Coddington pleaded no contest April 7 in Sacramento County Superior Court > to a misdemeanor charge related to submitting counterfeit vehicle titles > to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The star of American Hot Rod on > the Discovery Channel paid $3,000 restitution to the DMV and must perform > 160 hours of community service in the next year. His community service > includes explaining to hot rod enthusiasts how to correctly register their > cars.>

Authorities say custom car owners use phony, out-of-state titles > identifying cars as much older or less expensive than they actually are. > The fake titles allow owners to pay lower registration fees and less sales > tax, and to escape air pollution regulations.>

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, an advocate for hobbyists and > hot rod owners, disputes whether the practice is widespread. SEMA is > working with California officials to find an equitable solution that > allows owners time to properly retitle their cars.>