March 18, 2008.
Old Car Emissions Exemption Threatened in 8 California Counties; Hearing Scheduled for April 1
Legislation (S.B. 1549) has been introduced in the California State Senate by Senator Dean Florez (senator.florez@sen.ca.gov) to repeal the state’s current emissions test exemption for pre-1976 vehicles registered by new owners in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. The District includes eight counties in California’s Central Valley: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the valley portion of Kern. Under the bill, after Jan. 1, 2009, new owners seeking to register a pre-1976 vehicle in these eight counties would be subject to emissions tests for the life of the vehicle. S.B. 1549 is scheduled to be considered by the California Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on April 1, 2008.
We Urge You to Call, E-Mail or Fax Senator Florez and Members of the Senate Transportation Committee (List Attached) Immediately to Oppose S.B. 1549
Existing law in California exempts all pre-1976 vehicles from emissions testing.
California’s current emissions testing exemption recognizes the minimal impact of pre-1976 motor vehicles on emissions and air quality.
Pre-1976 vehicles constitute a small and shrinking portion of the overall vehicle population in California and are a poor source from which to look for further emissions reductions.
Pre-1976 antique and classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained.
Repeal of the exemption in the San Joaquin Valley could lead the Legislature to target other areas in the state in the future.
Legislators and regulators are again feeling the heat from a failed effort to meet air quality goals and are looking for a convenient scapegoat. The old car hobby should not carry the burden of their mistakes, as it has in previous amendments to the old car exemption!
Please phone, fax or e-mail Senator Florez to express your opposition
to S.B. 1549. Senator Florez can be reached at:
E-Mail: Senator.Florez@sen.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 651-4016
Fax: (916) 327-5989
Please phone, fax or e-mail members of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee to express your opposition to S.B. 1549
California Senate Transportation & Housing Committee
(Click here to email all Committee members)
Senator Alan Lowenthal – Chair
Phone: 916/651-4027
Fax: 916/327-9113
Email: Senator.Lowenthal@sen.ca.gov
Senator Tom McClintock
Phone: 916/651-4019
Fax: 916/324-7544
Email: senator.mcclintock@sen.ca.gov
Senator Roy Ashburn
Phone: 916/651-4018
Fax: 916/322-3304
Email: senator.ashburn@sen.ca.gov
Senator Gilbert Cedillo
Phone: 916/651-4022
Fax: 916/327-8817
Email: senator.cedillo@sen.ca.gov
Senator Ellen Corbett
Phone: 916/651-4010
Fax: 916/327-2433
Email: senator.corbett@sen.ca.gov
Senator Bob Dutton
Phone: 916/651-4031
Fax: 916/327-2272
Email: senator.dutton@sen.ca.gov
Senator Tom Harman
Phone: 916/651-4035
Fax: 916/445-9263
Email: senator.harman@sen.ca.gov
Senator Christine Kehoe
Phone: 916/651-4039
Fax: 916/327-2188
Email: senator.kehoe@sen.ca.gov
Senator Jenny Oropeza
Phone: 916/651-4028
Fax: 916/323-6056
Email: senator.oropeza@sen.ca.gov
Senator Joe Simitian
Phone: 916/651-4011
Fax: 916/323-4529
Email: senator.simitian@sen.ca.gov
Senator Tom Torlakson
Phone: 916/651-4007
Fax: 916/445-2527
Email: senator.torlakson@sen.ca.gov
Senator Leland Yee
Phone: 916/651-4008
Fax: 916/327-2186
Email: senator.yee@sen.ca.gov
Please e-mail a copy of your letters to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org
Dear Senator,
I am writing to you about the scheduled hearing on S.B. 1549, the pending legislation to repeal the state's current emissions test exemption for pre-1976 vehicles registered by new owners in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. As a California small business owner, this legislation is of great concern to me.
I own and operate a business that specializes in the restoration, customization and maintenance of classic cars and hot rods. This legislation would do little or nothing to solve California's air quality, while doing great harm to my business and the future of classic car collecting and restoration.
S.B. 1549 ignores the minimal impact that classic cars have on air quality. These cars are not usually driven on a regular basis. Most only leave the garage one or two times a month during good weather. When they do, they leave with engines that have been finely tuned and which, in most cases, pollute less than the engines they came out of the factory with.
If passed, S.B. 1549 is likely to spread across the state, and who knows where after that. Although my business is located in San Diego County, we build and restore classic autos for people all over the state and country. We have built cars for enthusiasts in the counties mentioned, and hope to do so again in the future. It won't happen with legislation like this.
