Jump to content

Driving Force (SEMA Newsletter) - June 2005


Recommended Posts

To view the newsletter as it was printed, go to http://www.semasan.com/images/pdf/DF_0506_FINAL.pdf.

We hope that the information contained in The Driving Force is useful and informative. We encourage our readers, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and car clubs to disseminate this information in newsletters and in meetings. If material from The Driving Force is used in your publications or in meetings, however, we do ask that you attribute the information to SEMA. Thank you and enjoy!

Copyright 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association, Inc. (SEMA)

Montana Governor Signs Street Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill Into Law

Massachusetts and Maine next to consider pro-hobby legislation

Enthusiasts in "Big Sky Country" scored a major victory as SEMA-model legislation (S.B. 507), which creates vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and custom vehicles, was signed into law by Governor Brian Schweitzer. Montana joins Illinois, Missouri and Rhode Island as states that have enacted the bill into law.

Sponsored by State Senator John Brueggeman, the new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The measure allows for the use of non-original materials and creates titling criteria that assigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. Vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may only be used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours and similar events.

"It's been great working with SEMA and the hobbyist community in our state," said Brueggeman. "We've managed to craft and pass a piece of legislation that inserts common sense into titling and registration for customs and street rods with the added bonus of only requiring the display of one

plate."

The legislation is the product of months of consultation with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), state legislators, regulators, local police departments and the hobbyist community.

"Backed by the hard work and perseverance of Senator Brueggeman, we are extremely gratified that Montana will join the list of states that recognize street rods and customs as distinct classes of vehicles," said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "The new law offers the

benefit of also including qualifying replicas and kit cars in these specialty vehicle titling and registration classifications."

Lawmakers in New England are also looking to enact the SEMA-model legislation as two identical versions of the bill (H.B. 2156 and H.B. 2212) have been introduced in Massachusetts. In addition, officials in Maine are looking to add the custom-vehicle portion of the bill (H.B. 806) to their existing street-rod-friendly laws.

"The model bill will continue to be pursued by SEMA in states that either don't have registration classifications for these vehicles or have laws that are lacking in some way," said McDonald. "Efforts are ongoing this year to work on this initiative in these states and we hope to add others to that

list in the coming legislative sessions."

For more information on the bill or to learn how to pursue a plan to enact the model into law in a specific state, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. A copy of the model bill can also be downloaded from the SAN website at www.semasan.com.

Hot Rodders Get Ready to Hit the Road

It¹s that time of year again! So check your tires, fill the gas tank and get ready for the long haul. In its 11th year, the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour will draw enthusiasts from across the country for this pilgrimage across the heartland. Starting at Miller Park in Milwaukee, the convoy of collectibles

will travel over 1,500 miles before pulling into Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Over the seven days, participants will pass through seven states, stop at venues in seven cities, and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) will be there covering every mile of it.

Whether you're a long hauler or are just planning to attend one of the stops along the way, be sure to stop by the SAN RV and meet with Jason Tolleson, director of the SAN. Bring your fellow car guys and gals and have them join this nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, enthusiasts and members of the specialty automotive parts industry who have joined together to oppose harmful legislative initiatives and promote hobby-friendly legislation. The more people that get involved, the more we can all stand up to protect our hobby.

For daily updates, pictures and a diary from the road, check out the SAN website at www.semasan.com.

2005 Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour

June 4 - Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 5 - Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Illinois

June 6 - Indianapolis Raceway Park, Indianapolis, Indiana

June 7 - Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

June 8 - Birmingham Race Course, Birmingham, Alabama

June 9 - North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, Florida

June 10 - Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida

* For more information about the Power Tour, visit their website at www.hotrod.com/powertour.

LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS

Georgia Blue Dots: Legislation permitting the use of blue-dot taillights on antique, hobby and special-interest vehicles was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue. The new law, which contains SEMA-written provisions, allows blue light or lights of up to one inch in diameter as part of a vehicle's rear stop lamps, rear turning indicator lamps, rear hazard lamps and rear reflectors.

Illinois Blue Dots: SAN-supported legislation to allow antique vehicles to display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the vehicle's rear stop lamps was recently passed by the Illinois Legislature and has been transmitted to the governor for his approval. The measure recognizes that

blue dot taillights have no detrimental impact on safety and allows enthusiasts to modify their vehicles to recall in fine detail the glory days of the hot rod era in America.

