Virginia DMV Nazis - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ken300D · #1 12-04-2003, 06:49 AM

Took the paperwork in for the 1984 300SD today that came from Alabama. It looks like in AL the titles for older vehicles all say "Exempt" in the mileage reporting section. But on the back the seller provides an odometer statement, and I generated a Bill-of-Sale that also includes an odometer statement.

The DMV clerk said the new Virginia title must state "Not Actual" mileage because the previous Alabama title was "Exempt".

Anyone have any similar or different experiences bringing in a vehicle from another state where they don't track mileage on the title for older vehicles?

The other thing is that the Alabama title did not state the fuel type. On the title application I stated "DIESEL" but the clerk ignored this and put "GAS" on the title and registration. I didn't catch it until getting home later that day. At least on this one I should think I have a chance at a correction. Its important because in some places (like most of Northern VA) diesels are exempt from emissions inspections.

I suppose I can drive the vehicle to the DMV and demonstrate that its a diesel. "Do you know what diesel smells like?" "Doesn't this sound like a diesel idle?" etc. But I thought the DMV would have fuel type in their database for a particular VIN, just like a CarFax report.

Oh well, just venting. I suppose the moral of the story is to fully check new DMV documents before you leave the service counter.

Ken300D

BobK · #2 12-04-2003, 07:19 AM

Go back to DMV and get them to fix title to say diesel. Heavens only knows what problems wait for you down the road with an incorrect title. Had a clerk key in a wrong letter or digit once many years ago. Had a heck of a time with that.

#3 12-04-2003, 08:26 AM

when I switched the '91 Ford F-150 which I had recently inherited from my Dad from Minnesota to Virginia registration. The Minnesota title was marked "Exempt" also because they had not passed a mileage recording law yet in 1991, but when I took the title to the Williamsburg DMV office with the correct mileage (only about 26,600! -- my Dad had some strokes and lost his ability to drive soon after he bought it, and my mother only used it once a month or so) filled in, they accepted it without comment. I was expecting that I would at least have to bring them out to the vehicle and show them the reading on the odo.

mplafleur · #4 12-04-2003, 08:54 AM

I received my new registration tags (stickers) in the mail yesterday. It's the first time I ever renewed my plate and license in the mail. Anyway, each of the three registrations has a different county entered; Livingston, Oakland, and Wayne. At least one of them is correct.

Also, when I transfered title of vehicles out of state that had exempt odometer readings, the new titles came back unknown even though both the seller and I noted the correct mileage on all paperwork.

Scott98 · #5 12-04-2003, 09:08 AM

I bought my car from a NC dealer which happened to have a SC title and tried to get it registered in VA. The DMV clerk said the VIN number on my title wasn't showing up on the computer and that I would need to get a letter from the SC DMV stating that the VIN number on the title was the correct one for my car; if it wasn't, I needed to get the correct VIN number. I asked the lady why she just couldn't go outside and look at my car and see that the VIN number matched the one on the title. She refused. At this point I was fuming.

I knew she was wrong but also knew that I wouldn't get anywhere with her. So I went to a different DMV and the clerk entered the VIN number on the title. It came up without a problem, I got my new title and tags and was on my way. I really wanted to go back to the other DMV and tell that clerk off.

Scott

djugurba · #6 12-05-2003, 03:48 PM

My '67 volvo 122s had been registered as a '68 since new... but the vin code and all the matching body and engine stampings (not to mention important equipment differences) clearly indicated it was a '67. When I started to explain all of this, and show proof, the Ohio DMV clerk asked me if it really mattered to me, because they really didn't care! I guess it would have been a big hastle to fix it? So the title was issued incorrectly. Dumb.

As for your situation, fight the power! No sense in getting stuck being fined for no emissions test for a dummy at the DMV. I'm sure a 'supervisor' would clear up the mileage as well, as long as you can document it.

Here in GA, I had to remind the woman that my 300D was diesel after she kept asking for the emissions certificate. Diesel is exempt! Finally she got it.

cheers,
Kevin

lietuviai · #7 12-05-2003, 07:16 PM

It seems to be quite obvious where all the idiots in this world go. They get jobs with the government!
Idiots employing idiots!

fj bertrand · #8 12-05-2003, 07:31 PM

the moral of the story was check the documents before leaving the DMV, not castigating a bored gov't employee who doesn't care what kind of engine is in the car.

As a gov't employee I've my share of idiots on both sides of the counter for a lifetime.

Real engine don't have spark plugs

lietuviai · #9 12-05-2003, 07:47 PM

I know if I got paid the same overpaid rate and bennies of a government job I'd show a lot more interest and appreciation for it!
It seems that a lot of government people forget who they work for!

#10 12-05-2003, 07:59 PM

I have a simular story.
I went to have my then car(rabbit diesel)
inspected at a DMV inspection.

I went one saturday morning(6 am)
before I went to work.

I pull up to the inspector(young,early 20's)
I gave him all my paperwork.
Then he checked the lights,lenses, windshield
wipers and squirters.
They then take a little mirror on a long stick
to look for the cat.
He doesn't say a word to me but keeps walking
around and around my car.
Some female inspector(also early 20's) joins him
he starts to BS and flirt with her,still walking
around my car.

I had asked a few times what the problem was,
but said to me "I'll get back to you."

So finely after about 35" I ask again what the
problem was.

He answered:"I can't find the cat,your car
needs one but I don't see it."

I asked for the manager and informed him
what was going on.
I told the manager that while he was BS-ing with
that young lady he just didn't notice that my car
was a DIESEL.
Mind you the car was running all that time and
it has a nice little badge on there that does say
RABBIT DIESEL.

Needless to say I passed and was out of there
in less that a minute after that.

I haven't see that inspector there lately.

Louis.

Sorry NJ DMV.

whunter · #11 12-31-2003, 07:38 PM

Hello Everyone
For those to young to remember WW2, Korean War and Vietnam, the acronym SNAFU came from the government.

Situation Normal, All Fouled-Up........

Have a nice day.

P.E.Haiges · #12 12-31-2003, 08:33 PM

whunter,

I always thought the "F" in in SNAFU was a different word.

Ever hear of FUBAR?

P E H

coachgeo · #13 12-31-2003, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges
whunter,

I always thought the "F" in in SNAFU was a different word.

Ever hear of FUBAR?

P E H

Heard it and I know it means Fuged Up. What is the description for each letter in the acronym?

whunter · #14 12-31-2003, 10:12 PM

Hello Everyone
You asked; here is the answer...

FUBAR

FUBAR is an acronym that originated in the military to stand for the words "f***ed up beyond all repair." This is often softened to "fouled up beyond all repair" in reference to hardware. The programming and documentation equivalent is "fouled up beyond all recognition." Sometimes the last word is "recovery" or "reconciliation" or "reason."

Have a great day.

P.E.Haiges · #15 12-31-2003, 10:20 PM

Coachgeo,

FUBAR is the acronym. See whunter's post.

P E H