On what basis? There is no law being broken, nor right being violated...
Maine Canceling Delica Registration
- Thread starter Crankshaft Culture
- Start date
Received a follow-up call from Sam, an aide at the statehouse. They are putting pressure on and sending info/questions to the SOS.
I have left two voicemails for Bruce Scott, not a peep yet.
We will likely register the vehicle in VT since our temp plates are expiring soon but will continue to pressure ME for some resolution.
Cheers,
C
I have left two voicemails for Bruce Scott, not a peep yet.
We will likely register the vehicle in VT since our temp plates are expiring soon but will continue to pressure ME for some resolution.
Cheers,
C
jwampler3012
Member
We will welcome you in VT!
Thanks! We just passed through Dummerstown on a little trip to a family campout in Townshend last week. Great spot!
I called the clerk line at the statehouse and Sam was my first contact - 207-287-1400. He followed up with me today from a different number - 207-287-1515. I think he might answer if you call either and if not you could just ask for him. Nice guy, very responsive and curious.If you are willing to share your contact info for Sam/SOS I can piggy back efforts there C.
I have the VT card in my back pocket but am pushing hard for resolution, not just for us, but for future gen....we need these 4WD vans in Maine and not many options
I have not reached out to SOS directly.
Hello. I'm one of the ones who got The Letter. I'm trying a different angle here. I put in an FOAA request with both Secretary of State/BMV as well as Maine State Police anything in relation to Delicas over the past few months. Let's see what they come up with. Would love to get emails/memos where they talk about the decision.
I'll keep y'all posted. So far, just an acknowledgement from SOS, but it's a start.
And if anyone wants to share this info on the FB post, go ahead. I'm in Facebook Jail another 4 days because I'm a bad person.
Ben
I'll keep y'all posted. So far, just an acknowledgement from SOS, but it's a start.
And if anyone wants to share this info on the FB post, go ahead. I'm in Facebook Jail another 4 days because I'm a bad person.
Ben
well played.
I have also upped the ante with my contacts as well since the BMV (Brittanee and the elusive "Director") went dark 2 days ago. Spoke with Attorney General Consumer Affairs office today. My new contact said something definitely doesn't seem right and sent our conversation to their team of 5 - they are investigating.
She also recommended I get in touch with Maine State Lawyer referral program - they have specialists in this exact area apparently.
I have also upped the ante with my contacts as well since the BMV (Brittanee and the elusive "Director") went dark 2 days ago. Spoke with Attorney General Consumer Affairs office today. My new contact said something definitely doesn't seem right and sent our conversation to their team of 5 - they are investigating.
She also recommended I get in touch with Maine State Lawyer referral program - they have specialists in this exact area apparently.
UPDATE: Just heard from Britannee and there is a meeting scheduled with the Director tomorrow to discuss the matter HOWEVER she is also saying that it could be up to 2 weeks before a decision is made since the Deputy Secretary of State is now on vacation. Brittanee has been great, but everyone upstream omg...
Thanks Steve,
I don't know, honestly. You'd have to ask Matt and his lawyer...just posting it here to connect the dots.
Likely mostly just to put some pressure on and see if there are any holes in their legal argument. There's no legal "action" being taken yet, just firing some shots across the bow.
Cheers,
C
Steve
Member
This is par for the course with this guy. Just go read his comment history. It is full of snark and antagonistic comments. I am sure this comment will be removed because he is also an administrator.
He may just be a snarky kind of guy, but I like him.
But, he seriously has a point (snark removed). What is the specific "law" that is being broken by the DMV refusing to register a vehicle that was never made for the US?
It's the state DMV's "right" to make the rules and regulations for their state (pursuant to obeying the laws and regulations of the state legislature).
I mean California DMV forces people to go through an expensive emission modification/certification for their Delicas. They could just as easily say that in order to register a gray market vehicle, it must be crash tested to the requirements as per the year of manufacture, must conform to all safety requirements as per the year of manufacture, and so on. That is their right, as is your right to leave that state and move to a more lenient state for your registration needs.
Agreed.He may just be a snarky kind of guy, but I like him.
But, he seriously has a point (snark removed). What is the specific "law" that is being broken by the DMV refusing to register a vehicle that was never made for the US?
It's the state DMV's "right" to make the rules and regulations for their state (pursuant to obeying the laws and regulations of the state legislature).
I mean California DMV forces people to go through an expensive emission modification/certification for their Delicas. They could just as easily say that in order to register a gray market vehicle, it must be crash tested to the requirements as per the year of manufacture, must conform to all safety requirements as per the year of manufacture, and so on. That is their right, as is your right to leave that state and move to a more lenient state for your registration needs.
