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HOV Stickers - Is there a way to validate them?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by lakerholic, Jan 11, 2008.

  1. lakerholic

    lakerholic New Member

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    Sorry if there already is a thread on this, but I couldn't find one using the search tool.

    I've found a Prius I want to buy, from a non-Toyota dealer, and the car has all 4 HOV Stickers in tact. The serial #s all match but, and this is a big but, the Placard from the DMV is missing.

    Can I call CA DMV with the car's VIN and HOV Serial # and confirm the stickers are from that car? And if this is the case, can I get the DMV to send me a replacement placard?

    Thanks in advance to all that reply.
     
    #1 lakerholic, Jan 11, 2008
  2. kimgh

    kimgh Member

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    You probably will have to jump through some hoops to get this "official," but calling the DMV is probably your first step. You may have to call the main help number and then get transferred to another group that deals with special issues like this (I forget the name of the group).

    Anyway: I'm guessing here based on my experience getting damaged stickers replaced, but you will have to submit a copy of the bill of sale for the car along with a form you can download from the DMV website. Since you're only wanting a placard, this may not be that bad. In the worst case, they'll make you take the stickers off and send them back and issue a whole new set. And that can take a few weeks.

    I do not recommend driving in the carpool lane before getting the placard, however tempting it might be. You can probably get away with it, but if a CHP stops you for any reason and requests the paper, you might be cited if you can't produce it. It's up to you how much risk you would like to take, I guess.
     
    #2 kimgh, Jan 11, 2008
  3. lakerholic

    lakerholic New Member

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    Thanks, driving without the placard is a big concern for me -- I currently have a Civic GX (Natural gas) with stickers and the proper placard and get lots of looks from CHP because my stickers are white versus yellow... so I don't want to take any chances.
     
    #3 lakerholic, Jan 11, 2008
  4. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    Definitely sounds suspicious. Some folks get replacements, and sell them. Of course there is no cert to go with them.
     
    #4 darelldd, Jan 11, 2008
  5. lakerholic

    lakerholic New Member

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    Yeah, that was why I was hesitant. BUT, I called the DMV Sac (916) line at 4:45pm yesterday, on a Friday no less, and got a nice gentleman who helped me validate the stickers.

    For future reference, if anyone needs to do the same, the DMV can run the VIN and tell you whether or not stickers were paid for and are in the system. They cannot validate the actual serial #, but as long as it's in the system you are good.

    In my case, if I buy the car, I can go to the DMV and just request a replacement placard.

    :)
     
    #5 lakerholic, Jan 13, 2008
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