Is the 2005 Ford GT Street legal?
Yes. The 2005 Ford GT was designed and sold as a street-legal production car in the United States; when properly registered and maintained, it can be driven on public roads. Local rules vary by state and country, so check your specific regulations before driving.
Beyond that, the Ford GT is a modern homage to the GT40, built for performance as well as road use. This article explains the basics of its street-legal status, what registration involves in the U.S., California-specific considerations, and practical tips for owners.
Overview: Street-legal by design
The Ford GT's engineering included features typical of road-legal sports cars of its era: DOT-compliant lighting, safety equipment, mirrors, and emissions controls aligned with federal standards. It was produced with VINs, title documents, and factory certifications so it could be registered and insured like any other passenger car—not a dedicated race car.
Key features that enable road use
The following elements are central to its street-legal status in markets where the car was approved for sale:
- Federal compliance: U.S. EPA emissions certification and DOT safety certification for use on public roads
- Safety equipment: airbags, seat belts, ABS, traction control, and a crash-structure designed for road use
- Lighting and signaling: headlights, taillights, turn signals, and reflectors that meet regulations
- Instrumentation: standard road-vehicle gauges, odometer, and speedometer
- Tyres and road-worthiness: street-legal tyres approved for highway use
These factory specifications reflect the baseline requirements for street registration in most jurisdictions where the car was sold.
Registration and compliance in the United States
In the United States, the Ford GT was produced to meet federal safety and emissions standards, and it carried a VIN and title like other road-going vehicles. Registration and use on public roads depend on complying with state requirements, which can include emissions testing, safety inspections, and proof of insurance. While the car is generally treated as a standard street vehicle, some states have additional rules for exotic or low-volume vehicles, which can affect timing and documentation for registration.
Common steps to register a 2005 Ford GT in the United States include:
- Show proof of ownership and a valid title with the VIN
- Provide current auto insurance coverage
- Meet any applicable state safety inspection requirements
- Demonstrate federal compliance via the vehicle’s EPA/DOT certifications or labels
- Register through the state DMV or equivalent agency and pay applicable taxes and fees
In practice, most Ford GT owners register the car through standard processes, but certain states may have stricter emissions or exotic-vehicle rules that require additional documentation or inspections.
California and other markets
California’s emissions regime is famously stringent, and registering a 2005 Ford GT there can require additional steps or documentation to demonstrate CARB compliance or an approved exemption. In some cases, owners have obtained CARB Executive Orders (EOs) or registered the vehicle through out-of-state sales channels with appropriate documentation. Outside the United States, street legality is determined by local regulations, which may require type approval, noise and safety compliance, and conformity with local emissions standards.
- California registration considerations: verify CARB EO or exemptions; additional testing or modifications may be required
- Out-of-state or international registrations: eligibility depends on local rules and available certifications
- Modifications and parts: use certified or OEM-specified components to maintain compliance
Because regulations can evolve and vary by year, model, and modification history, owners should consult the California DMV or their local authority for the latest requirements before attempting registration.
What owners and enthusiasts should know
Owners often treat the Ford GT as a high-performance collectible that remains street-legal when properly maintained and registered. Practical considerations include maintenance costs, insurance, and the availability of parts for a vehicle that was produced in limited numbers and long ago relative to today’s standards. Many owners reserve the car for weekend drives, events, or shows rather than daily commuting, given its performance footprint and operating costs.
- Maintenance and parts: Ford ceased new GT production in 2006; servicing often relies on specialized shops and aftermarket support
- Insurance: high-performance, high-value vehicles command significant premiums; verify coverage with carriers experienced in exotic cars
- Registration history: ensure a clean title, verify there are no salvage or rebuilt-title issues that could affect registration
- Modifications: non-certified parts can affect compliance; prioritize DOT/California Air Resources Board-certified components
Owner communities, clubs, and online resources can provide up-to-date, jurisdiction-specific guidance on keeping a 2005 Ford GT street-legal across regions.
Summary
The 2005 Ford GT was engineered and marketed as a street-legal production car in the United States, and it can be driven on public roads when properly registered and maintained. Local legality varies by state and country, with California and other markets often requiring additional emissions or certification steps. If you’re considering ownership or registration, check with your local DMV or equivalent authority for current requirements, gather the necessary documentation, and consult a specialist if needed. With due diligence, the Ford GT can be a legal, road-going interpretation of a legendary racing lineage.
Is the 2006 Ford GT street legal?
And it shows in the performance. On the hallowed. Ground of Kennedy Space Center's runway where space shuttles once touched down the bad GT screamed to an unbelievable.
Is a Ford GT street legal?
Yes, the Ford GT is a street-legal supercar, but Ford has also produced track-only versions that are not road-legal. Both the 2005-2006 and the later modern versions of the Ford GT are street-legal, featuring design and engineering that meets road requirements, including features like airbags and an adaptive suspension. However, models like the GT Mk II and the GT Mk IV are specifically designed for track use only and are not street-legal.
Street-legal Ford GTs
- Model years 2005-2006: This generation of the Ford GT was a modern take on the classic GT40 and was produced as a street-legal vehicle.
- Modern production models: The more recent iterations of the Ford GT (including the one that finished racing in 2019) have been produced as street-legal supercars.
- Features: These versions include safety features like airbags and suspension that can adapt for road conditions, making them suitable for driving on public roads, though they are not ideal daily drivers due to their design.
Track-only Ford GTs
- Ford GT Mk II: This version was built as a track-only supercar, costing over $1.2 million, and is not street-legal. It removed many road-going requirements, such as airbags, to maximize performance.
- Ford GT Mk IV: The 2023 model is a track-only version and is not street-legal. It is built for performance on the race track and is not intended for public roads.
What was the last street legal Ford GT?
The final street-legal Ford GT, Ford's famous supercar, rolled off the line during the 2022 model year. For 2023, only one model is available, the track-only GT Mk IV.
How rare is a 2005 Ford GT?
Ford also knew the value of exclusivity, and only built 4038 GTs over the 2005 and 2006 model years.
