SEMA Action Network

<span style="font-weight: bold">Driving Force - March 2008</span> Click here to view the newsletter as it was printed. Lawmakers Lead the Fight in Protecting Enthusiasts' Rights Pending State Legislation Would Allow Backyard Restorations Members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus are again demonstrating their support for the hobbyist community by introducing legislation that would provide safeguards for individuals who restore or maintain inoperable vehicles on private property. Based on SEMA-model language, the legislation requires that vehicles be concealed outside of ordinary public view. Michigan State Senator Ron Jelinek, Utah State Representative Neal Hendrickson and Washington State Senator Mike Carrell have each introduced a version of the SEMA model in their respective legislatures. SEMA Action Network (SAN) members and car clubs in these states are encouraged to contact these lawmakers to provide support in these efforts. "It is vital that we rally behind these lawmakers who are working on our behalf," said SEMA Action Network Director Jason Tolleson. "They face stiff opposition from local governments, zoning boards and other municipal organizations that, in recent years, have made increasing efforts to limit hobbyist activities." In addition to several city and county proposals, state lawmakers in West Virginia have introduced legislation this year to establish restrictions on these so-called backyard restoration projects. Often, removal of these vehicles from private property is enforced through local nuisance laws with minimal or no notice to the owner. Elected officials develop these initiatives based on the notion that inoperable vehicles are eyesores that adversely affect property values or constitute health hazards. Many such laws are drafted broadly, allowing for the confiscation of vehicles being repaired or restored. For the purposes of these proposed bills, "inoperable vehicles" are most often defined as those on which the engine, wheels or other parts have been removed, altered, damaged or allowed to deteriorate so that the vehicle cannot be driven. "We believe that clear legal distinctions must be drawn between an owner using private property as a dumping ground and a vehicle enthusiast working to maintain, restore or construct a vehicle," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. The SEMA-model legislation provides such safeguards for hobbyists to work on collector vehicles on private property and establish reasonable provisions that vehicles be located out of public view. A copy of the bill can be downloaded at www.semasan.com. In working to present this issue to your elected officials, our experience indicates that it will be helpful to make the following preparations: • Build a coalition of interested clubs, businesses and local organizations. • Host positive and proactive meetings with city, county and state officials to address the issue. • Propose fair alternative language that benefits both the hobbyist and the community (e.g. screened from ordinary public view by means of a suitable fence, trees, shrubbery, etc.) • Garner support from local media. • Be persistent in your efforts. For additional assistance in pursing the SEMA model in your area, please contact the SEMA Government Affairs Office at 202/783-6007, ext. 39 or by e-mail at jasont@sema.org. ===== Legislative Quick Hits Delaware Street Rods: A version of SEMA-model legislation is moving in the Delaware House of Representatives to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for street rods. The bill defines a street rod as a '48 or older vehicle or one manufactured after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949. Under the bill, street-rod replicas will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. Hawaii "Gas Guzzlers": In a misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives 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. If this effort is successful, the effects on a consumers' ability to purchase the vehicle of choice, not to mention vehicle safety, could be impacted. Iowa Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was introduced in Iowa. The bill provides that a replica vehicle will be assigned the same model-year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. New Jersey New-Car Emissions: SAN-supported legislation reintroduced in the New Jersey State Assembly proposes to exempt newer motor vehicles from the state's mandatory emissions-inspection program. Under the measure, motor vehicles that are five model years old or less would be exempted. New Jersey Historic Vehicles: Hobby-friendly legislation that would amend the state's current law governing historic motor vehicles to permit their use for pleasure driving one day per week has been introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly. Under current New Jersey law, use of historic vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions and educational purposes by the owner. Pennsylvania "Show Car": A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for "show cars" and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was introduced and referred to the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee for consideration. The bill would permit show cars to be driven up to 5,000 miles per year and would exempt them from the state's new enhanced vehicle inspection program. Tennessee Custom Vehicles: A version of SEMA-model legislation has been reintroduced in the Tennessee State Senate to create a vehicle registration and titling classification for custom vehicles. The bill defines a custom-built car as a vehicle that is built for private use and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle it most closely resembles. Vermont Scrappage Program: A SAN-opposed bill has been introduced in the Vermont State Senate that would implement a vehicle scrappage program and finance it with a progressive purchase and use tax and higher registration fees for some new motor vehicles based on fuel-efficiency ratings. Funds collected under the program would be used to dismantle vehicles deemed by the state to be "clunkers," regardless of their historical value or collector interest. If this effort is successful, purchasing the vehicle of your choice could be significantly more costly. Further, this proposed scrappage program could deny hobbyists the availability of vintage cars and parts for restoration projects. West Virginia Inoperable Vehicles: For the third time, a bill has been introduced in the West Virginia State Legislature that would further restrict the ability of West Virginia vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The SAN-opposed measure would redefine "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 would make a violation a misdemeanor offense punishable by substantial fines, community service and jail. West Virginia Antique Vehicles: SAN is supporting legislation that would amend West Virginia's law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their use for "occasional recreational driving." Under current law, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, testing, obtaining repairs and for recreational purposes only on Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. ===== 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: Arizona Representative Tom Boone Representative Jerry Weiers For a full list of Caucus members, visit www.semasan.com. ===== Hey, That's My Car! Mild Street Machine 1969 Camaro Owner: Ken & Anita Brown LaHarpe, Illinois My wife and I bought our '69 Camaro as a birthday gift for me 11 years