Maine Inoperable Vehicles: Working with officials from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Municipal Association, the SAN modified legislation (L.D. 1268) that originally threatened to take away the current hobbyist exemption from the state's graveyard laws. As introduced, the bill would have required hobbyists to get business licenses and be regulated as automobile graveyards. Under the SAN amendment, hobbyists would retain the exemption but would be required to shield project cars from public view and properly handle vehicle fluids to prevent environmental contamination. The modified bill was approved by the Natural Resources

Committee.

New York Spinners: SAN-opposed legislation (S.B. 4740) that would prohibit the "sale or use" of motor vehicles equipped with spinner hubcaps has been introduced in the New York State Legislature. Under the bill, vehicle owners could be fined up to $150 for a first offense, up to $300 for a second

offense and up to $750 for a third or subsequent offense. The legislation also proposes to fine those who sell spinner hubcaps $150 for each violation. The measure ignores the fact that custom wheels are not prohibited by Federal law and that spinner hubcaps have no proven detrimental effect on motor-vehicle safety. Earlier this year, the SAN defeated similar legislation in Iowa and Virginia.

New York Registration: The New York State Legislature has introduced a bill (A.B. 7413) that would change the existing $23 annual registration fee for historic motor vehicles to a one-time $23 fee. Current law allows a vehicle to be registered as historic if it is 25 years old or older, or if the DMV

determines that the vehicle has historical, classic or exhibit value. The SAN-supported bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration.

South Carolina Property Tax: SAN-supported legislation (S.B. 776) has been introduced in the South Carolina State Legislature 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 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for consideration.

A Tale of Two Bills

Massachusetts and Pennsylvania reintroduce bills to ban aftermarket exhaust systems

They're back! For the second year in a row, lawmakers in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have introduced legislation that would restrict the sale and use of aftermarket exhaust systems. The Massachusetts bill (H.B. 2011) seeks 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." Unlike previous versions, the bill now contains language to exclude limited-use "antique motor cars." Current law defines "antique motor cars" as those vehicles over 25 years old which are used exclusively for

exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc. This provision is a clear attempt to divide the auto hobby in this state. The bill is currently before the House Transportation Committee.

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are also considering legislation (H.B. 1330) that would prohibit the sale and use of exhaust systems other than the "factory-installed muffler" or a "muffler meeting factory specifications." The bill has been referred to the House Transportation Committee. These proposals ignore the performance, durability and appearance benefits provided from these aftermarket systems without increasing emissions.

Visit www.semasan.com to view copies of the legislative action alerts, which includes the necessary contact information for enthusiasts in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to call or e-mail their state lawmakers.

Emissions Exemption Becomes Law in Arizona

Enthusiasts in Arizona scored a majority victory as legislation (H.B. 2357) which exempts qualified collectible vehicles from the state's mandatory emissions inspection and maintenance program was signed into law by Governor Janet Napolitano. Under a SEMA amendment, vehicles would have to be either at least 15 years old or of unique design, limited production and an object of curiosity. Owners would have to maintain appropriate collectible or classic automobile insurance and their vehicles would be primarily used for car club activities, exhibitions, parades, etc. and only infrequently used for other purposes. The new law must now be adopted by the U.S. EPA as part of Arizona's state implementation plan for air quality.

The SAN is indebted to the members of the Arizona Automotive Hobbyist Council whose countless phone calls, e-mails and visits to the state house in Phoenix played an essential role in getting this bill signed into law.

On The Road Again

We invite you to stop by and meet with Jason Tolleson, director of the SEMA

Action Network, at these events in June:

June 4-10

Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour

Information: www.hotrod.com

June 17-19

Third Annual Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Information: www.nhra.com

OFF-ROAD NEWS

Court Ruling Requires That Environmental Groups Must Prove Harm to Species

In a closely watched land issue case in Idaho, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that plaintiffs seeking injunctions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) must present actual evidence that a species is likely to be harmed. The court indicated that the lack of evidence of past harm to a

species is indicative of the likelihood of future harm. This is an important victory for off-road enthusiasts in countering ongoing land closures. In recent years environmental groups have been able to get injunctions to ban off-road use based on mere allegations of harm to species. The case was

remanded back to a lower court to revise the type of evidence that can be included in ESA cases.

Beehive State Turns Into Off-road Battleground

Three recent announcements regarding land use in Utah continue to keep the national spotlight on this state as off-road organizations and environmental groups battle over access to these areas.

