In California, for example, homebuilt cars are inspected by the California Highway Patrol and the actual license is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Before you begin construction, it's a good idea to check with the appropriate agency to find out how your vehicle will have to be equipped. That way, the necessary equipment can be incorporated into the vehicle as it is built. Most states provide a booklet outlining the correct equipment and licensing procedure for specially constructed cars. Passenger Car Equipment Requirements Equipment requirements normally concern items such as the correct braking, lighting, window glazing materials, safety equipment, rear view mirrors, defrosters, wipers, and other similar items.
Emission controls are also an important consideration in meeting state-level equipment requirements.
Passenger cars must be equipped with hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. Braking system regulations normally require a separate parking brake, independent of the hydraulic braking system, that operates on either the two front or the two rear wheels. The hydraulic braking system must be equipped with a stop light that is activated either by a hydraulic pressure switch or by a mechanical switch on the brake pedal assembly. In most states, the hydraulic braking system must be the type having a dual-chamber master cylinder with two independent brake fluid reservoirs and independent front and rear hydraulic systems. Requirements for bumpers and fenders vary between states, but fenders and vehicle-width bumpers are required equipment in most states.