ago from a friend who towed it each winter from Illinois to Arizona to be his warm weather cruiser. Being a teenager in the '60s, it didn't take me very long to start making a mild street machine out of it. The car was equipped with a stock 350, bucket seats and a column shift, and it was in pretty good shape. We did a frame-on restoration and after rebuilding the engine, it was able to put out 310 horsepower at the wheels. As anyone who owns a classic musclecar knows, the fun is in the thumbs up and comments made when driving by or sitting at a cruise and park functions. The long hours of working on and maintaining this mild street machine is well worth the effort. SPECS UNDER THE HOOD: 350 small-block, HEI ignition, stock polished crank, 10:1 flat top pistons, Competition Cams 280H-10 480 lift, push rods, roller rockers, double springs, 202 valves, Edelbrock dual quad manifold, Edelbrock 500 carburetors, Holley fuel pump, Hedman Headers, Napa Advantage mufflers with 2½-inch exhaust, 1800 stall converter, 350 turbo transmission, B&M shifter, Richmond 3.55 gears OUTSIDE: LeMans blue metallic paint, Competition Engineering traction bars, Cragar 15x8 rear wheels, Cragar 14x6 front wheels, Goodyear Eagle GT11 tires INSIDE: Stock vinyl seats, Sun tach, Auto Gauge gauges ===== Canadian Update SAN Members Rally Against Leaded Fuel Ban Environment Canada Proposal Threatens Competition Motor Vehicles The Canadian Department of the Environment has issued a proposal to terminate the current exemption from environmental restrictions for leaded gasoline used in competition motor vehicles. If approved, the regulation would require a ban on vehicles using leaded fuel by January 1, 2009, resulting in the likely demise of all international drag-racing competition in Canada. "In the first call to action by the newly created SEMA Action Network-Canada, the response by enthusiasts, car clubs and businesses has been overwhelming," said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. "We are indebted to the individuals and groups who have spearheaded the efforts against this shortsighted proposal." According to government figures, competition motor vehicles use only 1.5% of all leaded gasoline consumed in Canada. The aviation industry, which owns a permanent exemption from the ban, accounts for the other 98.5%. It is also worth noting that U.S., U.K. and Australia regulators have not seen the need to enact a similar ban. Of significant concern is the negative impact a leaded fuel ban will have on local and national economies. According to data compiled by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), drag-racing competitions and related expenditures by race teams, event organizers and tourists, among others, the ban would bring with it a multimillion dollar windfall for regions hosting these events. Comments on the proposal were due to Environment Canada by February 13, 2008. Updates on this proposal will be available in future issues of Driving Force, as well as on the SAN website, www.semasan.com. ===== Club Spotlight 60 Years and Counting! In 1948, a group of students and graduates of an Indianapolis high school founded the Cluster Busters Hot Rod Club. Until recently, little was known about the original members other than their love for drag racing. By the early '50s, hot rodders had acquired a reputation as "hoodlums." The Cluster Busters wanted to change this image. They became advocates of safe driving and organized racing on the track instead of the street. With the help of a local judge, the club negotiated with the National Guard to use the Stout Field airstrip for a racing event. This resulted in the first organized drags in Indiana in the summer of 1955. The event, set-up by the Cluster Busters and sanctioned by the NHRA, was chronicled in the October 1955 issue of Hot Rod magazine. Bolstered by the success of this event, the club formed the Indianapolis Timing Association. The two organizations hosted more events at Stout Field throughout the '50s. From there, the club helped design and organize Indianapolis Raceway Park (now O'Reilly Raceway Park) in 1960. Members of the Cluster Busters formed the Indiana Street Rod Association in 1971, became affiliated with the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) in 1976 and hosted numerous custom car shows throughout the '70s and '80s. The club also continued its efforts to promote safe driving and supervised racing with an amateur drag-racing series. As the third-oldest, still active car club in the United States, the Cluster Busters will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008. Over that time, the mission has remained the same: promote safe driving and racing for all ages and present hot rodding as a safe and responsible hobby. While current members of the club are quite aware of its lengthy history and deep ties to the Indianapolis drag-racing scene, all were surprised when three of the original members showed up at the July 4th Rod Run last year. Current members were excited to meet and learn more about these original members and hoped to see them again soon. ===== 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 Arizona HB 2308/Hawaii 2178/Kentucky HB 271/West Virginia HB 4133: Allows each state to adopt emissions standards established by the state of California for new vehicles. Hybrid Vehicles/Clean Fuel Hawaii HB 2106: Creates a one-time tax credit for the purchase of a new or used hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle. The credit would be for anyone that purchased a qualified vehicle between December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2009. Oklahoma HB 2777: Extends the tax credit for the purchase of a clean-fuel vehicle until 2016. New Jersey AB 1905: Creates a 50% tax credit for the purchase of a diesel-engine conversion device that allows the vehicle to be powered on fuel other than diesel fuel. Missouri HB 1628: Changes the annual alternative-fuel fee to exempt historic vehicles. Inspection Mississippi HB 343: Repeals the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Law. Oklahoma HB 2961: Creates an inspection program for all vehicles. Exempts "ancient vehicles" from the program. Miscellaneous Hawaii SB 3133: Creates a deposit on vehicle battery and tire purchases to increase the number of products that are properly recycled. New York AB 9877: Prohibits the sale and use of any product that alerts drivers of photo enforcement equipment. Oklahoma SB 2021: Makes it illegal to emit any noise that can be heard from over 50 feet from a vehicle. Registration Idaho HB 364: Amends the salvage vehicle code to create a uniform policy regardless of vehicle age. Changes the salvage title fee to $15. Street Racing New Jersey SB 797: Raises the fine for those convicted of street racing for first-time and subsequent offenses. Fines would range from $500-$1000 for the first offense and $1,000-$2,000 for subsequent offenses. Tires Maine SB 836/Indiana HB 1243/South Dakota HB 1170: Allows for tires equipped with retractable studs to be used year-round if the studs are retracted during non-inclimate weather. ===== March 2008 SAN Club Events Alabama March 8, Birmingham Corvette & Hot Rod Car Show Sponsor: Mid Alabama Corvette Club Information: http://www.maccattack.net March 29, Maxwell Air Force Base Maxwell AFB Open Car Show Sponsor: Heart of Dixie Mustang Club Information: http://hodmc.huntingdon.edu/carshows/Maxwell_Flyer_2008.pdf or 334/233-5369 Arizona March 1, Tempe 4th Annual Catch a Wave Car Show Sponsor: Kiwanis Nuevo International Information: http://kiwanisnuevo.org or 602/284-0137 California March 1-2, San