so well as the Reverend was a little disorganized and faltered at the podium just long enough to lose the crowds interest and from there it was all downhill. At some point the 457 Bible started to get thumped and the crowd really lost any interest.
After standing again and showing the Committee several alternatives and clarifying a few misstatements by the Right Reverend the bills were sent to Work Session and we adjourned to the Hallway. A discussion between the gathered hobbyists ensued and as always the Reverend turn to the 457 Bible. Attempting to turn the conversation back to the matter at hand was futile and only irritated the Reverend. After trying to explain my stance and telling the Rev. to listen he then lit the match.
Having closed my shop for the day and having no one to answer the phone but an answering machine is pretty hard to take when it’s not for a good cause. Trying to help a segment of our hobby that is not your own was a good intention and a good cause or so I thought
Being Blamed for shit that happened before your time was the match being struck as the Reverend stated as he wagged his finger at me, ”This trouble all started When You Street Rod Guys Asked For Your Own Plates". The bridge caught fire almost immediately. Then to fan the flames the statement of, "Why do you want to change something that has worked for 58yrs," turned it into a 5 alarm fire of almost epic proportions. Yes I will say that bridge burned to cinders in seconds, leaving nothing behind to rebuild.
Two things that never bode well for a good relationship are placing blame as a reaction to one’s own faults and wagging your finger in MY face. I will see these two bills through to whatever path they take.
However at the end of this session of bills I will no longer stand up for the "Tiquers" in any way shape or form. I will not be blamed for close minded thought processes that are as old and antiquated as the cars they drive. It’s time to get off the pot boys and girls and drag yourselves into 21st century as the same song and dance that was played on Wednesday fell upon deaf ears. It might be time for a new Gospel.
Added at 2:00pm 3/8/13
2 more LD's have appeared on the radar both basically the same but dealing with punishment and language making it an traffic infraction to "Misregister" a motor vehicle with one including "Antique Auto". These are list as LD943 and 945
2/25/13
Ring Ring, Hello
"Off the hook", is an expression used by some Camaro driving Chef on TV. Not so at my house. You can take the damn Camaro and park it elsewhere. Loose all that "bling" your wearing, comb your bleach blond hair, make me a dam samich and answer the phone. Because at my house that is what the phone is doing on a regular basis, ringing "off the hook".
All because of somebody with a hard on for State Inspections on Antiques.
Most of the calls are just people who got their respective shorts in a wad when they thought that certain people in my circle were pushing for it. One was from a person who actually wanted to know what was going on. He and I have had many conversations over the years and actually enjoy each others company. He and I conversed well into an hour and will keep each other straight during this political clusterfuck called Democracy.
I told him, so now I'll tell you. The Antique Vehicle Inspection bill is sponsored by Representative Wayne Werts of Auburn. It was requested by a resident of Auburn who shall remain nameless so I am not culpable in his lynching. This is the bill as reported to the Transportation Committee as LD406.
An Act To Require Antique Automobiles That Are Operated on the Highways To Be Inspected
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1751, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
5. Antique autos. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2, an antique auto registered under section 457 must receive an annual inspection based upon standards determined by the Chief of the State Police. The Chief of the State Police may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1752, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
After talking with Rep. Werts, he did not realize the complexity of the situation and believes as most of us do that an annual inspection process is not the answer. As a few of us think, he to believes that a loophole does exist and something needs to be done to either close the loophole or tighten it to the point that unsafe vehicles will not be registered as antiques.
The Right Reverend Fudgewhistle is delightfully on screech and for once I can't agree with him more in this latest infringement of our hobby. In an E-Mail I received, he writes.
Freedom Not Defended is Soon Lost!
I have gotten the feeling that many of you have lost interest in protecting our freedom. Perhaps you think the fact that the State fooled street rodders into getting an annual inspection doesn’t really affect you. After all, they like it that way. I tried to explain that they are exempt from inspection, all to no avail. I have testified and worked with people in Augusta for over eight years, trying to protect the rights of antique vehicle owners under Title 29a Sec 457 and 1752. Some of you have helped and deserve the thanks of all!
The State must think we are sleeping because they are introducing two pieces of legislation that would bring the collector car hobby to an end. They are; LD 406 and LD 570. Both will be introduced at the public hearing March 6, 2013, 1PM at the State House room 126.
LD 406 An Act To Require Antique Automobiles That Are Operated on the Highways To Be Inspected That is self explanatory.
LD 570 An Act To Create a Vintage Car Category in the Motor Vehicle Laws
This one is more devious! It would have such vehicles (25 yrs to 50 yrs old) registered under Sec 457 and subject to biennial inspection. That means that only cars 51 yrs (1962) and older would be exempt. How long do you think that would last?
I am attaching both Bills and the sponsors as word files. I have sent contact info for the Transportation Committee before but will send it again if needed.
If you like old cars, now is the time to act. I will be testifying at the public hearing, will you? I will be e-mailing the transportation committee, will you? Will you ask your friends to do something? What will you do to defend your freedom? The importance of this cannot be overstated!
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Now you also see the "Vintage Car Plate" crapola that some Misguided Minion of Satan has on the books. We discussed that one and Rep. Werts feels that one is a dog that won't hunt because of the fiscal impact (cost) to the State. That and the fact that a repeal of the existing year breaks for antiques rather than a seperate definition for vintage vehicles is certainly enough to get my attention
I'm keeping them in the loop Deacon, like I said I would.
All because of somebody with a hard on for State Inspections on Antiques.