An emergency petition was filed with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to restrict off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the Factory Butte area in Central Utah. At question are 166,000 acres of land located east of the Capitol Reef National Park, of which only 3,800 acres are currently closed to OHVs. The environmental groups want nearly 50,000 acres to be closed on the premise that OHVs are crushing endangered plants and accelerating soil erosion. The petition responds to the BLM¹s preliminary proposal to close only 4,700 acres, maintain 6,000 of open unrestricted use, and permit limited use on the remaining 156,000 acres.

Congress is also getting involved in this fight as over 165 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed on to support legislation that would declare 9.5 million-acres in Utah as wilderness. However, notably absent from this list are the five members of the Utah Congressional

delegation. The "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act" has been introduced in the House every year since 1989 and in the Senate since 1997. Facing an ongoing trend of similar wilderness legislation introduced by those outside of the affected region, House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo has requested the support of the state¹s congressional delegation and local communities as a prerequisite for consideration of wilderness legislation.

Along those lines, Sen. Bob Bennett and U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, both members of the Utah delegation have agreed to introduce legislation to protect up to 43,000 acres of wilderness lands around Zion National Park and in Washington County. This is home to St. George, one of the nation¹s fastest growing metropolitan areas. The SAN will continue to track these legislative proposals and provides updates in Driving Force and on the Off-road section of the SAN website.

Hey, That's My Car!

A Girl¹s Best Friend

Owner: Cheri Embree

San Diego, CA

Twenty years ago I walked home from high school to see a beat up red Mustang in the driveway. This was a common occurrence since my Dad worked on everyone's car so I thought nothing of it. Also parked in the driveway was a beige '72 Toyota Corona, which for $550 was going to become my first car.

I walked into the house and casually asked Dad "whose Mustang is that?" His answer?³yours." My first thought was "oh crap-- I only have $350 saved up." Well, $200 to the original owner and $45 to the tow company and I was its new owner. I went out into the driveway and there was an instant bond of

girl and car. The lifelong friendship had begun.

Specs (2001 restoration): Ford 302 motor, AOD transmission, Paxton supercharger, MSD ignition, disc brakes, eclipse sound system, and fiberglass front end from '67 Shelby.

Thanks to all who have sent in or e-mailed us photos. Please continue to send us photos of your trail rides, restorations in progress, rod runs, car shows, charity events and drag races. Kindly submit pictures to: Driving Force, SEMA, 1575 South Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765. You also

may send high-resolution digital pictures (minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch; minimum 5 inches wide) by e-mail to carrw@sema.org.

Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts!

Put SAN on Your Mailing List!

We'd like to know what's going on with SEMA Action Network clubs and enthusiasts across the country; what charity events you¹re involved in; when and where the rod runs, car shows, trail rides, rallies and tech meetings are held; and what legislative and regulatory issues concern club members and individual enthusiasts.

One of the best ways to keep us abreast of what¹s going on and what's important to the vehicle hobbies nationwide is for us to receive your club newsletters and updates. Please consider placing SEMA on your mailing list. Send correspondence to: Jason Tolleson, SEMA, 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004-1105. Or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org.

We Get Letters

Dear Driving Force:

I read in the May issue about the inoperable vehicle law that was signed into law in Kentucky. As a lifelong car hobbyist, I have frequently used parts cars in undertaking restoration projects. While I agree that hobbyists should consider those around them and not turn their property into junkyards, lawmakers should also consider writing reasonable and fair legislation which allows us to work on and store these vehicles. What can I do to help pass similar laws here in Ohio?

Joe Stevens

Dayton, Ohio

Joe,

The Kentucky law was based on SEMA-model legislation that provides a statewide solution to the public-nuisance laws introduced on the municipal or county level. The legislation allows for junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, to be stored on private property as long as

they are maintained our of ordinary public view.

The first step to getting this bill enacted in Ohio, or any state for that matter, would be to contact your State Representative or State Senator and make them aware of this ongoing issue. You should also pass along to these elected officials a copy of the SEMA-model bill, which can be downloaded from our website at www.semasan.com. Once the bill is introduced, SAN members throughout the state will receive Legislative Action Alerts asking that they contact their own representatives and senators in support of this legislation.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the SAN at 202/783-6007, ext. 39 or at jasont@sema.org.

JUNE 2005 SAN CLUB EVENTS

CALIFORNIA

June 4-5, Pleasanton

12th Summer Get Together

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876

June 11, Long Beach

The O.C.T.O. Show ³2005²

Sponsor: Orange County Transporter Org.