Diego Big 3 Auto Parts Exchange Information: http://www.big3partsexchange.com/ or 619/464-5445 March 15-16, Costa Mesa 2nd Orange County Get Together Information: http://www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-805 or 925/838-9876 March 16, Arcadia 2nd Annual Cal Rod Car Show Sponsor: Cal Rods San Gabriel Valley Information: http://www.calrods.com or 909/626-0300 March 29-30, Pleasanton 26th All American Get-Together Information: http://www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-801 or 925/838-9876 Florida March 1, Naples 20th Annual Antique Car Show Sponsor: Naples-Marco Island Region of AACA Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.fm?club=naplesmarcoaacaor 239/774-6993 March 2, Homosassa 24th Manatee Car & Truck Show Sponsor: Citrus County Cruisers Information: http://www.citruscountycruisers.org or 352/527-0024 March 16, Miami 22nd Annual Spring Meet Corvette Show Sponsor: Sunshine Corvette Club Information: http://www.sunshinecorvetteclub.com or 305/274-7977 March 29, Miami Downtown Miami Classic Car Show Sponsor: South Florida Region of AACA Information: http://local.aaca.org/southflorida/eventinformation.htm#Down or 786/251-4454 March 29, Pensacola 1st Annual Panhandle Cruisers National Car Show Sponsor: Panhandle Cruisers Information: http://www.panhandlecruisers.org/carshow.html or 251/946-3327 March 29, Vero Beach 31st Annual Antique Auto Show Sponsor: Indian River Region of AACA Information: http://local.aaca.org/indianriver/2008carshow.php or 722/569-4855 Idaho March 6-9, Boise 36th Annual Boise Roadster Show Information: 208/938-8986 Michigan March 7-9, Detroit 56th Annual Autorama Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/detroit.htm or 586/771-7110 Nebraska March 28-30, Omaha 53rd Annual World of Wheels Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/omaha.htm or 402/478-5277 North Carolina March 7-8, Kure Beach Back to the Beach Sponsor Sun Coast Cruisers Information: http://www.suncoastcruisers.com/back_to_the_beach_2006.htm or 910/655-1989 March 29, New Bern 22nd Annual Shine & Show Open Car & Truck Show Sponsor: Colonial Capital Rods and Classics Information: http://www.colonialcapitalrodsandclassics.com or 252/633-0527 Ohio March 14-16, Cincinnati 48th Annual Cavalcade of Customs Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/cincinnatti.htm or 859/331-7181 Oregon March 21-23, Redmond 9th Annual Central Oregon Rod & Custom Show Sponsor: Central Oregon Street Rod Association Information: http://www.centraloregoncarshow.com/index.htm or 541/317-9351 Tennessee March 29, Clarksville 2nd Annual March Madness Sponsor: Wildhorses Mustang Club Information: http://southernfordracing.com or 931/980-4453 Washington March 30, Bellingham Leprechaun Daze Show and Shine Information: 360/380-2733 Check Out These Early April 2008 Events California April 4-6, Del Mar 8th Del Mar Rod & Custom Nationals Information: http://www.good-guys.com/events/eventDetails.aspx?eventid=08-623 or 925/838-9876 Florida April 5, Crescent City Catfish Festival Car Show Sponsor: Azalea City Cruisers Information: 386-684-9309 April 5-6, Pinellas Park 19th Annual Westcoast Mopar Show Sponsor: Westcoast Mopar Club Information: http://westcoastmopar.org/AnnualShow2008.htm or 727/584-1210 Georgia April 5, Macon 12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Mustang & Ford Show Sponsor: Flag City Mustang Club Information: http://www.fcmccherryblossom.webs.com or 478/390-2986 ===== Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts: Put SAN on Your Mailing List! We like to know what's going on with SAN 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 via e-mail at jasont@sema.org. Terms under which this service is provided to you: sema.org/disclaimer SEMA's mailing address: 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Copyright 2007. Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

<span style="font-weight: bold">Driving Force - February 2008</span> Click here to view the newsletter as it was printed. <span style="font-weight: bold">SEMA Instrumental in Delivering Pro-Hobbyist EPA Autobody Paint Rule </span> <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">New Regulation Protects Hobbyists and the Environment</span></span> After incorporating several recommendations from SEMA, including an exemption for hobbyists who paint their own vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule to regulate paint-stripping, surface-coating and autobody-refinishing operations. The new regulation targets hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that the agency believes may cause cancer or other health disorders. "As this proposal was deliberated over the last two years, there was significant concerns that the regulation would have a drastic impact on the ability of individual hobbyists to purchase and use these types of paint," said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. "Through discussions with the EPA, SEMA was able to convince regulators that a rule could be produced that would develop 'best practices' for business operations while exempting hobbyists who infrequently paint their personal vehicles." As a result, the regulation does not apply to paint stripping and surface coating performed by individuals as part of a hobby or for maintenance of their personal vehicles-so long as those activities do not exceed two motor vehicles (or the equivalent in pieces) per year. Additionally, the rule does not apply to painting done with an airbrush or hand-held, non-refillable aerosol cans. The EPA rule establishes best practices (spray booth, spray gun cleaning, etc.) for minimizing HAP emissions during commercial surface-coating operations. All shops are effectively required to have a filtered spray booth or prep station and use high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) or equivalent spray equipment. Spray guns are required to be cleaned manually or with an enclosed spray-gun washer. The EPA believes many shops have already implemented these best practices. Under the new rule, owners and operators are required to provide training for their painters on how to properly spray surface coatings and clean equipment. The EPA has established minimum criteria required for in-house training, and painters would be required to complete refresher training and be re-certified every five years. Existing operations have up to three years to purchase equipment and complete the initial training of employees. As recommended by SEMA, the EPA will rely on self-certification for training programs. Nevertheless, companies subject to the rule must send the EPA a one-time notification form stating that they are in compliance with the rule or will be within the allotted three years. Companies will have two years to submit the notification form, which will contain contact information and a brief description of the operation: number of spray booths, average number of employed painters, etc. Companies will be required to maintain in-house records verifying painter training/certification, filter replacement, a plan to control paint-stripping chemicals, etc. For more information about the rule, contact Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org or by phone at 202/783-6007, ext. 39. <span style="font-weight: bold">New EPA Autobody Painting Regulation:</span> - Exempts hobbyists who paint two cars or less per year. - Business operations are required to have a spray booth, proper filters and spray gun cleaners. - EPA now requires businesses to provide initial notification to the agency on their paint operations and requires training for all employees involved in painting activities. - Businesses must maintain in-house records verifying compliance, filter replacement and plans to control hazardous air pollutants within the facility. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Legislative Quick Hits</span> New Hampshire Custom Vehicles: In January, the New Hampshire House Transportation Committee considered legislation to incorporate the custom-vehicle portion of SEMA-model legislation into the state's vehicle code. Sponsored by State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member Michael Reuschel, the bill would create a specific registration class for custom vehicles defined as "at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948, or manufactured to resemble a vehicle 25 or more years old and of a model year after 1948." The certificate of title of a custom vehicle would list the model year that the body of the vehicle resembles. In addition, customs and replicas would be exempted from a range of standard-equipment requirements (only that equipment required in the model year that the vehicle resembles). Virginia Antique Vehicles: A bill has been introduced in Virginia to delete the requirement that antique vehicle-safety certifications be formally notarized. In a law signed last year, Virginia antique-vehicle owners must certify that these vehicles meet safety-equipment requirements for the model year in which they were manufactured and are capable of being safely operated on the state's highways. Wyoming Street Rods/Custom Vehicles: SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the Wyoming Legislature. This is the same bill that was approved by the full Wyoming House of Representatives and the Senate Transportation Committee in 2007. Due to time restrictions, the bill was not considered by the full Senate. Sponsored by State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus members Stan Blake and Pat Childers, the bill 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. Under the measure, 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. A hearing date has not yet been scheduled. ==== <span style="font-weight: bold">Caucus Corner</span> 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: Michigan Representative David Agema South Dakota Senator Jim Hundstad Washington Senator Mike Carrell Visit www.semasan.com for a complete list of members. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Hey, That's My Car!</span> Junk to Jewel 1937 Ford Coupe Owner: Terry Kemp Bay City, Michigan The photo of my pre-restoration rusty '37 Ford Coupe hot rod should look familiar to the loyal readers of Driving Force. In the past it has been used for articles focusing on inoperable vehicle legislation. Well now I am excited to show off what five hard years of restoration has given me. My journey began when I found the vehicle at a neighbor's yard sale. I have always loved older cars and wanted one of my own, so when I saw it, I decided it was finally my time. While it wasn't the prettiest car around, I saw its potential. With the help of a couple of friends, I installed a 305 small-block and a 350 transmission. We also completed many projects to help bring out the true beauty of my hot rod. Some days I wondered if it was going to be completed. However, each day that I am able to take it out for a drive reminds me that it was well worth the wait. Along with spending many summer days cruising, now that I am retired, I enjoy showing off what I like to call my "junk to jewel" at car shows. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Off-Road News</span> <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">New Proposal Seeks to Add 375 Miles of OHV Trails to Plumas National Forest</span></span> The Plumas National Forest (PNF) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement associated with its Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) route designation project which designates authorized motorized trails and riding areas within the forest. Established in 1905, the Plumas National Forest occupies 1,146,000 acres in California's northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This project is part of a nation-wide U.S. Forest Service process to authorize OHV use on those existing trails, roads and areas, which will provide for a variety of recreational experiences within the national forest system. Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of motor vehicles, particularly OHVs and SUVs has increased. Nationally, the number of OHV users has increased sevenfold in the past 30 years, from approximately 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000. California is experiencing the highest level of OHV use of any state in the nation. There were 786,914 ATVs and OHV motorcycles registered in 2004, up 330% since 1980. Annual sales of ATVs and OHV motorcycles in California were the highest in the United States for the last 5 years. Four-wheel-drive vehicle sales in California also increased by 1,500% to 3,046,866 from 1989 to 2002. In addition to the existing 102 miles of motorized system trails that exist in the PNF, the draft proposal includes 375 miles of additional motorized trails-many of which were previously unauthorized, user-created trails. The proposal also includes the addition of a 36-acre open riding area and adds three existing routes to the motorized trails system in previously vehicle-restricted locations. "The efforts by Forest Service officials in the OHV route designation process for PNF serves as a model for increased collaboration between the various stakeholders in determining sustainable OHV activity within the forest," said SAN director Jason Tolleson. "While understanding the significant budgetary issues surrounding the route-designation process, other regions should look to Plumas as it factored in existing trails, appropriate user-created routes and open riding areas in its OHV plan." Following a decision on this proposal, a map will be produced identifying all roads, trails and open areas that are designated for motor-vehicle use. The map will also specify the classes of vehicles for which use is designated. Maps and tables describing in detail both the PNF transportation system and the proposed action can found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/projects_and_plans/ohv_route_designation/. Submit comments regarding the proposal by March 3, 2008. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Help Spread the Word!</span> Does your club host an annual car show? Do you want to help get others involved in working to protect this hobby? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, then you can help by letting your fellow enthusiasts know about the SEMA Action Network (SAN) and include information about SAN in your show goodie bags. The SAN has produced a brochure which provides valuable information on some of the ongoing opportunities and threats that the auto hobby faces. The brochure also highlights the importance of developing an ongoing positive relationship with your state and local officials. It's quite simple. The more people that get their hands on this information and the more people that actively participate, the more successful we will be in protecting this hobby. For more information, or to request brochures for your club's upcoming show, please contact Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org or by phone at 202/783-6007, ext. 39. * Please contact the SAN at least six weeks prior to the show to ensure timely delivery of the brochures. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Club Spotlight <span style="font-style: italic">Your Club Here!