Small businesses like mine employ an ever-shrinking supply of skilled craftsmen who still know the art of vehicle restoration. Those skills will be forever lost if this industry is sacrificed by well-meaning, but ill-informed legislation.
S.B. 1549 is not the way to solve this problem. It will kill businesses that are already hurting in hard economic times and do nothing meaningful for air quality.
I urge you to vote NO on S.B. 1549.
Respectfully,
Randy G. Clark
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff
Escondido, CA
www.hotrodscustomstuff.com
August 22, 2007.
URGENT LEGISLATION ALERT !
Hearing Postponed to Consider California Bill to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15-Years Old
An Aug. 20th Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to consider legislation (A.B. 616) to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older has been postponed. A.B. 616 would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. The hearing will be rescheduled after the Legislature approves a budget for the state. We are aware that certain e-mail addresses for Appropriations Committee members are being blocked. Accordingly, we are providing phone and fax numbers for your use.
We Urge You to Call or Fax Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose A.B. 616
• A.B. 616 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality.
• A.B. 616 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.
• A.B. 616 ignores the fact that vehicles 15-years old and older still constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
• A.B. 616 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.
• A.B. 616 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.
• A.B. 616 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars.
• A.B. 616 would dramatically impact the ability of fixed and low income motorists from owning and driving their older vehicles.
Please contact members of the California Senate Appropriations Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to A.B. 616.
Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org.
Thank you for your assistance.
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senator Tom Torlakson (Chair)
Phone: (916) 651-4007
Fax: (916) 445-2527
Email: Senator.Torlakson@senate.ca.gov
Senator Dave Cox (Vice Chair)
Phone: (916) 651-4001
Fax: (916) 324-2680
Email: Senator.Cox@senate.ca.gov
Senator Samuel Aanestad
Phone: (916) 651-4004
Fax: (916) 445-7750
Email: Senator.Aanestad@senate.ca.gov
Senator Roy Ashburn
Phone: (916) 651-4018
Fax: (916) 651-4018
Email: Senator.Ashburn@senate.ca.gov
Senator Jim Battin
Phone: (916) 651-4037
Fax: (916) 327-2187
Email: Senator.Battin@senate.ca.gov
Senator Gilbert Cedillo
Phone: (916) 651-4022
Fax: (916) 327-8817
Email: Senator.Cedillo@senate.ca.gov
Senator Ellen Corbett
Phone: (916) 651-4010
Fax: (916) 327-2433
Email: Senator.Corbett@senate.ca.gov
Senator Robert Dutton
Phone: (916) 651-4031
Fax: (916) 327-2272
Email: Senator.Dutton@senate.ca.gov
Senator Dean Florez
Phone: (916) 651-4016
Fax: (916) 327-5989
Email: Senator.Florez@senate.ca.gov
Senator Sheila Kuehl
Phone: (916) 651-4023
Fax: (916) 324-4823
Email: Senator.Kuehl@senate.ca.gov
Senator Jenny Oropeza
Phone: (916) 651-4028
Fax: (916) 323-6056
Email: Senator.Oropeza@senate.ca.gov
Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas
Phone: (916) 651-4026
Fax: (916) 445-8899
Email: Senator.Ridley-Thomas@senate.ca.gov
Senator George Runner
Phone: (916) 651-4017
Fax: (916) 445-4662
Email: Senator.Runner@senate.ca.gov
Senator Joe Simitian
Phone: (916) 651-4011
Fax: (916) 323-4529
Email: Senator.Simitian@senate.ca.gov
Senator Darrell Steinberg
Phone: (916) 651-4006
Fax: (916) 323-2263
Email: Senator.Steinberg@senate.ca.gov
Senator Mark Wyland
Phone: (916) 651-4038
Fax: (916) 446-7382
Email: Senator.Wyland@senate.ca.gov
Senator Leland Yee
Phone: (916) 651-4008
Fax: (916) 327-2186
Email: Senator.Yee@senate.ca.gov
June 18, 2007.
URGENT LEGISLATION ALERT !
California Bill to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15-Years Old and Older Passes Assembly; Moves to Senate
Legislation (A.B. 616) to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older has been approved by the California Assembly and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. The bill would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. You may recall that in 2004 a new law was enacted in California to require the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. Pre-1976 motor vehicles would remain exempt under A.B. 616. The bill has been now referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose A.B. 616
A.B. 616 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality.
A.B. 616 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.
A.B. 616 ignores the fact that vehicles 15-years old and older still constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
A.B. 616 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.
A.B. 616 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.
A.B. 616 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars.
Please contact members of the California Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to A.B. 616.
Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.