Information: www.octo.org or 714/374-7506

June 25, Rancho Cordova

Mopar Day at the Park XII

Sponsor: Capital City Mopars

Information: www.capitalcitymopars.com or 916/455-5417

CONNECTICUT

June 5, Windsor Locks

4C¹s Auto Show and Aircraft Exhibit

Sponsor: Connecticut Council of Car Clubs

Information: www.ctccc.com or 860/623-3906

June 5, Waterford

British by the Sea, 18th Annual Gathering

Sponsor: Connecticut MG Club

Information: 860/693-4249

June 11, Middlebury

Classic Car Show

Sponsor: Blood Sweat & Gears Club

Information: www.bloodsweatandgearscar-club.com or 203/931-0886

June 26, Bridgewater

Antique and Classic Auto Show

Sponsor: Housatonic Valley Region AACA

Information: 203/775-4719

DELAWARE

June 5, Wilmington

Riverfront Camaro Show

Sponsor: Kruise Kahunaville

Information: www.kahunaville.com/events_kruise or 302/528-7731

Illinois

June 10-12, McCook

Adventure Driver Route 66

Sponsor: Route 66 Association of Illinois

Information: 815/941-3312

INDIANA

June 10-12, Indianapolis

17th Hot Rod Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838 9876

IOWA

June 5, Cedar Rapids

24th Annual Chevy and Chevy Powered Car Show

Sponsor: Hawkeye Area Classic Chevy Club

Information: www.hacc.com or 319/265-0323

KENTUCKY

June 17-19, Bowling Green

National Hot Rod Reunion

Information: 937/426-3087

MAINE

June 23-26, Fryeburg

20th Annual Rod Run

Sponsor: Rod and Kustom Kruisers of Maine

Information: 207/346-6611

MARYLAND

June 25-26, North East

18th Annual Mid-Atlantic Chevelle Show

Sponsor: Maryland Chevelle Club

Information: 301/464-7618

MASSACHUSETTS

June 4, Sandwich

15th Annual Rock and Roll Rumble

Information: 508/888-3300 x122

June 19, Holliston

³It¹s Father¹s Day - Celebrate It Your Way²

Sponsor: Dominators Hot Rod Club

Information: civilizeds@aol.com

MINNESOTA

June 5, Hibbing

11th Annual ³Blast from the Past² Car Show

Sponsor: Shifters Car Club

Information: 218/263-3534

June 17-19, St. Paul

32nd Annual Back to the 50¹s Weekend

Sponsor: Minnesota Street Rod Association

Information: 651/641-1992

MISSOURI

June 5, Warrenton

7th Annual Charity Car and Model Show

Sponsor: American Roadhouse Car Club

Information: 636/947-3989

NEBRASKA

June 5, Omaha

29th Annual Swap Meet and Car Show

Sponsor: Midwest Early Corvette Club

Information: 402/391/5270

Nevada

June 11, Reno

Classics in Paradise

Sponsor: Classic Chevys of Reno

Information: www.classicchevyclubreno.com or 775/358-5630

NEW JERSEY

June 26, Hammonton

Cruisin¹ Classics 19th Annual Auto Show

Sponsor: Cruisin¹ Classics Auto Club, FACA

Information: www.cruisinclassics.net or 609/561-2581

NEW YORK

June 11-12, Rochester

31st Annual Outdoor Car Show

Sponsor: Street Machines of Rochester

Information: www.streetmachinesof-rochester.com or 585/663-0393

June 19, Cazenovia

Eurocar 05

Sponsor: MG Club of Central New York

Information: 315/342-3234

June 26, Liverpool

Annual Car Show and Swap Meet

Sponsor: Central New York Street Rods

Information: www.cnystreetrods.org or 315/463-1730

June 26, Woodlawn

Motoring For Mercy Flight Car Show

Sponsor: Southern Tier Auto Buffs

Information: www.southerntierautobuffs.com or 716/652-8876

OHIO

June 4-5, Lancaster

42nd Annual Spring Festival

Sponsor: Lancaster Old Car Club

Information: 740/687-5507

June 11, McConnelsville

20th Annual M&M Jaycees All Open Cruise-In

Information: 740/982-4213

OREGON

June 17-19, Medford

Medford Cruise 2005

Sponsor: Medford Cruise

Information: 541/648-8527

PENNSYLVANIA

June 3-5, Carlisle

Carlisle All Ford Nationals

Information: 717/243-7855

June 11, York Springs

Antique Car and Truck Show

Sponsor: Gettysburg Region AACA

Information: 717/632-2792

June 22-24, Carlisle

Carlisle All GM Nationals

Information: 717/243-7855

June 25, Hershey

Tenth Annual Expo Car Show

Sponsor: AACA Museum

Information: 717/566-7100

June 25, Trexlertown

12th Annual Classy Cruisers Club Show Sponsor: Class Cruisers Club

Information: 610/758-9111

