Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Single Post

rmgill · 03-28-2006, 08:48

Things in the US are less cut and dried. As a rule we're less taxed than you chaps are. For example, vehicle tax is based on ad valorem, which is some fraction of the vehicles value reduced for it's age. I have one vehicle that costs more than $4 for Ad Valorem and it's a 2001 honda. Every thing else even from the '80s and '70s is a few dollars. The Tag fee costs more than the tax ($20 per year for tag renewal plus ad valorem).

Road tests vary state to state, some states really only have an emissions tests, Georgia has it around the metro Atlanta area counties where I live. Tests for equipment, brakes, etc are nonexistent. If you get in an accident and you have failed brakes, expect some fines. Same thing for failed lamps and such. OTher states are more or less strict.

Licenses are another matter. Federally, the Commercial Motor Vehicles (HGVs to you chaps) are regulated by the states to a minimum standard specified by the Federal Government. States can be more strict, but must license vehicles per the Federal Government. My state is currently confused on how non-commercial trucks should be licensed so I'm going at them through my legislative body to get the laws cleared up. I did just get one law passed to allow us to drive with out a license plate displayed. I'll have to go around the legislative process again for the license issue.

Tracks are generally frowned upon as most folks don't realize that they don't actually damage the road if setup a certain way. Georgia doens't allow tracked vehicles even with rubber pads. Other states do. Perhaps I can get some half track owners together to get them to help me demonstrate to our State legislators.