</span></span> As car clubs across the country are gearing up for the upcoming car show season, we here at Driving Force want to hear about the various community activities, charitable events and other worthwhile programs that have the support of your club. Each month in Driving Force we use this column to spotlight these activities. We include these features to not only spotlight the clubs, but to share with others, particularly legislators and regulators, who read Driving Force that this hobby is far more than a bunch of cars filling up a parking lot for a cruise night. We are active members of the community who care and seek to contribute to various causes whenever possible. Please send your club spotlights, photos and other information to Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">Newly Introduced Legislation</span> Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures: Antique/Custom Vehicles Georgia HB 931: Changes the year in which an authentic historical Georgia license plate can be used from pre-'70 to 30 years old or older. Nebraska LB 941: Allows historic vehicles to use a license plate from the year in which it was manufactured. This does not apply to specialty or personalized license plates. New Jersey AB 1495: Changes the definition of occasional travel for an antique vehicle to mean driving it not more than once a week, other than exhibition and educational purposes. West Virginia HB 2881: Would permit recreational driving but does not allow for daily transportation. Vermont HB 613: Permits qualifying antique vehicles to use a license plate issued for the same year the vehicle was manufactured. Clean Fuel/Hybrid Vehicles Kentucky HB 214: Creates a tax credit for the installation of a diesel-engine conversion kit that allows a vehicle to run on vegetable oil. Missouri SB 749: Creates tax incentives for those who purchase E-85 conversion kits or qualified hybrid vehicles. Utah HB 106: Provides a tax credit for the purchase of new vehicles that meet air-quality and fuel-economy standards. Exempts vehicles that use clean fuel from the special-fuel tax. Emissions/Inspections Maine HB 1498: Changes annual vehicle inspection to a biennial vehicle inspection. Mississippi SB 2009: Would repeal the Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Law for the state of Mississippi. Missouri HB 1486: Allows vehicles newer than six years old to be exempted from biennial vehicle inspections after its initial inspection for registration. Missouri HB 1564: Removes the requirement of an inspection for vehicles registered in the state of Missouri except for vehicles used to transport children to and from school. Missouri SB 731: Allows a used vehicle that has been registered for only one year, which is out of sync with Missouri's biennial registration program, to skip the vehicle's first renewal inspection. New Jersey AB 1332: Exempts vehicles five years old or less from state vehicle inspections. Virginia SB 526: Changes annual vehicle inspection to a biennial inspection. Raises the cost of inspection from $16 to $20. Miscellaneous Indiana HB 1324/Kentucky SB 34/New Jersey AB 1572/West Virginia SB 75: Requires the presence of an event data recorder to be disclosed to an owner of a vehicle. Establishes how data can be retrieved from the recorder. New Jersey AB 1318: Requires vehicles manufactured after a set date to be equipped with a rear high-mounted stop lamp. South Carolina SB 929: Prohibits any musical or artificial sound from being heard outside of a motor vehicle, in public streets or around residential housing. Tennessee SB 2597: Requires a junk dealer or scrap-metal processor to confirm and maintain copies of vehicle titles to verify proper ownership upon purchasing the vehicle. Registration Indiana SB 81: Makes changes regarding the transfer of vehicles after a death. Provides additional time after a death to file necessary paperwork for vehicle transfers. Vermont SB 316: Changes the vehicle registration so that it is based on the EPA mpg rating of the vehicle. Creates a program to remove "clunker" vehicles from Vermont roads. Virginia HB 52: Removes the requirement of a notarized certificate verifying that the vehicle complies with safety standards of the model year when applying for an antique motor-vehicle registration. Virginia HB 756: Allows registration fees for vehicles equipped to accommodate those with disabilities to use the weight of the vehicle minus the weight of the special equipment. Street Racing New Jersey AB 908: Raises the fines for anyone associated with drag racing on public streets. Also makes the offense punishable with jail, for a minimum of 180 days up to 1 year without parole. ===== <span style="font-weight: bold">February 2008 SAN Club Events</span> Arizona February 23, Scottsdale 21st Annual All Oldsmobile Show Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Arizona Information: http://www.azoldsclub.com/ or 480/998-1449 California February 8-10, Sacramento Sacramento Autorama Information: http://www.hotrodshows.com/sac.html or 916/263-3000 Connecticut February 8-10, Hartford The Show of Dreams Information: www.fmautoshow.com or 860/347-3625 Florida February 16, Ft. Myers Edison -Ford 17th Annual Meet Sponsor: Early Ford V8 Club Information: 941/637-1813 Indiana February 8-10, Indianapolis 48th Annual AutoRama Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/indianapolis.htm or 214/890-2926 Missouri February 15-17, Kansas City 48th Annual World of Wheels Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/kansascity.htm or 816/415-2170 New Mexico February 1-3, Albuquerque 2008 Super Nationals Information: www.thesupernationals.com North Carolina February 1-2, Greensboro 6th Annual Shriners Drag Racing & Hot Rod Expo Information: www.raceworks.com or 336/697-0479 Oregon February 15-17, Portland Portland Rod & Custom Show Information: http://www.hotrodshows.com/prcs.html Pennsylvania February 22-24, Pittsburgh 47th Annual World of Wheels Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/pittsburgh.htm or 412/487-8348 Texas February 15-17, Dallas 48th Annual AutoRama Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/dallas.htm or 214/890-2926 February 29-March 2, Fort Worth 34th Annual Fort Worth Rod & Custom Car Show Information: http://www.txshowcar.com/index.html or 972/226-1315 Utah February 29-March 2, Salt Lake City 34th Annual AutoRama Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/saltlake.htm or 801/774-8015 Washington February 9-10, Puyallup 34th Annual Corvette and High Performance Meet Information: http://www.corvhp.com/chpmeet-old.htm or 360/786-8844 Alberta, Canada February 22-24, Calgary 42 Annual World of Wheels Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/calgary.htm or 403/313-1260 Check Out These Early March 2008 Events Arizona March 1, Tempe 4th Annual Catch a Wave Car Show Sponsor: Kiwanis Nuevo International Information: http://kiwanisnuevo.org/or 602/284-0137 Florida March 1, Naples 20th Annual Naples Depot Antique Auto Show Sponsor: Naples/Marco Island Chapter of A.A.C.A Information: 239/744-6993 or 239/597-4822 March 2, Homosassa 24th Manatee Car & Truck Show Sponsor: Citrus County Cruisers Information: http://www.citruscountycruisers.org/ or 352/527-0024 March 2, Sarasota Buick and Old Car Bash Sponsor: Gulf Coast Chapter of BCA & Sunset Buick Information: 727/544-4137 or 941/927-3588 ==== <span style="font-weight: bold">Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts: <span style="font-style: italic">Put SAN on Your Mailing List!</span></span> 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.

