“…Why must I register my car? A license and insruance should be all I need. I don’t register my shoes. I don’t register my computers. A car is no different…”
You have a very legit question, and I too thought about this.
And I think the reason is just the same as registering your firearms - because in the end your car is a 4,000 lb killing machine.
In the UK you have to tell the DVLA when you sell or buy a car so they can keep ownership records - this is useful because when you get caught speeding by a camera (for example) the owner is legally responsible and can be found. This doesn’t need annual updates, though we pay car tax annually so we’re unlikely to forget to update the DVLA if for example you move house.
Another reason I think is the safety inspection, since you generally don’t want non-road worthy cars going 60mph. And yes, I know some states don’t require inspections.
And I think the reason is just the same as registering your firearms
Firearms are only registered in a small handful of states. The overwhelming majority of the nation’s 700 million guns are not subject to any sort of registration requirements.
FFL dealers are required to keep records (ATF 4473), but you don’t have to buy from an FFL dealer, and private transfers are not subject to registration either.
What? Where the hell do you need to register your firearms and where do you get the idea that registering a car is for safety? The reason you have to register your car is because that is the tax you are paying to support the public infrastructure that you are driving on. It has nothing to do with safety. And also the unholy alliance of private insurance and the legal requirement to pay a private entity.
“…Why must I register my car? A license and insruance should be all I need. I don’t register my shoes. I don’t register my computers. A car is no different…”
You have a very legit question, and I too thought about this.
And I think the reason is just the same as registering your firearms - because in the end your car is a 4,000 lb killing machine.
Everything else you mentioned - I agree 100%
You could have a plate and registration without annual registration.
In the UK you have to tell the DVLA when you sell or buy a car so they can keep ownership records - this is useful because when you get caught speeding by a camera (for example) the owner is legally responsible and can be found. This doesn’t need annual updates, though we pay car tax annually so we’re unlikely to forget to update the DVLA if for example you move house.
Often the registration fees are used for road maintenance.
Another reason I think is the safety inspection, since you generally don’t want non-road worthy cars going 60mph. And yes, I know some states don’t require inspections.
Firearms are only registered in a small handful of states. The overwhelming majority of the nation’s 700 million guns are not subject to any sort of registration requirements.
FFL dealers are required to keep records (ATF 4473), but you don’t have to buy from an FFL dealer, and private transfers are not subject to registration either.
What? Where the hell do you need to register your firearms and where do you get the idea that registering a car is for safety? The reason you have to register your car is because that is the tax you are paying to support the public infrastructure that you are driving on. It has nothing to do with safety. And also the unholy alliance of private insurance and the legal requirement to pay a private entity.