Hi guys, question about HOV stickers

[JRMP1977]

Hello there;

I'm trying to buy this salvage prius 07 with the HOV stickers and the seller (EBAY) is not sure if the car has been registered with the DMV to use the stickers, the car shows one sticker in the back but it looks real old and is missing some letter(the sticker number is in good condition).

I called the dmv and they had me call 916-657-8035 to check if the car shows in their record anything about HOV stickers , they said that they don know or they dont have that info , they said as long as the car has at least one sticker that is an indication that it is legal to use the carpool lane,

My question:Is there a way to make sure that the car is allow to shows those stickers all i have is the vin number.

thanks a lot guys

[ceric]

In CA, there is a certificate about 15cmx12cm in size associated with the stickers. Driver with HOV stickers also needs this certificate to show the CHP officers when stopped by them. Since the Prius has a salvage title, you can't assume that the stickers are OK. The original owner might have claimed replacement stickers from DMV and put them on his/her new Prius(same stickers number). If that was the case, you will not get the certificate of the same number. Therefore, your stickers will be illegal. Please make sure before you commit to buy.

[peakay]

Originally Posted by JRMP1977

I called the dmv and they had me call 916-657-8035 to check if the car shows in their record anything about HOV stickers , they said that they don know or they dont have that info , they said as long as the car has at least one sticker that is an indication that it is legal to use the carpool lane.

I just bought a salvaged 05 with the same issue. The first guy I spoke with on that line swore up and down there was no way of telling that, so I called back and the 2nd person/lady I spoke with gave me the info. i know it was correct because she gave me other details about the car.

Just keep calling. I would not pay a premium for one unless I knew the stickers were good.

Also, i'm told that it speeds the process way up if you submit your replacement request form with a police report. have the current owner or you take it in yourself to the local police station and file a claim that they were stolen. I mailed mine in last week and hope to get them soon. PM me later if you want to know how long it took.

Good luck!

[JRMP1977]

Originally Posted by ceric

In CA, there is a certificate about 15cmx12cm in size associated with the stickers. Driver with HOV stickers also needs this certificate to show the CHP officers when stopped by them. Since the Prius has a salvage title, you can't assume that the stickers are OK. The original owner might have claimed replacement stickers from DMV and put them on his/her new Prius(same stickers number). If that was the case, you will not get the certificate of the same number. Therefore, your stickers will be illegal. Please make sure before you commit to buy.

Thanks a lot guys, I found out that the stickers were not issued for this specific car, be aware about issues like this.

[inventor00]

Yes, before they (DMV) cracked down, there are many "replacement" stickers on cars that are not official for them....glad you checked...