Driving Force - August 2007

(To view the newsletter as it was printed visit http://www.semasan.com)

Walkin' on Sunshine
Florida Governor Signs SEMA Street-Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill Into Law

Florida 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.

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Legislative Quick Hits

Arizona 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.

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Caucus Corner

Each 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:

Arkansas
Representative Mark Martin

California
Assemblymember Nicole Parra

Illinois
Representative Robert Pritchard
Representative Jim Sacia

New York
Assemblymember Steve Englebright
Assemblymember Ginny Fields
Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak


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Hey, That's My Car!

Phabulous Phaeton

1928 Ford Model A Phaeton
Owner: John LaVoy
Rocklin, California

There 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.

SPECS
UNDER 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

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You've Got Mail!
E-Mail Action Alerts Send Up-to-Date News to Your Inbox

We 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.

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Club Spotlight

Camaros for a Cause

Founded 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 http://www.eastcoastcamaroclub.com.

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August 2007 SAN Club Events


ALASKA
August 11, Palmer
Hot Summer Nights
Sponsor: Valley Cruzers of Alaska
Information: http://valleycruzers.tripod.com/

ARIZONA
August 4-5, Watson Lake Park
Car Show and Swap Meet
Sponsor: Prescott Antique Auto Club
Information: 928/778-5386

CALIFORNIA
August 18, Long Beach Veterans Stadium
The 1957 Golden Anniversary Show
Sponsor: L.A. Classic Chevy Club
Information: http://www.laccc.com

August 18, Atascadero
18th Annual Atascadero Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Mid-State Cruizers Car-Truck Club
Information: http://www.midstatecruizers.org or 805/461-1282

August 19, Tustin
9th Annual Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Charioteers of Tustin
Information: 714/633-7568

August 24-26, Pleasanton
21st West Coast Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: http://www.good-guys.com

August 25-26, Eureka
19th Annual Dodge Charger Meet
Information: http://www.dodgechargerregistry.com

ILLINOIS
August 23-25, Moline
AACA Central Fall Meet
Sponsor: AACA Mississippi Valley Region
Information: http://www.aaca.org

August 24-26, Springfield
Hot Rod Super Nationals
Sponsor: Family Events
Information: http://www.familyevents.com

August 25-26, Joliet
2nd Chrysler Classic at Route 66
Information: http://www.ccevents.com

INDIANA
August 17-19, Indianapolis
14th Annual Import and Truck Bash
Sponsor: Family Events
Information: http://www.familyevents.com

IOWA
August 4, Estherville
Annual Sweetcorn Daze Car Show
Sponsor: Black Knights Car Club
Information: mdomek@netins.net

August 26, Des Moines
Annual Cruise to Carousel Car Show
Sponsor: Rollin Relics
Information: 515/223-6037

KANSAS
August 31-September 2, Kansas City
6th Mid-Western Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: http://www.good-guys.com

KENTUCKY
August 2-5, Louisville
Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: NSRA
Information: http://www.nsra-usa.com

August 30-September 1, Bowling Green
13th Anniversary Corvette Celebration
Sponsor: National Corvette Museum
Information: http://www.corvettemuseum.com

MASSACHUSETTS
August 19, Medway
16th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Mass Cruisers
Information: http://www.masscruisers.com

MICHIGAN
August 9-11, Detroit
The '75's 50th Anniversary Celebration
Information: http://www.deuce75.com

August 18, Birmingham
Woodward Dream Cruise
Information: http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com

MINNESOTA
August 3-5, Cannon Falls
Annual Cannon Cruisin' Days Car Show
Sponsor: Cannon Cruisers Car Club
Information: 507/263-4715

August 5, Parkers Prairie
Classic Vehicle Show
Sponsor: Parkers Prairie Lions Club
Information: 218/943-1931

August 5, Plymouth
21st Annual Muscle Car Classic XXI
Sponsor: Land of Lakes GTO Club
Information: 952/888-9800

August 11, Buffalo
Annual Antique Car Run
Sponsor: Wright County Car Club
Information: 320/286-5606

