SEMA Action Network Posted July 25, 2007 Share Posted July 25, 2007 Driving Force - August 2007(To view the newsletter as it was printed visit www.semasan.com)Walkin' on SunshineFlorida Governor Signs SEMA Street-Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill Into LawFlorida joined the growing list of states to enact SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles. The bill was approved by the Florida State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist.Under the new law, a street rod is defined as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Importantly, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. Florida joins Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington as states that have enacted similar bills into law.The new law is the product of months of consultation with state legislators, regulators and the local hobbyist and business community. Florida State Senator Bill Posey, the Senate bill's sponsor, remarked, "It was a pleasure to work with Steve McDonald and his staff at SEMA, and I am delighted to know that motorsports enthusiasts have people like them on their side. We've managed to craft and pass a piece of legislation that inserts common sense into titling and registration for customs and street rods to the benefit of the hobbyist community statewide."House sponsor State Representative Pat Patterson commented, "From day one I have been amazed at the number of people participating in this hobby. Nearly every day I've had someone stop me and thank me because they found out I was sponsoring this legislation. It's been a great pleasure to support an industry that I know plays such an important role in Florida's economy."The new law allows for the use of non-original materials, provides for special license plates and permits the use of blue-dot taillights. In addition, the measure exempts street rods and customs from a range of standard equipment requirements and emissions controls (only that equipment required in the model year that the vehicle resembles). Vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may only be used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, etc. and not for general daily transportation. "The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist cars," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "For many vehicle enthusiasts in Florida and throughout America, building, maintaining and enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime. This law represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and to protect it for future generations." "Backed by the hard work and perseverance of Senator Posey and Representative Patterson, we are extremely gratified that Florida has joined the list of states that recognize street rods and customs as distinct classes of vehicles," McDonald added. "The new law offers the benefit of also including qualifying replicas and kit cars in these specialty-vehicle titling and registration classifications."Summary of SEMA-Model Street-Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill • Defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom vehicle as an altered vehicle manufactured after 1948.• Provides specific registration classes and license plates for street rods and custom vehicles.• Provides that replica vehicles and kit cars will be assigned the same model-year designations as the production vehicles they most closely resemble and allows the use of non-original materials.• Exempts street rods and custom vehicles from periodic vehicle inspections and emissions inspections.• Provides that vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may only be used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, etc. and not for general daily transportation.• Exempts street rods and custom vehicles from a range of standard equipment requirements.• Allows the use of blue-dot taillights on street rods and custom vehicles.=====Legislative Quick HitsArizona New Car Exemption: SAN-supported legislation that would, among other things, allow the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to adopt rules exempting new vehicles from the emissions-inspection program was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Janet Napolitano. If adopted by the DEQ, the emissions exemption would apply to new vehicles for the period before the sixth registration year after the initial purchase or lease. Connecticut Composite Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation to exempt composite vehicles from emissions inspections was signed into law by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell. Under current Connecticut law, composite vehicles are those constructed from the component parts of two or more motor vehicles of a different model year or vehicle type. Special thanks to The Connecticut Council of Car Clubs and numerous replica owners in Connecticut for their help in enacting this measure.Connecticut Tire Efficiency: The SAN defeated legislation that would have required the development of a statewide program to mandate that replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks be as energy efficient as tires sold as original equipment. While the bill contained a SEMA-drafted exemption for some