The issue we are having is specific to the BMV's reasoning for their actions. Whatever they decide, I (personally) am happy to oblige. But they have continued to misclassify the Delica as a kei-class vehicle and stonewall or simply repeat themselves when anyone challenges that classification. If they can lay-out some clear guidelines, sound reasoning that supports those guidelines, and ensure they are widely applicable (i.e. not only to Delica's) then I think we have some resolution. Until then, if bringing in a lawyer to help question their reasoning is needed, then so be it.
Cheers,
C
Sputnik
Well-Known Member
I've been asking in other forums if other JDM vans (HiAce, etc) in Maine are also being deregistered by the state. So far no one has responded with a 'yes'.
Older VW vans are also not being subject to these new rules as far as I've read, yet they are nearly identical in shape (cab forward), body size, engine size, safety (or lack of) features, etc. to Delicas.
Oregon bans kei-class vehicles, but makes a distinction between them and Delica
-class vehicles.
Sputnik
Well-Known Member
I think the main reason people are chafing at this policy is that there is nothing specifically codified in Maine's laws that ban these vehicles. It seems to be an arbitrary decision by someone in the 'chain of command' who has decided certain vehicles are not allowed, while certain very similar vehicles (like VWs) are fine. How are they making the distinction and for what reasons? If it's 'safety' then a lot of Maine's rusted out domestic pickup trucks and vans also need to be deregistered. Is RHD a problem?, then all RHD vehicles would likely need to go. If it's the age of the vehicle, then all classic cars probably would be banned.
I guess I can understand keeping low powered kei-class vehicles off of highways (Oregon bans them from public roads) but Delicas do fine on highways, so that rationale doesn't add up either.
Crankshaft Culture
Active Member
I'm awaiting a follow-up on my questions from the State Attorney General's office. They replied initially with the usual minitruck info. I'll keep you all in the loop.
Really? Maybe you just don't get my sense of humor? I try to be as helpful as possible...
A lot of "logical arguments" won't hold up. E.g. old domestic vehicles being equally hazardous. Fact is, the 4wd L300/L400 never had FMVSS certification.
Your best bet is some kind of inequitable application of the restriction on a consumer fairness type of claim. Such as them stating it is due to being RHD while allowing other RHD vehicles. Of course, they don't actually have to be completely equitable across the board, and there's another way for them to correct the inequity if forced.
Or hopefully, someone will determine/admit that it was a confusion with the kei type trucks... I'm pretty sure I have seen at least one listed for sale as being a "mini L-300." But then you're asking them to admit making a mistake and going through the effort to correct all they have done already.
FWIW, it is legal to register a vehicle in South Dakota w/o living there... (they use your SSN instead of driver IDN)
jfarsang
New Member
We went through similar legal battles in multiple provinces (states) in Canada in the mid-late 2000’s. Quebec was the sole province to ban all RHD’s however they grandfathered the ones already registered and over the years have continued to make exceptions with the right documentation.
We had lawyers, certified importers & shops, Canadian exporters and thousands of members all collectively rally against banning RHD vehicles in Canada and it worked for the most part.
I know three people in Maine with registered L300’s and two did not receive the kei class letter but one did. I’m assuming it’s because the two did their due diligence and acquired the manufacture spec certs from Mitsubishi in Japan with a notarized document stating their VIN and vehicle details which they provided to the bmv.
I’m not sure how it works in the US but every certified importer/dealer in Canada gets all the documents required for out of province inspection and registration prior to the vehicle leaving from Japan. From what I understand it’s a few hundred dollars and takes 2-3 weeks. Do the importers in the US do this ?
I’m not a frequent flyer here as all of my delica days at in delica.ca but this reminds me of the IVOAC days of battling the NA automobile dealers and government.
Good luck and hope you guys get the ducks in a row before the vehicles leave Japan so you can satisfy the state requirements even if it’s up to each registering agent you get.
We had lawyers, certified importers & shops, Canadian exporters and thousands of members all collectively rally against banning RHD vehicles in Canada and it worked for the most part.
I know three people in Maine with registered L300’s and two did not receive the kei class letter but one did. I’m assuming it’s because the two did their due diligence and acquired the manufacture spec certs from Mitsubishi in Japan with a notarized document stating their VIN and vehicle details which they provided to the bmv.
I’m not sure how it works in the US but every certified importer/dealer in Canada gets all the documents required for out of province inspection and registration prior to the vehicle leaving from Japan. From what I understand it’s a few hundred dollars and takes 2-3 weeks. Do the importers in the US do this ?
I’m not a frequent flyer here as all of my delica days at in delica.ca but this reminds me of the IVOAC days of battling the NA automobile dealers and government.
Good luck and hope you guys get the ducks in a row before the vehicles leave Japan so you can satisfy the state requirements even if it’s up to each registering agent you get.