Senate Transportation Committee
Senator Alan Lowenthal (Chair)
Senator.Lowenthal@senate.ca.gov
916) 651-4027
Senator Tom McClintock (Vice Chair)
Senator.McClintock@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4019
Senator Roy Ashburn
Senator.Ashburn@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4018
Senator Gilbert Cedillo
Senator.Cedillo@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4022
Senator Ellen Corbett
Senator.Corbett@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4010
Senator Robert Dutton
Senator.Dutton@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4031
Senator Tom Harman
Senator.Harman@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4035
Senator Christine Kehoe
Senator.Kehoe@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4039
Senator Joe Simitian
Senator.Simitian@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4011
Senator Tom Torlakson
Senator.Torlakson@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4007
Senator Leland Yee
Senator.Yee@senate.ca.gov
(916) 651-4008
March 20, 2007.
URGENT LEGISLATION ALERT !
In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation (A.B. 493) has been introduced in the California Assembly by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (Assemblymember.Ruskin@assembly.ca.gov) to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions. Depending on the vehicle purchased, this surcharge could require owners to pay up to $2,500 more for the vehicle. Funds collected under the program would be used in part to fund discounts for hybrids and electric cars. If this effort is successful, the effects on your ability to purchase the vehicle of your choice, not to mention vehicle safety, will be dramatic.
We Urge You to Contact the Assembly Transportation Committee Members (List Below) Immediately To Request Their Opposition to A.B. 493
H.B. 493 will limit consumer choice in purchasing vehicles by making popular performance and luxury cars, as well as SUVs, light trucks and minivans, substantially more expensive to own.
H.B. 493 will potentially lead to more deaths on California’s highways as higher taxes on larger, safer vehicles forces consumers into smaller cars with higher accident fatality rates.
H.B. 493 will not conserve energy. Greenhouse gas emissions depends on a host of other factors such as total miles traveled.
H.B. 493 will do little to improve air quality. Air quality has more to do with overall basic vehicle maintenance than it does with owning and operating any particular class of vehicle.
DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the California Assembly Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to this bill.
Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.
Assembly Transportation Committee
Pedro Nava, Chair
Telephone: (916) 319-2035
Fax: (916) 319-2135
Email: Assemblymember.nava@assembly.ca.gov
Michael D. Duvall, Vice-Chair
Telephone: (916) 319-2072
Fax: (916) 319-2172
Email: Assemblymember.Duvall@assembly.ca.gov
Wilma Amina Carter
Telephone: (916) 319-2062
Fax: (916) 319-2162
Email: Assemblymember.Carter@assembly.ca.gov
Mike DeSaulnier
Telephone: (916) 319-2011
Fax: (916) 319-2111
Email: Assemblymember.DeSaulnier@assembly.ca.gov
Cathleen Galgiani
Tel: (916) 319-2017
Fax: (916) 319-2117
Email: Assemblymember.Galgiani@assembly.ca.gov
Martin Garrick
Telephone: (916) 319-2074
Fax: (916) 319-2174
Email: Assemblymember.Garrick@assembly.ca.gov
Shirley Horton
Telephone: (916) 319-2078
Email: Assemblymember.Shirley.Horton@assembly.ca.gov
Guy S. Houston
Telephone: (916) 319-2015
Fax: (916) 319-2115
Email: Assemblymember.Houston@assembly.ca.gov
Bob Huff
Telephone: (916) 319-2060
Fax: (916) 319-2160
Email: assemblymember.huff@assembly.ca.gov
Betty Karnette
Telephone: (916) 319-2054
Email: Assemblymember.Karnette@assembly.ca.gov
Anthony J. Portantino
Telephone: (916) 319-2044
Fax: (916) 319-2144
Email: assemblymember.Portantino@assembly.ca.gov
Ira Ruskin
Telephone: (916) 319 - 2021
Fax: (916) 319 – 2121
Email: Assemblymember.Ruskin@assembly.ca.gov
Jose Solorio
Telephone: (916) 319-2069
Fax: (916) 319-2169
Nell Soto
Telephone: (916) 319-2061
Fax: (916) 319-2161
Email: Assemblymember.Soto@assembly.ca.gov
March 8, 2007
URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT
California Introduces Bill to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15-Years Old and Older!
Here we go again! Legislation (A.B. 616) has been introduced in the California Assembly by Assemblyman Dave Jones to require annual Smog check inspections for vehicles 15-years old and older. The bill would also require that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. You may recall that in 2004 a new law was enacted in California to require the lifetime testing of all 1976 and newer model-year vehicles. Pre-1976 motor vehicles would remain exempt under A.B. 616. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee.