“It Was a Very Good Year” Efforts By SAN Members Score Legislative Victories Across the Country in 2007 The cooperative efforts of both automotive hobbyists and members of the specialty-equipment industry who participate in the SEMA Action Network (SAN) continue to score numerous legislative victories across the country. In 2007, SAN acted on a broad range of legislative and regulatory issues critical to vehicle hobbyists which led to the overhaul of existing statutes and created brand-new programs to safeguard and expand the specialty-equipment aftermarket. The SAN’s efforts have also resulted in the defeat of several adverse and poorly formulated measures. “With the eyes of government firmly focused on our hobby, lawmakers continue to introduce new legislation that impacts the automotive specialty aftermarket,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA’s vice president of government affairs. “Our successes in 2007 once again demonstrate the benefits and importance of active hobbyist involvement across the country.” 2007 Program Updates: SEMA Action Network—Canada: The SAN broadened its legislative advocacy activities to include the Parliament of Canada and the provincial governments. Canadian automotive hobbyists, car clubs and related businesses can now join this influential grassroots lobbying effort by registering online at www.semasan.com. Canadian enthusiast groups face identical challenges. SEMA is confident that by working with its Canadian-based members and hobbyist groups, the industry’s voice can be added to the debate to help legislators identify reasonable and responsible solutions to the array of issues affecting the automotive hobby. State Legislative Caucus: After strong recruitment in 2007, the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with a passion for automobiles continues to grow in numbers and influence. The Caucus currently lists 230 state legislators in all 50 states. The common goal of the Caucus is to support the motor-vehicle hobby by raising its profile in state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Many of these legislators are working in state capitals to protect the hobby by amending existing motor-vehicle laws and creating new pro-enthusiast programs. The Caucus is being supported by SEMA’s Government Affairs Office. State Legislative Victories: Arizona New Car Exemption: SAN-supported legislation that would allow the state 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. The emissions exemption applies to new vehicles for the period before the sixth registration year after the initial purchase or lease. Arkansas Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles was signed into law by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. Under the new law, 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. Arkansas Historic Vehicles: Facing opposition from the SAN, legislation was withdrawn that threatened to amend the state’s current law governing historic or special-interest vehicles to require that these vehicles be at least 30 years old and pay a $25 registration fee. Under current Arkansas law, historic vehicles are only required to be 25 years old or older and historic-vehicle owners are only required to pay a $7 registration fee. California Annual Inspection: SAN-opposed legislation that threatened to require annual Smog-check inspections for vehicles 15 years and older was defeated. The bill also would have required that funds generated through the additional inspection fees be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. California Gas Guzzlers: SAN-opposed legislation to establish a progressive surcharge tax on newly purchased “gas guzzlers” was defeated. The surcharge on a new vehicle would increase to $2,500 based on the volume of carbon emissions. Collected funds would be used in part to underwrite discounts for hybrids and electric cars. 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 different model years or vehicle types. 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. Florida Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles was 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. Georgia Inoperable Vehicles: A version of SEMA-model legislation has been introduced in Georgia to exempt certain owners or occupants of municipalities from ordinances or land-use regulations that prevent automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby. Junked, wrecked or inoperable vehicles, including parts cars, stored on private property are only required to be maintained out of ordinary public view. Hawaii Exhaust Systems: SAN defeated a Hawaii bill to ban vehicles equipped with an exhaust system “that has been modified to make more noise or sound than the vehicle made when manufactured.” The measure would have allowed law enforcement officers to seize and impound a vehicle upon making a subjective determination that the vehicle was in violation. Idaho Replicas: A SAN-supported bill to create a registration classification for replica vehicles was approved by the Idaho House of Representatives, but not considered by the Senate before the Legislature adjourned for the year. Under the bill, a replica is defined as a vehicle made to replicate any passenger car or truck previously manufactured, using metal, fiberglass or composite materials. Replica vehicles would be required to look like the original vehicle being replicated but may use a more modern drivetrain. Replica vehicles would only be required to meet federal safety and emissions standards in effect for the year and type of vehicle being replicated. Illinois Inoperable Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that would have further restricted the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property was defeated. The bill sought to 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 have expanded 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. Indiana Antique Taxes: SAN-supported legislation to provide an exemption from the excise surtax for motor vehicles licensed and registered as antiques was approved by the House, but not considered by the Senate before the Legislature adjourned for the year. Indiana law defines an “antique” as a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least 25 years old. The county surtax is generally applied at a rate of between $7.50 and $25 annually for each motor vehicle registered in the county depending on the age and value of the vehicle. Iowa HID Headlamps: SAN persuaded Iowa legislators to reject legislation that would have prohibited the operation of motor vehicles equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. The bill ignored the fact that HID headlamps that meet applicable photometry standards are not prohibited by federal law. Iowa Antique Use: SAN-supported legislation that would amend the state’s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their occasional use for up to 1,000 miles per year was approved by a subcommittee, but not given full committee consideration before the Legislature adjourned for the year. Under current Iowa law, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions or educational purposes. Kentucky Inoperable Vehicles: A Kentucky bill that would have overturned existing hobbyist protections for inoperable vehicles, including parts cars that are stored out of ordinary public view on private property was defeated. The existing law was enacted in 2005 with the support of the state’s hobbyist community and based on SEMA-model legislation. The bill threatened to reverse the existing law without giving it a chance to work by allowing local governments to impose more restrictive standards against project cars. Maryland 25-Year Rolling Exemption: A SAN-supported bill to exempt vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection and maintenance program was introduced but not considered by the Maryland Legislature. Existing law in Maryland only exempts vehicles manufactured before the 1977 model year from emissions inspection. Maryland “Show Class” Vehicles: Maryland lawmakers introduced but did not consider SAN-supported legislation to create a new “show class vehicle” registration classification. Under the bill, “show class” is defined as a vehicle that has decorative features or alterations and is used primarily for transportation to and from shows, repair facilities, parades, holiday or weekend activities or similar uses. These vehicles would be limited to 5,000 miles per year but would be exempt from specific equipment requirements and the use and inspection of emission controls. Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: After being stalled by SAN for the last several years, a bill 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” remains pending in Massachusetts. The measure 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. Massachusetts Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was approved by the Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee. The bill 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 bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. Minnesota Off-Road Trucks: 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. Montana Exhaust Noise: SAN-sponsored legislation to permit vehicles with modified exhaust systems that do not emit an excess of 95 decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169 was signed into law by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle, and the engine is revved to three-quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded. Montana Collector Items: SAN-supported legislation that would clarify that collector vehicle owners must pay only a minimal one-time registration fee was signed into law by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Under Montana law, collector vehicles must be more than 30 years old and not used for general transportation. Nevada Replicas: A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a registration category for replica motor vehicles was signed into law by Governor Jim Gibbons. Under the bill, replicas are defined as vehicles manufactured after 1968 to resemble vehicles manufactured before 1968. Replicas will be exempted from all emissions-inspection requirements applicable to other vehicles in the state. Registration as a replica vehicle will be open to 100 such vehicles each year and use will be limited to occasional transportation and other hobby-related activities. New Jersey Historic Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation to allow historic vehicles to be used for pleasure driving one day per week remains pending in the New Jersey Legislature. Under current law, owners of properly registered historic motor vehicles are permitted to operate them solely for exhibition and educational purposes. In order to be designated as historic, a vehicle must be at least 25 years old and owned as a collector’s item. New York Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was introduced in both the New York Assembly and Senate, but not considered in committee before the Legislature adjourned for the year. The bill 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. Under the bill, 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. New York Grille Guards: 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 Historic Fees: SAN-supported legislation to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $23 was not considered in committee before the Legislature adjourned for the year. The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. Under current New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. The $23 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $23. New York Spinners: 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. Pennsylvania Emissions Exemption: 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 be 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 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. Virginia Replica Vehicles: A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a registration and titling class for replica vehicles was signed into law by Governor Tim Kaine. Under the new law, a replica is defined as a vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer but either constructed or assembled from components. The measure allows these vehicles to be titled under the model year of which the vehicle is a replica and only requires that they meet safety and emission requirements as established for that model year. Replica vehicles titled under this law will be limited to no more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle’s odometer. West Virginia Abandoned Vehicles: SAN defeated a West Virginia bill that would have further restricted the ability of West Virginia vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The legislation sought to redefine “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. West Virginia Expanded Use: SAN-supported legislation that would amend the state’s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their use for “occasional recreational driving” was introduced in West Virginia but not considered by the Legislature. Under current West Virginia law, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, testing, obtaining repairs and for recreational purposes only on Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Wyoming Street Rods/Customs: Prior to the Legislature’s adjournment, SEMA-model legislation to create vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and custom vehicles was approved by the full Wyoming House of Representatives and the Senate Transportation Committee. Due to time restrictions, the bill was not considered by the full Senate and will be reintroduced in 2008. The bill 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. Under the measure, 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. ===== Off-Road News Eastern Lawmakers Move to Deny OHV Access to 24 Million Acres in Western States Members of the House Natural Resources Committee met to consider legislation that would set aside an unprecedented 24 million acres of public lands in the Northern Rockies. This land would be designated as “wilderness” and by definition, motorized recreation would be strictly prohibited in these areas. This proposal has been reintroduced numerous times over the last 12 years. While the bill has bipartisan support, the sponsors of the measure and a vast majority of the co-sponsors are from eastern states. The breadth and magnitude of lands affected by this bill has turned this issue into an east-west debate. During the hearing, congressional members representing the affected states expressed their vehement opposition to the bill. In addition, representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management testified on the administration’s opposition to the measure. While it is safe to assume that the bill, as written, will not become law under the current administration, this could change in the future depending on which party controls Congress and the White House. Within that context, the SAN supports compromise approaches on wilderness areas that balance the need to preserve access to appropriate motorized recreation while