What specific criteria must a custom built vehicle meet in order to drive on public roads?
<p>Assuming in the state of Michigan, I have seen <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1588-25476--,00.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this Secretary of State web page on assembled vehicles</a>, however, the two forms attached (<a href="https://www.michigan.gov/documents/BFS-72__09-03__83315_7.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">BFS-72</a>) and (<a href="https://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">TR-54</a>) seem very basic and non-technical for the most part. My question is is it really that easy to build a vehicle that meets the criteria, if so, are there any restrictions as far as obtaining insurance for such a custom-built vehicle, and lastly would it be able to be driven out-of-state? </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>My question is is it really that easy to build a vehicle that meets the criteria</p>
</blockquote>

<p>That's not a legal question.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>are there any restrictions as far as obtaining insurance for such a
  custom-built vehicle,</p>
</blockquote>

<p>That depends on each insurance company's coverage offerings.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>and lastly would it be able to be driven out-of-state?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>That depends on the laws of states other than Michigan regarding the licensing of custom built cars and the coverage of insurance companies licensed in those states.</p>

<p>The sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code listed at the bottom of Form TR-54 (MCL. 257.685-686, 257.688-691, 257.697-697b, 257.705-711) provide more specific information about what the police officer will be looking for when they make their safety inspection.  You can read the <a href="http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-300-1949-VI-EQUIPMENT" rel="nofollow noreferrer">pertinent sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code</a> to find out more information.  </p>

<p>Regarding the specific questions raised as a comment elsewhere, the requirements for headlamps are given in MCL 257.685, and those for brake systems are given in MCL 257.705 &amp; 705a.</p>

united-states insurance vehicle regulations michigan