We Urge You to Contact Assemblyman Jones and members of the Assembly Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose A.B. 616
A.B. 616 ignores the minimal impact vintage cars have on air quality.
A.B. 616 could entice vintage car owners into allowing these vehicles to be scrapped.
A.B. 616 ignores the fact that vehicles 15-years old and older still constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.
A.B. 616 ignores the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven.
A.B. 616 would increase costs by creating an annual inspection fee for owners of these vehicles.
A.B. 616 represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars.
Please contact members of the California Assembly Transportation Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to A.B. 616.
Do nothing and we could all loose our rides to the system. Like I said, it's up to us to Save Our Rides!
Write, Call or/and Email your representative today and tell them how you feel.
Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.
Assembly Transportation Committee
Pedro Nava, Chair
Telephone: (916) 319-2035
Fax: (916) 319-2135
Email: Assemblymember.nava@assembly.ca.gov
Michael D. Duvall, Vice-Chair
Telephone: (916) 319-2072
Fax: (916) 319-2172
Email: Assemblymember.Duvall@assembly.ca.gov
Wilma Amina Carter
Telephone: (916) 319-2062
Fax: (916) 319-2162
Email: Assemblymember.Carter@assembly.ca.gov
Mike DeSaulnier
Telephone: (916) 319-2011
Fax: (916) 319-2111
Email: Assemblymember.DeSaulnier@assembly.ca.gov
Cathleen Galgiani
Tel: (916) 319-2017
Fax: (916) 319-2117
Email: Assemblymember.Galgiani@assembly.ca.gov
Martin Garrick
Telephone: (916) 319-2074
Fax: (916) 319-2174
Email: Assemblymember.Garrick@assembly.ca.gov
Shirley Horton
Telephone: (916) 319-2078
Email: Assemblymember.Shirley.Horton@assembly.ca.gov
Guy S. Houston
Telephone: (916) 319-2015
Fax: (916) 319-2115
Email: Assemblymember.Houston@assembly.ca.gov
Bob Huff
Telephone: (916) 319-2060
Fax: (916) 319-2160
Email: assemblymember.huff@assembly.ca.gov
Betty Karnette
Telephone: (916) 319-2054
Email: Assemblymember.Karnette@assembly.ca.gov
Anthony J. Portantino
Telephone: (916) 319-2044
Fax: (916) 319-2144
Email: assemblymember.Portantino@assembly.ca.gov
Ira Ruskin
Telephone: (916) 319 - 2021
Fax: (916) 319 – 2121
Email: Assemblymember.Ruskin@assembly.ca.gov
Jose Solorio
Telephone: (916) 319-2069
Fax: (916) 319-2169
Nell Soto
Telephone: (916) 319-2061
Fax: (916) 319-2161
Email: Assemblymember.Soto@assembly.ca.gov
March 7, 2007.
Arkansas Introduces Anti-Hobbyist Historic Vehicles Bill
Legislation (H.B. 1403) that would amend the state’s current law governing
historic or special interest vehicles to require that these vehicles be
30 or more years old and pay a $25 registration fee has been introduced
in the Arkansas House of Representatives by Rep. Pam Adcock. The bill is
scheduled to be heard in committee on Mar. 8.
We Urge You to Contact Members of the House Committee on Public Transportation to OPPOSE H.B. 1403
Under current Arkansas law, historic vehicles are only required to be 25-years old or older.
Under current Arkansas law, historic vehicle owners are only required
to pay a $7 registration fee.
DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the Arkansas Committee on Public
Transportation immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition
to H.B. 1403.
For more information, visit www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62242. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
March 7, 2007.
Backyard Vehicle Restoration Jobs Under Siege Again In Illinois; Harmful Inoperable Vehicle Bill to be Heard on March 6
A bill (H.B. 367) introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives
that would further restrict the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from
maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property will be considered by
the House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee on Tuesday, March
6. H.B. 367 would redefine “inoperable motor vehicles” to include
vehicles incapable of being lawfully driven on state highways in full accordance
with Illinois vehicle laws. The bill would also expand the definition of
inoperable vehicles to include dismantled and unlicensed vehicles. Under
current law, localities may authorize fines and disposal of inoperable vehicles
on public and private property.
Contact House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee Members (List Below) Immediately To Request Their Opposition to H.B. 367
H.B. 367 would give local authorities an inordinate amount of power in determining the disposition of inoperable historic project cars.
H.B. 367 would make it virtually impossible for Illinois hobbyists to maintain inoperable collector vehicles on private property.