hobbyist tires, including limited-production and off-road tires, SEMA recommended that the bill be rejected since the replacement-tire efficiency program conflicts with federal law by regulating fuel economy, imposes substantial redesign costs on tire manufacturers, competes with federal consumer information requirements and essentially sets a 50-state standard.Delaware Street Rods: SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods was introduced in Delaware. Under the bill, a street rod is defined as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949. Importantly, replica street rods would be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.Minnesota Land Use: Working with state off-road enthusiasts, the SAN helped defeat a bill that sought to restrict modified 4x4 trucks to minimally maintained roads and to the area specifically designated for their use. The legislation defined 4x4 trucks as four-wheeled motor vehicles manufactured to operate on public roads and subsequently modified with special tires, suspension or other equipment.New York Grille Guards: The SAN again defeated legislation to prohibit the use of grille guards attached to a motor vehicle's chassis in New York. The measure relied on unsubstantiated claims that grille guards create the potential of greater harm to other vehicles in the event of a collision and obstruct airbag sensors, rendering the airbags useless in an accident. The bill sought to require owners of vehicles currently equipped with grille guards (including those purchased with this equipment from a dealership) to remove these guards.New York Spinners: The SAN again defeated legislation to prohibit the operation of motor vehicles equipped with spinner hubcaps in New York. The bill would have subjected vehicle owners to fines of up to $750 for a third or subsequent violation. The measure also ignored the fact that custom wheels are not prohibited by federal law; manufacturers are required to notify the federal government of a safety problem or defect related to motor-vehicle equipment within five days of becoming aware of such issue; and spinner hubcaps have no proven detrimental effect on motor-vehicle safety. New York Tires: The SAN defeated two pieces of New York legislation dealing with tires. The first would have required all motor-vehicle tires, except those intended for vehicles over 10,000 pounds, to carry a date of manufacture molded on both sides. SEMA opposed the bill because the date of a tire's manufacture is already on the sidewall as part of the Tire Identification Number, and because no scientific data exists on when tires are "too old" for use. SEMA also defeated legislation that sought to require the development of a statewide program to mandate that replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks be as energy efficient as tires sold as original equipment. As in Connecticut, the bill contained a SEMA-drafted exemption for some hobbyist tires, including limited-production and off-road tires. Pennsylvania Emissions Exemption: The SAN is supporting a bill to exempt vehicles driven less than 5,000 miles in the previous 12 months from emissions inspections. Under the measure, the vehicle must have been owned by one individual for at least one year. Texas Emissions Exemption: SAN-opposed legislation that would have repealed the state's 25-year rolling emissions exemption was defeated in the conference committee. The defeated Senate amendment would have repealed the exemption and replaced it with a provision requiring all vehicles '80 and newer to be tested for the remainder of the vehicle's life.=====Caucus CornerEach month Driving Force will feature members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.Here are its newest members:ArkansasRepresentative Mark MartinCaliforniaAssemblymember Nicole Parra IllinoisRepresentative Robert PritchardRepresentative Jim SaciaNew YorkAssemblymember Steve EnglebrightAssemblymember Ginny FieldsAssemblymember Dennis Gabryszak=====Hey, That's My Car!Phabulous Phaeton1928 Ford Model A PhaetonOwner: John LaVoyRocklin, CaliforniaThere has always been a place in my heart for the Ford Phaeton, so in 1965 I searched and found a '28 convertible in Northern California. This was my second Model A Ford, and I can happily say that the majority of the restoration work was completed by me in my garage. Some of my good friends helped straighten out the bodywork and paint along the way. We finished it by the Memorial Day weekend in 1966 to drive it to the Model A Ford Club of America National Convention in New Mexico.Since the work done 40 years ago, the car only needed a repaint and is now on its third engine replacement. The odometer was swapped out a few times, as they tend to fail a lot. I also have the car set up to be comfortable on the road, but it still runs on the original Model A four-cylinder engine, transmission and rear end. Some other work I did to it was adding an overdrive and a high-compression head, as well as switching the whole electrical system.The Phaeton was more than just eye candy at shows and events; it was the hallmark piece of my wedding in 1969, and with some persuasion, at my daughter's in 1993. It's also been all around the western United States, and most