[ZkansasZ]

as long as you have the sale paperwork showing that you buy the car on a saturday, you will be ok

[djh1201]

True in most states, but not all, really can vary from state to state.

Transported my M3 from NY to SC a few weeks ago, decided to get temp plates from DMV based on what I read about VA and how there state police might react....

Originally Posted by ZkansasZ

as long as you have the sale paperwork showing that you buy the car on a saturday, you will be ok

[p0lar]

Originally Posted by MO2V8ED

Picking up my M3 tomorrow in NY (living in Canada). Not surprisingly there are no DMV's open on Saturday's and I need the temporary tags to drive back. Is there another way to get them? I called the local BMW dealer and they said they can't give them out. Do I need to have them? What would happen if I was pulled over without any plates, but had all the paperwork (bill of sale, insurance, title, etc.) Thanks

More importantly, you have to file your original paperwork with the point of entry where you're taking the car through at least 3 business days in advance of your crossing. That includes your proof of insurance, title, registration, etc... unless things have changed.

Don't forget your recall letter.. that'll cost $500 from BMW (I may know someone in the GTA that can do it for $400, PM me). You'll also have to turn on your DRLs, but that stuff isn't important for crossing.

If you're buying it from a dealership there, you MAY be able to get a different document that states there are no open campaigns/recalls on your car, but I can't recall the name of that dossier. If you need, let me know, and I'll make a call on your behalf.

[terraphantm]

Originally Posted by MrMoon

If you get caught thats a federal offense. Be careful

So is removing your cats (or moving them farther downstream for that matter).

Fact of the matter is, anything other than getting the proper temporary registration is illegal. That's one major reason I try to avoid buying out of state cars from private parties since doing everything properly is just about impossible.

[RedM3/4]

Uh, you'd have to show me that federal statute. You could be right, but I'd have to see it. Each state has their auto/driving laws, only federal stuff I'm aware of are how things are manufactured.

ADS

Originally Posted by MrMoon

If you get caught thats a federal offense. Be careful

[SYT_Shadow]

I borrowed the original owner's plates for the 3.5 days it took me to drive from CA to MA. I did get stopped but the cop was nice about it and let me go. I had all the paperwork and the insurance!

I thought it was legal to use your own plates for a new car. I guess I was wrong.

[Hrvat]

Originally Posted by tmiked

Will you have to go through Customs?

Here, I would ask a friendly used car dealer for an 'in transit' tag.
It is like you are picking up the car for the dealer and you are just the hired driver.

Canadian Customs don't care about vehicle having plates or not when importing a car. They're are there to charge you tax/duty.

Originally Posted by p0lar

More importantly, you have to file your original paperwork with the point of entry where you're taking the car through at least 3 business days in advance of your crossing. That includes your proof of insurance, title, registration, etc... unless things have changed.

Don't forget your recall letter.. that'll cost $500 from BMW (I may know someone in the GTA that can do it for $400, PM me). You'll also have to turn on your DRLs, but that stuff isn't important for crossing.

If you're buying it from a dealership there, you MAY be able to get a different document that states there are no open campaigns/recalls on your car, but I can't recall the name of that dossier. If you need, let me know, and I'll make a call on your behalf.

My border crossing accepted scans of title and bill of sale. Also, they don't care about insurance

No need to pay for recall letter. RIV site states clearly that printout from US BMW Dealership can be used, which my seller got it for free. All you do is ask your seller to go into dealership and have them run VIN for recalls and print out results. See 2. below

RIV will accept any of the following recall clearance information:

1. A letter from the vehicle manufacturer’s U.S. or Canadian head office.

The letter must be written on company letterhead clearly stating that there are no outstanding recalls for the vehicle. If the manufacturer's logo does not appear on the letter, it will be rejected. The letter must be dated and signed by an authorized employee of the manufacturer and include their name and title, the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model. RIV routinely forwards a copy of these letters to the manufacturer for authentication.

2. A printout from an American or Canadian dealership’s vehicle service database.

This document must be produced by an authorized dealer and not a reseller. You can confirm whether or not a dealership is authorized by visiting the manufacturer’s web site or by calling their head office and providing them with the dealership’s location. The printout must also contain the 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model, and indicate that there are no outstanding recalls. RIV routinely forwards a copy of these printouts to the manufacturer for authentication.

As for DRLs, local shop wanted to charge me 150. I ordered BMW Scanner 1.4.0 for $32 and did it myself.
Or you can install Angel Eyes which are always on, so they can be used as DRLs (new BMWs use Angel Eyes as DRLs)

I turned mine off as soon as I passed import inspection lol and shortly after got AE's

[ohhsixm3]

I recommend driving with no tags, and just keep title and bill of sale in the car.

[bigo1087]

I'm Hopefully Picking up my e46 this weekend from CT to MA. Obv. Cant register it till monday. I'm calling AAA to come tow that sucker.

[m3e46freak]

I drove on an expired old tag and got pulled over and the guy said , " hey your license plate light is out". Thanks....office lol. Then I proceeded home. Anyways, the important **** is insurance and bill of sale. Most officers should understand. However, then again, police forces and other means of keeping the peace are turning against the populous these days...