H.B. 367 demonstrates a clear disregard and lack of understanding of the vehicle hobby and the rights of hobbyists.
H.B. 367 makes no legal distinction between an owner using private
property as a dumping ground and a vehicle enthusiast working to maintain,
restore or construct a vehicle.
DON'T DELAY! Please contact members of the Illinois House Transportation and Motor Vehicles Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 367.
For more information, visit www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62224. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
June 7, 2006
TAX BREAK FOR ANTIQUE VEHICLES APPROVED BY SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE
The South Carolina Legislature approved SEMA-supported legislation to provide an exemption from property taxes for motor vehicles licensed and registered as antiques. South Carolina law defines an “antique” as every motor vehicle which is “over 25-years old, is owned solely as a collector’s item and is used for participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, but in no event used for general transportation.” The bill now goes to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
June 7, 2006
HAWAII / ILLINOIS ABANDON UNFAIR EXHAUST NOISE RESTRICTIONS
SEMA-opposed legislation that sought to dramatically increase fines for those who violate the state’s ban on the sale, installation and use of aftermarket exhaust systems died with the close of Hawaii’s legislative session. Currently, Hawaii prohibits any exhaust system that increases “the noise emitted by a motor vehicle above that emitted by the vehicle as equipped from the factory. This law does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation. SEMA also killed an Illinois bill that threatened to ban vehicles equipped with a “muffler or exhaust system that clearly has been modified to amplify or increase the noise of the vehicle.” Under this measure, vehicles determined to have been modified by virtue of a “visual observation” would have failed emissions inspection. How emissions inspectors would have determined that an exhaust system increases noise through a visual inspection was not explained in the bill. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
June 7, 2006
SEMA DEFENDS RIGHTS OF BACKYARD RESTORERS ACROSS AMERICA
Illinois: SEMA defeated legislation in Illinois that sought to redefine inoperable motor vehicles to include vehicles incapable of being driven under their own power for a period of 7 days. Under current law, these vehicles must be undriveable for a period of at least 6 months to be deemed inoperable and thus subject to disposal by a county. Last year, SEMA stalled Illinois legislation that threatened to further restrict the ability of Illinois hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. That bill removed historic vehicles over 25-years of age from a list of vehicles exempt from county inoperable vehicle ordinances if they are not kept within a building. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
West Virginia: SEMA defeated a West Virginia bill that would have redefined “abandoned motor vehicles” to include vehicles or vehicle parts which are either unlicensed or inoperable, or both, are not in an enclosed building and have remained on private property for more than 30 days. Under current law, the abandoned vehicle law applies primarily to vehicles on public property. The bill sought to make violation a misdemeanor offense punishable by substantial fines, community service and jail and made no legal distinction between an owner using private property as a dumping ground and a vehicle enthusiast working to maintain, restore or construct a vehicle. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
Hawaii: SEMA beat back a Hawaii bill that provided for the removal and disposal of “derelict vehicles” from private property. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
June 7, 2006
COLORADO ENACTS LAW TO TITLE RESTORATION PROJECTS
SEMA-supported legislation creating a rebuilder’s certificate of
title for motor vehicles in the process of being restored was approved by
the Colorado State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bill Owens.
The new law allows vehicles without a title to be issued a rebuilder’s
title based on the vehicle’s early date of manufacture, design, historical
interest, or as a collector’s item. In order to qualify the vehicle
must not be roadworthy at the time of application, at least 25 years old,
and have a rolling chassis among its components. In addition the applicant
must have a certified VIN inspection on the vehicle and an accompanying
statement with specified information about the vehicle. For details, contact
Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
January 25, 2006
CALIFORNIA ISSUES SMOG CHECK RECOMMENDATIONS
The California Air Resources Board and the Bureau of Automotive Repair have released the final version of their joint Smog Check Program Evaluation Report. This version (dated September 2005) is actually a revision of the April 2004 report with an addendum to include updates based on recent legislative activity. The report continues to call for such measures as more frequent testing of older and/or high mileage vehicles, more stringent cutpoints for retests, inspection of smoking vehicles and increased enforcement for both in-use vehicles and smog check stations. Other options such as remote sensing, continuous OBD II monitoring (i.e., "OBD III") and even testing of 1966-1975 model year vehicles are also discussed in the report. The full text of the report is available under the “Smog Check Reports" tab at [www.imreview.ca.gov]. For details, contact Frank Bohanan at frankb@sema.org.