Most of the calls are just people who got their respective shorts in a wad when they thought that certain people in my circle were pushing for it. One was from a person who actually wanted to know what was going on. He and I have had many conversations over the years and actually enjoy each others company. He and I conversed well into an hour and will keep each other straight during this political clusterfuck called Democracy.
I told him, so now I'll tell you. The Antique Vehicle Inspection bill is sponsored by Representative Wayne Werts of Auburn. It was requested by a resident of Auburn who shall remain nameless so I am not culpable in his lynching. This is the bill as reported to the Transportation Committee as LD406.
An Act To Require Antique Automobiles That Are Operated on the Highways To Be Inspected
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1751, sub-§5 is enacted to read:
5. Antique autos. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 2, an antique auto registered under section 457 must receive an annual inspection based upon standards determined by the Chief of the State Police. The Chief of the State Police may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §1752, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is repealed.
SUMMARY
Current law exempts antique autos from motor vehicle inspections. This bill requires antique autos to be inspected based upon standards determined by the Chief of the State Police.
After talking with Rep. Werts, he did not realize the complexity of the situation and believes as most of us do that an annual inspection process is not the answer. As a few of us think, he to believes that a loophole does exist and something needs to be done to either close the loophole or tighten it to the point that unsafe vehicles will not be registered as antiques.
The Right Reverend Fudgewhistle is delightfully on screech and for once I can't agree with him more in this latest infringement of our hobby. In an E-Mail I received, he writes.
Freedom Not Defended is Soon Lost!
I have gotten the feeling that many of you have lost interest in protecting our freedom. Perhaps you think the fact that the State fooled street rodders into getting an annual inspection doesn’t really affect you. After all, they like it that way. I tried to explain that they are exempt from inspection, all to no avail. I have testified and worked with people in Augusta for over eight years, trying to protect the rights of antique vehicle owners under Title 29a Sec 457 and 1752. Some of you have helped and deserve the thanks of all!
The State must think we are sleeping because they are introducing two pieces of legislation that would bring the collector car hobby to an end. They are; LD 406 and LD 570. Both will be introduced at the public hearing March 6, 2013, 1PM at the State House room 126.
LD 406 An Act To Require Antique Automobiles That Are Operated on the Highways To Be Inspected That is self explanatory.
LD 570 An Act To Create a Vintage Car Category in the Motor Vehicle Laws
This one is more devious! It would have such vehicles (25 yrs to 50 yrs old) registered under Sec 457 and subject to biennial inspection. That means that only cars 51 yrs (1962) and older would be exempt. How long do you think that would last?
I am attaching both Bills and the sponsors as word files. I have sent contact info for the Transportation Committee before but will send it again if needed.
If you like old cars, now is the time to act. I will be testifying at the public hearing, will you? I will be e-mailing the transportation committee, will you? Will you ask your friends to do something? What will you do to defend your freedom? The importance of this cannot be overstated!
PLEASE HELP!!!!
Now you also see the "Vintage Car Plate" crapola that some Misguided Minion of Satan has on the books. We discussed that one and Rep. Werts feels that one is a dog that won't hunt because of the fiscal impact (cost) to the State. That and the fact that a repeal of the existing year breaks for antiques rather than a seperate definition for vintage vehicles is certainly enough to get my attention
I'm keeping them in the loop Deacon, like I said I would.
2/17/13
Wake Up
As I wipe the dust of the console to write this I realize just how quiet it has been.
Not so any more. After the storm they named Nemo (really?) we had our little gathering of Clubs and got to schmooze with all our friends we haven't seen. We met the new director of Owl's Head Transportation Museum, who in all intents and purposes is a car guy, and hopefully a new era in the Museums history is getting ready to set itself in a forward direction.
A few legislative things have been mentioned as to the Anti-Ethanol bills that some politicians who have decided to finally grow a set of balls, have set forth. Anything that has to do with getting rid of Ethanol is a good thing in my opinion.
On the other hand we need to keep an eye on some of this because as of Wednesday there is in print a bill that would require all vehicles registered as ANTIQUES to be STATE SAFETY INSPECTED. Now don't get your undies all balled into a bunch so tight it changes your hair color. I and a representative of the MCAA have set a meeting with the sponsor of the bill to find out what has inspired him to piss on every ones shoes.
I really hate to say I told you so but the use of the Antique plate as a way to circumvent the rules of state inspection may be over. The antique car and truck hobby has had its chance to police itself and chose to ignore the warnings. So before the crowd decides to hang this politician by the short hairs we need to get his thoughts out so a direction can be sorted out.
Not so any more. After the storm they named Nemo (really?) we had our little gathering of Clubs and got to schmooze with all our friends we haven't seen. We met the new director of Owl's Head Transportation Museum, who in all intents and purposes is a car guy, and hopefully a new era in the Museums history is getting ready to set itself in a forward direction.
A few legislative things have been mentioned as to the Anti-Ethanol bills that some politicians who have decided to finally grow a set of balls, have set forth. Anything that has to do with getting rid of Ethanol is a good thing in my opinion.
On the other hand we need to keep an eye on some of this because as of Wednesday there is in print a bill that would require all vehicles registered as ANTIQUES to be STATE SAFETY INSPECTED. Now don't get your undies all balled into a bunch so tight it changes your hair color. I and a representative of the MCAA have set a meeting with the sponsor of the bill to find out what has inspired him to piss on every ones shoes.
I really hate to say I told you so but the use of the Antique plate as a way to circumvent the rules of state inspection may be over. The antique car and truck hobby has had its chance to police itself and chose to ignore the warnings. So before the crowd decides to hang this politician by the short hairs we need to get his thoughts out so a direction can be sorted out.
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