recently it's been on the winding roads of Yosemite National Park. Down the road, I see my Model A and I having many more memories to come, as well as some more broken odometers. SPECSUNDER THE HOOD: Original Flathead four with a Weber Downdraft Carburetor and a high-compression head.OUTSIDE: Original paint color and stock 21-inch wheels. Also equipped with an overdrive and hydraulic brakes.INSIDE: Auto Meter gauges====You've Got Mail!E-Mail Action Alerts Send Up-to-Date News to Your InboxWe here at the SAN appreciate everything that you, the enthusiasts, do to stay informed about the laws that affect the auto hobby. To ensure a continuous flow of information, we are asking all SAN members who have e-mail addresses but are not currently receiving any e-mails from us to update their information by e-mailing Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.Any time there is legislation in your state that affects the hobby, the SAN will send an e-mail letting you know how the bill impacts you, what action to take and who to contact. These action alerts provide the most up-to-date information on the legislation in which you are the most concerned. Rest assured that any information you provide will not be sold or distributed to anyone. We simply want to provide you with the best information available in order to protect your interests as a hobbyist.=====Club SpotlightCamaros for a CauseFounded in 1979, the East Coast Camaro Club has dedicated itself to charity and the love of the Camaro. Membership, however, is not just exclusive to Camaro owners, as some of the 100 members drive Chevelles, Cadillacs and Firebirds. The club's reach extends throughout the New England region and even as far as Indiana and Florida. One of the club's primary goals is not only winning trophies, but also promoting a sense of community among its members. Many times some of the younger children will help out at events, as there is always something for everyone. Each year, the club participates in numerous cruise nights and shows in association with several other car clubs. The East Coast Camaro Club also lends a hand to the folks at Cruisin' New England magazine with several of their events in the region. Through these events, the club has been able to contribute funds towards various charities, and over the years the members have raised more than $100,000 for local and national organizations, such as Children's Hospital, St. Jude's Hospital and the American Red Cross. Proceeds from the annual September All Vehicle Show are donated to the club's main charity, the Merrimack Valley Hospice. With the help of local radio stations, the 2006 show in Nashua, New Hampshire, successfully raised over $7,000. This year, the show will take place on September 9 at the New Hampshire Community Technical College in Nashua, and again with the help of local radio, the show will be bigger and better than last year's, with over 40 trophy classes, prizes, giveaways and something for everyone.For more details on the All Vehicle Show in September or the East Coast Camaro Club, visit the club's website at www.eastcoastcamaroclub.com.=====August 2007 SAN Club EventsALASKAAugust 11, PalmerHot Summer NightsSponsor: Valley Cruzers of AlaskaInformation: http://valleycruzers.tripod.com/ARIZONAAugust 4-5, Watson Lake ParkCar Show and Swap MeetSponsor: Prescott Antique Auto ClubInformation: 928/778-5386CALIFORNIAAugust 18, Long Beach Veterans StadiumThe 1957 Golden Anniversary ShowSponsor: L.A. Classic Chevy ClubInformation: www.laccc.comAugust 18, Atascadero18th Annual Atascadero Car & Truck ShowSponsor: Mid-State Cruizers Car-Truck ClubInformation: www.midstatecruizers.org or 805/461-1282August 19, Tustin9th Annual Classic Car ShowSponsor: Charioteers of TustinInformation: 714/633-7568August 24-26, Pleasanton21st West Coast NationalsSponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom AssociationInformation: www.good-guys.comAugust 25-26, Eureka19th Annual Dodge Charger MeetInformation: www.dodgechargerregistry.comILLINOISAugust 23-25, MolineAACA Central Fall MeetSponsor: AACA Mississippi Valley RegionInformation: www.aaca.orgAugust 24-26, SpringfieldHot Rod Super NationalsSponsor: Family EventsInformation: www.familyevents.comAugust 25-26, Joliet2nd Chrysler Classic at Route 66Information: www.ccevents.comINDIANAAugust 17-19, Indianapolis14th Annual Import and Truck BashSponsor: Family EventsInformation: www.familyevents.comIOWAAugust 4, EsthervilleAnnual Sweetcorn Daze Car ShowSponsor: Black Knights Car ClubInformation: mdomek@netins.netAugust 26, Des MoinesAnnual Cruise to Carousel Car ShowSponsor: Rollin RelicsInformation: 515/223-6037KANSASAugust 31-September 2, Kansas City6th Mid-Western NationalsSponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom AssociationInformation: www.good-guys.comKENTUCKYAugust 2-5, LouisvilleStreet Rod NationalsSponsor: NSRAInformation: www.nsra-usa.comAugust 30-September 1, Bowling Green13th Anniversary Corvette CelebrationSponsor: National Corvette MuseumInformation: www.corvettemuseum.comMASSACHUSETTSAugust 19, Medway16th Annual Car ShowSponsor: Mass CruisersInformation: www.masscruisers.comMICHIGANAugust 9-11, DetroitThe '75's 50th Anniversary CelebrationInformation: www.deuce75.comAugust 