The Register Motor Vehicles -- Why Not Guns??

You hear this argument often from the folks who think that gun registration is a justifiable measure to apply to our basically unregulated firearms. -- consider this:

To legally operate a motor vehicle in any state, you must be at least 16 years old. You must pass a written and on-road driving test. Your vehicle must be legally registered and licensed to a legal owner, as proven by a certificate of title. You must purchase a minimum of liability insurance, and be in possession of that proof as well as the certificate of registration. What could possibly be wrong with applying at least some of these same measures to the ownership and operation of firearms.??

Well, just watch a few episodes of "Cops", or "Live PD", and you will see how great this registration is working in the real world. It seems that about half or more of the traffic stops that take place, the driver is unlicensed, unregistered, uninsured, and usually involved in some level of criminal activity. They are frequently wanted for various and multiple warrants, often for car theft. They are often illegal aliens, and often on probation or parole for previous crimes.

Now, these folks, -- should we call them criminals, are illegally in possession of a 4000 pound (or more) motor vehicle. The cops don't seem to have the stomach or the time to take them in for the possession of an illegal vehicle, or often even for the crimes they are committing.

These vehicles which are supposed to be registered, are commonly used in crimes, mayhem, high speed chases and wrecks, accidental deaths, and even mass murders.

The criminals driving these vehicles have pretty much failed a "background check" by virtue of being denied a license for previous infractions. Maybe a "Red Flag Law" would keep them off the road.

If this registration process doesn't work for a 4000 pound motor vehicle, what makes anyone suppose that it might work for a three pound pistol, or a six pound rifle that will fit under any hoody.

Sorry for the long post. jd

 

Ya make a good case.

 

None of the above restrictions on car ownership or operation apply except on public roads. In addition, I can buy as many vehicles as I like with no background check and no waiting period. I can buy and operate a "military grade assault-style" Hummer or a 10,000 horsepower ("high capacity") top fuel dragster without Uncle Sam ever getting involved. Jay Leno (or I) can keep hundreds of cars without being accused of amassing an arsenal. I can put a muffler (suppressor) on my car without paying a tax or registering with the BATFE.

Regulating firearms in the same way that vehicles are regulated would be a huge improvement over the status quo.

 

Bcuz 2A... "shall not be infringed"...

Because registration only punishes the innocent. Criminals never register their firearms. It's useless and it's unconstitutional.

 

Agree with all the above, but I have to say I think this argument for gun control makes the most sense to most people who are on the fence, is, therefore the most dangerous and needs to be argued against well, as the OP did. Thanks.

 

I just renewed my yearly license on my 2015 Jeep Cherokee yesterday. The fee I paid is broken down as follows: $17.00 is the license fee, $70.00 is for a special message on my plate, and lastly, $360.00 vehicle tax. So if you want every weapon licensed, consider the yearly tax that probably will be assessed on each individual weapon you own.

 

What no one talks about is driving is a right that has been taken away from us. I guess 9a will just take one more hit.

 

There is a difference between a right and a privilege

 

A privilege can be governed.
What if they started governing our religion ....

 

Great post sir.
In 2018 Texas had 3,567 fatalities involving motor vehicles. That number is 4% less than 2017 when we had 3,720 fatalities. I would imagine the majority of these were from licensed and registered vehicles. A fellow I work with asked why anyone needs an AR15 and I countered with why does anyone need a car with 500 hp or street bikes capable of 120 mph?

 

Anyone can BUY a car (no background check), but it must be registered and the driver licensed to DRIVE it legally. OP makes a good point, most cars used in crimes are stolen! No license, registration or insurance.

 

1) Second Amendment => "...shall not be infringed..."
2) Motor Vehicle registration is not a guaranteed, or articulated right.

 

Taxes is the real reason vehicles are registered. You have to have a vehicle to work and get around. The state governments figured this out real quick and they tax the hell out of them! The only reason to register guns is so they are easier to confiscate. Look at the gun laws in Socialist/Communist countries.

 

Don't forget, fully automatic transmissions

 

Shouldn't this be NFA regulated???

 

It is extremely difficult to defend yourself,family,Constitution,or the U.S.A. with an automobile. The 2nd Amendmant is what makes the U.S.A. different from all other nations. Once the American citizen is disarmed,the One World Order can easily be established and America will be just like every 3rd world country. The Democrats especially are desperate for gun control of any kind.
Anybody who would evenly remotely consider any kind of gun registration should do some serious reevaluation of the facts.

 

Only on public roads. Anyone can operate a motor vehicle on private land with permission of the owner -- no license or registration required.

Do you think these little kids have a driver's license, insurance, or registration?

 

Where in law has it ever been stated the driving is a "right"?

Rights occur naturally...nothing is required from anyone for a right to exist.
Privileges only exist when someone is obligated to provide them.
Driving is a privilege.

 

You have bought into it also. Using that logic the second amendment would go away. Same could be argued for the first amendment. Someone has to teach you to speak. If you are only taken care of and never spoken to you will not learn to speak on your own.

If you want please make your case.

Driving is a right that has been regulated into a privilege.

 

That likely depends on the state you're in. The law in Nevada is a little murky (I'll dig deeper and follow up here) but here's what NDMV states on their web site (not the actual text of the applicable statute):

Nearly all off-highway vehicles greater than 70cc, and 1976 or newer, must be registered and display a registration decal to operate legally in Nevada.

It does not stipulate where in Nevada. I suppose one may assume (at one's peril) that "on public lands" goes without saying. And anyway it's not unlikely the law goes unenforced on private property - unless someone gets hurt.

Update: Nevada statute does make an exception for operating a vehicle on private property.
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