January 25, 2006
WEST VIRGINIA REINTRODUCES BILL TO EXEMPT OLD CARS/MOTORCYCLES FROM REGISTRATION FEES
A bill (S.B. 44) has been reintroduced in the West Virginia State Legislature to exempt owners of antique motor vehicles, antique motorcycles, classic motor vehicles and classic motorcycles from annual registration fees for these vehicles. West Virginia law defines antique motor vehicles and motorcycles as more than 25-years old and owned as collector items; the law defines classic motor vehicles and motorcycles as more than 25-years old and used for general transportation. The bill will be considered first by the West Virginia Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. More information available at [www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62050]. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
January 25, 2006
OREGON PROPOSES EMISSIONS EXEMPTIONS FOR SPECIALTY CARS
Working with SEMA, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed new state regulations that will exempt newly built street rods, custom cars, replicas and assembled vehicles from the state’s mandatory emissions inspection program. Vehicles currently exempted would remain exempted from the program. The exemptions are included in Oregon’s plan to adopt permanent rules requiring new motor vehicles to meet tighter emissions standards beginning in 2009. Comments in support of the proposal may be submitted in writing via mail, fax or e-mail at any time prior to the comment deadline of March 3, 2006. More information available at [www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62056]. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
January 25, 2006
MASSACHUSETTS BILL TO BAN THE SALE OF AFTERMARKET EXHAUST SYSTEMS ON THE MOVE
After being stalled by SEMA in 2005, a bill (H.B. 2011) to ban the sale or installation of “an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust” was approved by the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee. As you might recall, the bill had been revised from previous versions to exclude limited-use “antique motor cars.” This amendment represents a clear attempt by the bill’s sponsor to divide the automobile hobby in an effort to gain clearer sailing for this restrictive and damaging piece of legislation. H.B. 2011 has now been referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee. More information available at [www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=61569]. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.
December 14, 2005
SEMA’S STREET ROD/CUSTOM VEHICLE BILL ON THE MOVE IN 2006
Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia and Wyoming are among the states whose lawmakers are considering introducing street rod and custom vehicle titling and registration legislation in 2006. The SEMA-model bill was written to counter outdated and convoluted registration laws and provide unique titling classifications for these popular vehicles.
The bill provides for special license plates and exempts rods and customs from periodic inspections and emissions tests. It also provides for the use of non-original materials and requires an initial safety inspection based on criteria established in part by the local hobbyist community. Under the legislation, replica vehicles are assigned the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
In 2005, car hobbyists scored a major victory when SEMA’s model bill was enacted into law in Montana and Maine. The bill was previously enacted in Rhode Island, Missouri and Illinois.
The model bill is the product of consultation with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), local police departments, regulators and hobbyists.
Anyone interested in reviewing the model bill or obtaining information on how to pursue a plan to enact the model into law in their state, should contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. A copy of the bill can also be downloaded from the SEMA Action Network website at [www.semasan.com].
December 5, 2005
(Diamond Bar, CA, December 5, 2005) - The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has published its policy for Smog Check certification of specially constructed vehicles (See attached). Publication was prompted by discussions with SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, and officials with the state Attorney General's office. For the past year, SEMA had been working with appropriate agencies to dispel rumors and misunderstandings regarding California's vehicle registration and titling process so that specially constructed vehicles, including street rods, kit cars and replicas, can become properly registered, titled and emissions certified in the state. Under the BAR policy, the emissions controls of specially constructed vehicles are determined by one of two separate processes; (1) based on what the vehicle body or engine most resembles, or (2) model year or configuration of the engine installed.
In the first case, under the provisions of the Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program (commonly known as CA Senate Bill 100), a smog test referee compares the vehicle to those of the era that the vehicle most closely resembles to determine its model year. The vehicle's owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle per the year of the body or the engine. If there is no close resemblance, the vehicle is classified as a 1960 model year. The Senate Bill 100 registration program is limited, however, to the first 500 applications for registrations of specially constructed vehicles submitted to DMV per year that meet the criteria. DMV doesn't categorize the vehicles into SB100 or not; the applicant does that.
In the second case, for specially constructed vehicles without a Senate Bill 100 sequence number, the only emissions controls required are those used when the engine was originally manufactured. For example, a Cobra kit-car using a 1968 351C Ford V8 would require all emissions equipment originally required for that model year engine. A dune buggy upgraded with a '91 L79 TPI GM V8 would require all emissions equipment used on that engine. More generally, if a configuration precedes 1966, no exhaust emissions controls would be required. If the configuration precedes 1961, no PCV system would be required. If a range of model years applies to any particular engine configuration, vehicle owners will have the option to select the model year of emissions controls to be used. Further, according to the BAR, new and rebuilt "crate" engines fall into this "range of model years" category. As an example in this category, the use of a Chevrolet 5.7L ZZ4 V8 engine in a replica of a '32 Ford roadster would require emissions equipment used found on the first 5.7L engines used in '67. Finally, and in some instances, vehicle owners may be required to provide engine information to aid in the identification and inspection process.
