It's amazing how politicians can be manipulated. The car hobbyist is such a small part of the automotive industry, yet environmental groups have persuaded government that hotrods and home build vehicles are such a huge menace that they need to be regulated.

Now I'm not saying that an any unsafe piece of junk should be allowed on the roads, but an individual building a single car for his own enjoyment, shouldn't have to meet the same standards as the original manufacturer that is selling tens of thousands of units to the uneducated (in automotive terms) public.

I think California's process is at least reasonable. Basic safety checks, brakes and lights, and a way to maintain some air quality without overburdening the home builder.