RHODE ISLAND

June 5, West Warwick

13th Annual Pontiac/GMC Show

Sponsor: Little Rhody Pontiac Chapter, POCI

Information: 401/647-3642

UTAH

June 10-11, Milford

Milford USA Yester-Years Car Show

Sponsor: Lions Club and Oldies Productions

Information: www.jchackett.com or 801/450-4494

VERMONT

June 5, Westminster

25th Annual Car Show and Flea Market

Sponsor: Now and Then Vehicles Club

Information: 802/257-3053

June 9-11, Manchester

Hildene Car Show Weekend

Sponsor: Conn. Valley Region AACA & VMCCA

Information: 413/783-5624

VIRGINIA

June 3-5, Yorktown

10th Annual Show Weekend

Sponsors: Grafton Dodge, Li¹l Red Express and Warlock Owners Club

Information: 757/875-5270

WASHINGTON

June 17, Tacoma

Tacoma Model T Club Car Show

Sponsor: Tacoma Model T Club

Information: 253/922-6804

WEST VIRGINIA

June 11-12, Princeton

Yesterday¹s Rides Car and Motorcycle Show

Sponsor: Yesterday¹s Rides Car Club

Information: 304/425-3100

WISCONSIN

June 12, Wauwautosa

22nd Annual Renner Oldsmobile Show

Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin

Information: 262/966-3702

June 17-19, Warrens

The Wizards of Rods 24th Annual Fun Run

Sponsor: Wizards of Rods

Information: 608/388-5582

Check out these early July 2005 events

CALIFORNIA

July 1-3, Fontana

SAAC-30

Sponsor: Shelby American Automobile Club

Information: www.saac.com

IOWA

July 1-3, Des Moines

14th Heartland Nationals

Sponsor: Goodguys

Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876

WISCONSIN

July 2, Grafton

15th Annual Rods-n-Relics Car Show

Sponsor: Rods-n-Relics Car Club

Information: www.rodsnrelics.org or 262/242-3834

Newly Introduced Legislation

Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced

and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:

ANTIQUE/HISTORICAL VEHICLES

North Carolina HB 1223: Provides a registration plate to a historic vehicle

owner free of charge if the owner is at least 65 years of age.

South Carolina HB 3882: Allows the use of year of manufacture license plates

on vehicles built from the model year 1972 or older.

EQUIPMENT

Delaware HB 128: Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle with a

television capable of receiving any visual presentation unless the monitor

is behind the driver during vehicle operation. Provides exceptions for GPS,

vehicle information displays.

New York AB 7522: Establishes the Motor Vehicle Owner¹s Right to Repair Act

of 2002 to require auto manufacturers to release vehicle repair information

to owners.

New York SB 4396: Requires that tires must have a date of manufacture molded

on both sides of tires for vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds.

Louisiana HB 767: Changes excessive noise statutes regarding vehicle sound

systems to provide for the seizure of license plates for up to 30 days on

the first offense, and up to 90 days on the second offense.

VEHICLE EMISSIONS/INSPECTIONS

Ohio SB 120: Exempts vehicles 25 years and older, historic vehicles, and

other certain vehicles from the proposed remote sensing vehicle emissions

program.

Louisiana HB 568: Removes the fees and requirements for obtaining vehicle

safety inspection certificates on motor vehicles. This bill is accompanied

by another bill (HB 553) which would increase the motor vehicle license tax

by up to $5.25. Each bill requires that the other pass in order to take

effect.

INOPERABLE VEHICLES

Wisconsin AB 240: Changes the definition of an unregistered motor vehicle

and the provisions for impounding such a vehicle so that it applies to any

motor vehicle that is located upon a highway and is not displaying valid

license plates or a temporary operation plate.

LIGHTING

Wisconsin AB 98: Requires the use of headlights under certain climatic

conditions.

VEHICLE RACING

Massachusetts HB 2249: Further regulates drag racing in the city of

Springfield by making any vehicle used in a drag race subject to forfeiture.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...