August 12, Plymouth
Ford All Makes Car Show
Sponsor: Minnesota Street Machines Association
Information: 763/315-4450

August 19, St. Cloud
32nd Annual Show and Swap
Sponsor: St. Cloud Antique Auto Club
Information: 320/393-2741

August 25, Woodbury
Woodbury Days Car Show
Sponsor: 3M Club Rod & Custom Car Club
Information: 651/714-5067

August 25, Staples
Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Still Cruisin' Car Club
Information: http://www.stillcruisincarclub.com

MONTANA
August 2-5, West Yellowstone
Yellowstone Rod Run 2007
Information: 406/646-9759

NEW HAMPSHIRE
August 26, Epping
Drag-N in the '50s
Sponsor: Massachusetts Street Rod Association
Information: http://www.newenglanddragway.com

OHIO
August 5, Croton
Hartford Fair Car Show
Sponsor: Let's Go Cruisin'
Information: 614/562-3762

August 10-12, Columbus
27th Annual Mopar Nationals
Information: http://www.moparnats.org

PENNSYLVANIA
August 3-5, Carlisle
All Truck Nationals
Sponsor: Carlisle Events
Information: http://www.carsatcarlisle.com

August 5, Donora
Donora 2nd Annual Cruise
Sponsor: Vintage Tin of Western Pennsylvania
Information: 724/350-5611

August 12, Harrisburg
Antique and Classic Car Show
Sponsor: Tall Cedars Special Interest Auto Unit
Information: 717/469-0065

August 19, Cecil
15th Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Vintage Tin of Western Pennsylvania
Information: 412/279-2613

August 24-26, Carlisle
Corvettes at Carlisle
Sponsor: Carlisle Events
Information: http://www.carsatcarlisle.com

UTAH
August 4, Harrisville
11th Annual Car Show
Information: 801/430-0511

August 11, Layton
Stars of the Past Car Show
Sponsor: Wasatch Rods & Customs
Information: 801/774-8607

August 18, Midvale City
Charity Car Show
Sponsor: Kruisers for Kids
Information: 801/269-8029

VERMONT
August 2-4, Bennington
MG's in Bennington
Sponsor: CT MG Club
Information: mgadavid@yahoo.com

August 4-5, Essex Junction
4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals
Sponsor: Family Events
Information: http://www.familyevents.com

VIRGINIA
August 24-26, Richmond
Richmond Nationals
Sponsor: NSRA
Information: http://www.nsra-usa.com

WASHINGTON
August 17-19, Spokane
6th Great Northwest Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: http://www.good-guys.com

August 24-25, Deming
4th Corner Elites Summer Fun Run
Sponsor: Whatcom County Studebaker Drivers' Club
Information: 360/380-2733

WISCONSIN
August 4, Green Bay
Denil-Wall Car Show
Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin
Information: 920/465-1502

August 17-19, Madison
18th Great Lakes Nationals
Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
Information: http://www.good-guys.com

August 23-26, Milwaukee
National Meet
Sponsor: Superbird Auto Club
Information: http://www.mopowerstyle.net

WYOMING
August 4, Evanston
Evanston 12th Annual Charity Rod Run
Information: 307/679-1957

Check out these early September 2007 events

KENTUCKY
August 30-September 1, Bowling Green
13th Annual Corvette Celebration
Sponsor: National Corvette Museum
Information: http://www.corvettemuseum.com

MINNESOTA
September 3, Hugo
Annual Labor Day Car Show
Sponsor: North Star Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club
Information: http://www.northstarwheel.com

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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:

EMISSIONS
New 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.

HYBRIDS
New York AB 9051: Extends the tax credit allowed for clean-fuel vehicles and clean- fuel-vehicle refueling property.

RACING
New 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.

TINTING
Pennsylvania 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.

TIRES
Delaware HB 263: Clarifies that only new tires, not used or remanufactured, are subject to the $2 fee imposed on the sale of tires.

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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.
_________________________
Jason Tolleson

Director, SEMA Action Network
1317 F Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20004
202/783-6007, ext. 39
fax: 202/783-6024

For more information visit www.semasan.com