I have had street legal buggies in a few states and here are some things to look into... These are my understandings of the laws and depending on your state, they may be overlooked or strongly enforced.
1st off.. A VW Beetle tag is illegal unless you retain 20% of the pan from the original donor car. That being said, I am sure this is a very common way to get a buggy street legal and you may never have an issue.
The correct way to get a buggy on the street is to register you buggy with the state and have your state assign your buggy with a VIN number and plate. This process is very different from state to state but all states will usually perform some type of inspection for a new VIN.
Rules:
1) Must have DOT approved Hi/Low Beam head lights with a dashboard indicator to show Hi beam lights are on.
2) Must have Front and Rear Parking lights
3) Must have Front and Rear Turn Signals
4) Must have Hazards Lights (all signals together)
5) Must have an electric Horn
6) Must have rear Brake Lights
7) Must have a Rear View Mirror and a side view mirror OR two side view mirrors
You much have eye protection. A pair of DOT approved glasses will work or a windshield (must be certified ASI safety glass)9) If you have a windshield, you need to have a windshield wiper (manual or electric)
10) If you have a windshield, the glass must be AS1 Safety Certified
11) Must have uncut DOT approved tires
12) Must have front and rear brakes (or at least look like you have front and rear brakes)
13) Must have a mechanical parking brake (I am sure a line lock with pass)
14) Must have seat belts
State by State Rules (You will need to check your state)
1) Fenders - Some states require fenders others do not
2) Steering wheel size - Some states have a minimum diameter of 14 inches
3) Bumpers - Some states require a bumper on the front and rear
4) Reverse Light - Some states require a reverse light but most will accept a manual reverse switch.
5) Insurance is different state to state but will require at least some minimum liability converge
6) Muffler - Some states require some type of muffler or spark arrester
7) Some states require emissions. This has ALWAYS been my biggest pain in the butt.
