Where does CT stand on signal lights for older bikes?

[George]

Hello to all. First time poster here.

Completing preservation on a 1965 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub I purchased last year. Hoping to be ready to take it for a VIN# verification later this month and get it registered and on the road.

Confused about two things. First, according to the CT DMV web site a bike, a motorcycle older than 1980 needs only to go to any emissions inspection station for the VIN check. However, when I emailed the DMV I was told I needed to take it to the DMV in Wethersfield or Hamden.

DMV: VIN Verifications Conducted at DMV Inspection Lanes

Which kind of leads me to my second question and that has to do with signal lights. This old bike has none. They were never installed on these old British bikes and to have to put them on will take away from the bike's appearance. Going to the local emissions station they would care less. At the DMV I know it may/will become an issue to getting it passed.

I always assumed, going by doing a search for what was required on these various "DMV state by state" sites that CT was one of many states that DID NOT require signal lights. However information I have seen on the CT DMV site lately seems to indicate they do... although it does not address vintage bikes directly.

So I guess what I'm asking is will they force me to install signal lights on this vintage bike to get it registered? Has anyone done this recently and were they able to go through with no lights?

Appreciate the help. Thanks!

[ilikenapalm]

VIN verification is not an inspection.

Take the bike to any place that does emissions. They will take a look at the frame and your paperwork. On a motorcycle the VIN only needs to be identifiable in one location.

You can bring non-running, non-road worthy bikes for VIN checks. It's $10 cash.

[jimmycapp]

From what I've read, CT doesn't require turn signals, if they didn't come factory.

Also, if you're friends with any Staties, they usually have the Vin ver form, and can travel to you. That's how I got mine done.

[csmutty]

VIN verification is not an inspection.

Take the bike to any place that does emissions. They will take a look at the frame and your paperwork. On a motorcycle the VIN only needs to be identifiable in one location.

You can bring non-running, non-road worthy bikes for VIN checks. It's $10 cash.

Not all vin verification stations check bikes.

[BMMCBR]

Not all vin verification stations check bikes.

Firestone does. Give 'em a ring. That's where we got the 300 checked. The guy just looked for the frame vin, filled out the paperwork and we were on our way.

[George]

So why is the DMV main office in Wethersfield saying I need to bring the bike to them?

There must be something either to do with the age or the fact that it came from PA that they are questioning, yes?

[BMMCBR]

So why is the DMV main office in Wethersfield saying I need to bring the bike to them?

There must be something either to do with the age or the fact that it came from PA that they are questioning, yes?

Then its not a VIN check, its an inspection. Two very different things. VIN check is required for anything purchased out of state. I'm not sure what criteria calls for an inspection though. Age? Previous registration status?

[George]

I'm not sure what criteria calls for an inspection though. Age? Previous registration status?

Guess I read this wrong. That link (see first post) says "motorcycles with model yeas 1980 or older" meaning my 1965 needs to go to DMV. I had this reversed in my mind

That leaves me with my real concern. How far CT goes enforcing the signal light requirement for bikes that never had them as original equipment?

Has anyone themselves gotten a bike through CT DMV lately with no signal lights?

[Kurlon]

Short answer - If they weren't required by DOT the year the bike was produced, they're not required now.

[jimmycapp]

State-by-state motorcycle laws

[George]

State-by-state motorcycle laws

Yes, I refer to this in my initial post and it is meaningless. It comes down to what, on the day I go down there, the CT DMV inspector in Wethersfield says is the law since they either pass you or they do not.

I need someone to tell me they got through Wethersfield DMV in the last year or so with a bike that had no signal lights. Then I have something tangible to go on.

[golden chicken]

You sort of have to go there with the bike either way at this point, don't you? I say go and see what happens.