Currently, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registers "Specially Constructed Vehicles," which are by definition built for private use, from a kit or some combination of new and used parts. The DMV does not assign a model year to these cars. Rather, the vehicle is assigned the year in which the application for registration is submitted to DMV. A "Specially Constructed Vehicle" application submitted to DMV today would not have a model year, but would have 2005 assigned as an asterisk year [*YR 2005]. However, this designation does not relate to the emission control requirements for the vehicle. The DMV's website has a detailed explanation of the process for registering "Specially Constructed Vehicles" (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/spcnsreg.htm). The website provides general emission control information and also outlines the previously mentioned Specially Constructed Vehicle Emission Control Program (Senate Bill 100 program). Consumers with questions regarding the Smog Check program may contact the Department of Consumer Affairs' Consumer Information Center at (800) 952-5210.
"For too long, misunderstanding of California's complex vehicle registration laws has created confusion among state hobbyists," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "Certain hobbyist vehicles, including those that could be classified as specially constructed, may be erroneously titled or registered. Consequently, owners may have paid reduced registration fees and avoided emissions testing requirements. BAR's documented policy for specially constructed vehicles should help clear the way for the many owners who fail to receive one of the 500 yearly Senate Bill 100 sequence numbers to properly title, register and smog check these vehicles."
SEMA has also been actively pursuing a solution that provides these vehicle owners a reasonable period of time to voluntarily retitle their vehicles and pay appropriate fees. The California Legislature will consider legislation to provide amnesty from prosecution to vehicle owners who have mistitled or misvalued their vehicles. This bill will likely be considered in the 2006 legislative session. In the meantime, SEMA has vowed to work with all relevant parties to consider alternative approaches to protect vehicle owners who voluntarily reregister their vehicles, pay appropriate fees and fulfill BAR emissions requirements.
Founded in 1963, SEMA represents the $32 billion specialty automotive
industry of 6,466 member companies. It is the authoritative source for research,
data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty
auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort,
convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles.
For more information contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar,
CA 91765-0910: call 909/396-0289; or visit [www.sema.org] and [www.enjoythedrive.com].
11-29-05.
From the land of fruits and nuts comes a new law effective immediately. It is now illegal to operate your windshield wipers unless you first turn on your headlights! Apparantly California's legislature can't find any other way to fix the state's financial woes except to give the local police and CHP one more excuse to pull you over and write a ticket. So, if you are cruisin' on a sunny day and a bug smears itself on your windshield, remember to hit the lights before you try to clean up the mess.
2005
I highly recommend to all car enthusiasts in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C to read this email and pass it on to any and all car enthusiast for familiarization and awareness of its current laws prior to attending any car show within the State of Virginia
This past weekend (1 October, 04) I was driving my Camaro to a local event (car show). I was following from behind another car enthusiast driving a vintage automobile as I have been for nearly four years. Before I knew it, I was being pulled over by a Virginia State Police while driving Northbound on Route 1, Fredericksburg, VA.
To make a long story short my I was cited with two violations:
First violation, for having a Nitrous Oxide device in the car. Per code below, Nitrous Oxide devices may be installed in cars however; it must be disabled, and disconnected from the bottle. The line (hose) "CANNOT" be hooked up while driving your vehicle on public roads or highways. See CODE: § 46.2-1088.4. below.
Second violation was for an unlawful hood scoop. Realizing that my Camaro is not equipped with a hood scoop of any kind the State Trooper was referring to the height of my engine. I have been summoned to appear in court on 28 October, 9:30AM, at the Spotsylvania court house. I find it very odd that after nearly four years of driving my show car that it has suddenly been revoked from public roads and highways. See CODE: § 46.2-1088.1 below.
I have copied the four most important Virginia State codes below for all car enthusiasts' awareness: Please read and share this with all...
NITROUS OXIDE SUPPLIED ENGINES
CODE: § 46.2-1088.4. Devices used to supply nitrous oxide to the engines of motor vehicles.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth if such vehicle is equipped with any device that supplies the vehicle's engine with nitrous oxide, unless the device has been disabled such that the supply of nitrous oxide is disconnected and not readily accessible to the source of delivery. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. (fine up to $500) (2004, c. 282.)