18, BirminghamWoodward Dream CruiseInformation: www.woodwarddreamcruise.comMINNESOTAAugust 3-5, Cannon FallsAnnual Cannon Cruisin' Days Car ShowSponsor: Cannon Cruisers Car ClubInformation: 507/263-4715August 5, Parkers PrairieClassic Vehicle ShowSponsor: Parkers Prairie Lions ClubInformation: 218/943-1931August 5, Plymouth21st Annual Muscle Car Classic XXISponsor: Land of Lakes GTO ClubInformation: 952/888-9800August 11, BuffaloAnnual Antique Car RunSponsor: Wright County Car ClubInformation: 320/286-5606August 12, PlymouthFord All Makes Car ShowSponsor: Minnesota Street Machines AssociationInformation: 763/315-4450August 19, St. Cloud32nd Annual Show and SwapSponsor: St. Cloud Antique Auto ClubInformation: 320/393-2741August 25, WoodburyWoodbury Days Car ShowSponsor: 3M Club Rod & Custom Car ClubInformation: 651/714-5067August 25, StaplesAnnual Car ShowSponsor: Still Cruisin' Car ClubInformation: www.stillcruisincarclub.comMONTANAAugust 2-5, West YellowstoneYellowstone Rod Run 2007Information: 406/646-9759NEW HAMPSHIREAugust 26, EppingDrag-N in the '50sSponsor: Massachusetts Street Rod AssociationInformation: www.newenglanddragway.comOHIOAugust 5, CrotonHartford Fair Car ShowSponsor: Let's Go Cruisin'Information: 614/562-3762August 10-12, Columbus27th Annual Mopar NationalsInformation: www.moparnats.orgPENNSYLVANIAAugust 3-5, CarlisleAll Truck NationalsSponsor: Carlisle EventsInformation: www.carsatcarlisle.comAugust 5, DonoraDonora 2nd Annual CruiseSponsor: Vintage Tin of Western PennsylvaniaInformation: 724/350-5611August 12, HarrisburgAntique and Classic Car ShowSponsor: Tall Cedars Special Interest Auto UnitInformation: 717/469-0065August 19, Cecil15th Annual Car ShowSponsor: Vintage Tin of Western PennsylvaniaInformation: 412/279-2613August 24-26, CarlisleCorvettes at CarlisleSponsor: Carlisle EventsInformation: www.carsatcarlisle.comUTAHAugust 4, Harrisville11th Annual Car ShowInformation: 801/430-0511August 11, LaytonStars of the Past Car ShowSponsor: Wasatch Rods & CustomsInformation: 801/774-8607August 18, Midvale CityCharity Car ShowSponsor: Kruisers for KidsInformation: 801/269-8029VERMONTAugust 2-4, BenningtonMG's in BenningtonSponsor: CT MG ClubInformation: mgadavid@yahoo.comAugust 4-5, Essex Junction4-Wheel Jamboree NationalsSponsor: Family EventsInformation: www.familyevents.comVIRGINIAAugust 24-26, RichmondRichmond NationalsSponsor: NSRAInformation: www.nsra-usa.comWASHINGTONAugust 17-19, Spokane6th Great Northwest NationalsSponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom AssociationInformation: www.good-guys.comAugust 24-25, Deming4th Corner Elites Summer Fun RunSponsor: Whatcom County Studebaker Drivers' ClubInformation: 360/380-2733WISCONSINAugust 4, Green BayDenil-Wall Car ShowSponsor: Oldsmobile Club of WisconsinInformation: 920/465-1502August 17-19, Madison18th Great Lakes NationalsSponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom AssociationInformation: www.good-guys.comAugust 23-26, MilwaukeeNational MeetSponsor: Superbird Auto ClubInformation: www.mopowerstyle.netWYOMINGAugust 4, EvanstonEvanston 12th Annual Charity Rod RunInformation: 307/679-1957Check out these early September 2007 eventsKENTUCKYAugust 30-September 1, Bowling Green13th Annual Corvette CelebrationSponsor: National Corvette MuseumInformation: www.corvettemuseum.comMINNESOTASeptember 3, HugoAnnual Labor Day Car ShowSponsor: North Star Chapter Studebaker Drivers ClubInformation: www.northstarwheel.com=====NEWLY INTRODUCED LEGISLATIONNote: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:EMISSIONSNew Jersey AB 9003: Enacts the Clean Vehicle Incentive Program act to establish a clean-vehicle rebate for eligible new vehicles.New Jersey SB 2774: Requires a global-warming index label to be placed on new motor vehicles beginning in the 2009 model year.New Jersey SR 114: Urges Congress to reject draft legislation blocking the ability of states to regulate greenhouse gases.HYBRIDSNew York AB 9051: Extends the tax credit allowed for clean-fuel vehicles and clean- fuel-vehicle refueling property.RACINGNew Jersey AB 4353/SB 2842: Upgrades penalties for drag racing on a public highway by making it punishable by up to a year imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 180 days during which time offender would be ineligible for parole. The bill also increases the fines imposed to between $500-$1,000 for a first offense and to between $1,000-$2,000 for a second or subsequent offense.TINTINGPennsylvania HB 1516: Prohibits selling or transferring a motor vehicle if the vehicle is equipped with tinting or screening that prevents a person from seeing inside the vehicle through the windshield, side wing or side window.TIRESDelaware HB 263: Clarifies that only new tires, not used or remanufactured, are subject to the $2 fee imposed on the sale of tires.=====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 you're 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 what's 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.You can send correspondence to Attn: Jason Tolleson, SEMA, 1317 F St. NW, Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20004-1105 or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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