HOOD SCOOPS
CODE: § 46.2-1088.1. Hood scoops. No motor vehicle shall be operated on a public highway in the Commonwealth if any hood scoop installed thereon exceeds any of the following dimensions:
1. For any hood scoop installed on any motor vehicle manufactured for the 1990 or earlier model year: thirty-eight inches wide at its widest point, two and one-quarter inches high at its highest point measured from the junction of the dashboard and the windshield, and fifty-two and one-quarter inches long at its longest point.
2. For any hood scoop installed on any motor vehicle manufactured for the 1991 or subsequent model year: thirty-eight inches wide at its widest point, one and one-eighth inches high at its highest point measured from the junction of the dashboard and the windshield, and fifty and one-half inches long at its longest point. (1991, c. 494.)
LICENSE PLATES FOR ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLES
CODE: § 46.2-730. License plates for antique motor vehicles;
A. On receipt of an application, the Commissioner shall issue appropriately designed license plates to owners of antique motor vehicles. These license plates shall be valid so long as title to the vehicle is vested in the applicant. The fee for the registration card and license plates of any of these vehicles shall be ten dollars.
B. On receipt of an application, the Commissioner may authorize for use on antique motor vehicles Virginia license plates manufactured prior to 1976 and designed for use without decals, if such license plates are embossed with or are of the same year of issue as the model year of the antique motor vehicle on which they are to be displayed. Original metal year tabs issued in place of license plates for years 1943 and 1953 and used with license plates issued in 1942 and 1952, respectively, also may be authorized by the Commissioner for use on antique motor vehicles that are of the same model year as the year the metal tab was originally issued. These license plates and metal tabs shall remain valid so long as title to the vehicle is vested in the applicant. The fee for the registration card and permission to use the license plates and metal tabs on any of these vehicles shall be ten dollars.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 46.2-711 and 46.2-715, antique motor vehicles may display single license plates if the original manufacturer's design of the antique motor vehicles allows for the use of only single license plates or if the license plate was originally issued in one of the following years and is displayed in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of this section: 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1945, or 1946.
D. Except as provided in subsection E of this section, motor vehicles registered with license plates issued under this section shall not be used for general transportation purposes, including, but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner's place of employment, but shall only be used:
1. For participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, and similar events; and
2. On the highways of the Commonwealth for the purpose of testing their operation, obtaining repairs or maintenance, transportation to and from events as described in subdivision 1 of this subsection, and for occasional pleasure driving not exceeding 250 miles from the residence of the owner.
E. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision of this section, antique motor vehicles displaying license plates issued pursuant to subsections B and C of this section may be used for general transportation purposes if the following conditions are met:
1. The physical condition of the vehicle's license plate or plates has been inspected and approved by the Department;
2. The license plate or plates are registered to the specific vehicle by the Department;
3. The owner of the vehicle periodically registers the vehicle with the Department and pays a registration fee for the vehicle equal to that which would be charged to obtain regular state license plates for that vehicle;
4. The vehicle passes a periodic safety inspection as provided in Article 21 (§ 46.2-1157 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of this title;
5. The vehicle displays current decals attached to the license plate, issued by the Department, indicating the valid registration period for the vehicle; and
6. When applicable, the vehicle meets the requirement of Article 22 (§ 46.2-1176 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of this title.
If more than one request is made for use, as provided in this subsection, of license plates having the same number, the Department shall accept only the first such application. Only vehicles titled to the person seeking to use license plates as provided in this subsection shall be eligible to use license plates as provided in this subsection. (Code 1950, § 46-99.1; 1954, c. 60; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-104; 1980, c. 359; 1986, c. 8; 1989, cc. 338, 727; 1999, c. 292; 2000, c. 259.)
CODE: § 46.2-1054. Suspension of objects or alteration of vehicle so as to obstruct driver's view.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in the Commonwealth with any object or objects, other than a rear view mirror, sun visor, or other equipment of the motor vehicle approved by the Superintendent, suspended from any part of the motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway through the windshield, the front side windows, or the rear window, or to alter a passenger-carrying vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct the driver's view through the windshield. However, this section shall not apply (i) when the driver's clear view of the highway through the rear window is obstructed if such motor vehicle is equipped with a mirror on each side, so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle, (ii) to safety devices installed on the windshields of vehicles owned by private waste haulers or local governments and used to transport solid waste, or (iii) to bicycle racks installed on the front of any bus operated by any city, county, transit authority, or transit or transportation district. (1960, c. 122, § 46.1-291.1; 1972, cc. 8, 844; 1987, c. 135; 1989, c. 727; 2003, c. 273.)
A Concerned Car Enthusiast, Ron Lacasse