protecting some of our nation’s natural wonders. ==== Hey, That’s My Car! AMX-tasy 1980 AMC Spirit AMX Owner: David Macy Toledo, Ohio I have always had a thing for AMC cars, including my latest toy—an ’80 Spirit AMX. My connection with AMC began in 1969 when I met an AMC employee in Cleveland, Ohio. Needless to say, I was hooked right from the start. The fun of owning an AMC started with a ’69 Rebel Sedan and over the years it was followed up by a trio of Gremlin Xs (’71, ’72 and ’74). Then came the ’75 Hornet Sportabout and a Pacer Wagon. One might say that my interest in AMC’s was more of an addiction. With influence from a local AMC club, my wife and I began rallying and auto crossing. Our car of choice was another recent acquisition, a ’70 AMX. The car was an export model that was originally shipped to an Air Force Captain in Germany. After some time, the car made it back to the States and into my hands. That car gave me some great memories, including a few amazing trips down the dragstrip. One night at the Milan Dragway, I spoiled the evening for a few unsuspecting Camaros owners as they learned the hard way how much power my AMX truly had. As life and family responsibilities grew, it was time to sell the AMX. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Even my son was upset by my decision. Some 20 years later and entering retirement, it was time renew my passion with AMC and replace the one that I sold. This is when I found my latest project: an ’80 Spirit AMX—one of only 865 made during the last year of production. Since retiring, my wife and I have driven thousands of miles participating in countless car shows. Although AMC’s have not been produced in over 20 years, it’s great to see many of them at the shows and other events. This past October I even took my AMX for a few passes down the local dragstrip. It brought back some fond memories, and unfortunately there were no Camaros around to beat…again. ==== Club Spotlight Caring at Any Age At an age when most drivers only modify their cars to show off on the streets, members of the Certified Konceptz car club enjoy displaying their rides to help benefit the community. With members ranging from age 16 to 35, the club enjoys demonstrating to residents of Decatur, Illinois, that through their club’s activities, they can be a positive role model for young adults in the area. Although the club has only been together for a year, they have made the most of that time in giving to charitable causes. Members have attended over a dozen shows for the Ronald McDonald House, as well as a local show called Cancer Stinks to help raise money for cancer patients. During the next show season, Certified Konceptz plan on taking this effort one step further by hosting their own car show, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization in Decatur. Not bad for a bunch of kids. ===== December 2007 SAN Club Events California December 2, California Speedway 4th Annual Toys for Tots Charity Car Show Sponsor: Team Transport Information: www.t4tcarshow.com December 2, Tustin Pomona Swap Meet & Car Show Information: www.pomonaswapmeet.com Florida December 1, Jacksonville Supper Saturday Car and Truck Show Sponsor: North Florida Car Show Association Information: 904/730-8056 December 2, Fort Myers 21st Annual Beach Party & Car Club Sponsor: Torquer’s Car Club Information: 239/574-7159 December 9, Venice 5th Annual Mopar Car Show Information: LXPG1@aol.com December 15, Miami Hot Import Nights Information: www.hotimportnights.com December 16, East Palatka Putnam County Fairgrounds 3rd Sunday Car Show Information: www.floridaswapmeet.com Georgia December 1, Forrest Park 2nd Annual Santa Cruise Sponsor: GA Street Rod Association Information: 478/932-1043 or abadmojo13@aol.com December 2, Camilla 1st Annual Camilla Chevrolet Benefit Car & Truck Show Information: www.confetticarshow.com or 866/539-3178 Hawaii December 1, Honolulu Hot Import Nights Information: www.hotimportnights.com Maryland December 1–2, Timonium East Coast Indoor Nationals Information: www.eastcoastindoornat.com South Carolina December 7–8, Mt. Pleasant Carolina’s Open Car Classic and Hot Rod Run Sponsor: Cripple Dog Hot Rods Information: www.crippledog.com or 843/529-2499 Texas December 1, Weatherford Texas Pythian Children’s Home Car Show Information: 817/797-1197 December 15, Marshall Snow-N-Show Toys for Kids Car Show Information: 903/926-0714 Virginia December 2, Virginia Beach Joy Fund Show Sponsor: Mustang Club of Tidewater Information: www.mustangcluboftidewater.com/show2005.html Check Out This Early January 2008 Event Massachusetts January 4–6, Boston 34th Annual World of Wheels Information: http://www.autorama.com/casi/boston.htm ===== 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. 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.

Driving Force - November 2007 From Sea to Shining Sea Caucus Chairman Announces Growth of Legislative Coalition to All 50 States With the enrollment of Alabama State Representative Randy Woods, the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus now has members in all 50 states. The Caucus, which consists of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles, now has more than 230 members nationwide. “Since assuming the position of chairman, I have made it my number one priority to grow our membership so we can ensure that this hobby is protected for years to come,” said Caucus Chairman and New York State Assemblymember Bill Reilich. Since January of this year, 116 state lawmakers have joined the Caucus. This bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers has helped raise the motor-vehicle hobby’s profile in the state legislatures and in the public’s eyes. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and protect the hobby by seeking the amendment of existing motor-vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby. “By informing state representatives throughout the United States of the need to monitor legislation that would either harm the hobby or friendly legislation that would protect those who invest their time and resources into restorations and modifications, we are paving a path for future generations of car enthusiasts,” added Reilich. Since its inception in 2005, Caucus members have achieved a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration classifications, and from emissions-test exemptions to hobbyist rights. Through the Caucus, SAN members have been able to easily identify and develop relationships with these pro-hobby lawmakers. “The automobile is part of our culture and history,” said Reilich. “I am extremely pleased at how the membership numbers have increased, however, our work is not done. I will continue to help educate and encourage participation by our state governmental leaders and work toward my personal goal of having at least 500 members actively participating in the Caucus.” In working to reach this goal, Reilich has enlisted the support of his colleagues. This year alone, he has recruited 35 new Caucus members from the New York State Legislature. Click here to view a complete listing of Caucus members on the SEMA Action Network website. For more information involving your state lawmakers in the Caucus, please contact the SAN at 202/783-6007, ext. 39. ===== O Canada! SAN Expands its Efforts North of the Border The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced that it has broadened its legislative advocacy activities to include the Parliament of Canada and the provincial governments. This effort is in collaboration with hobbyists, car clubs, provincial and national hobby organizations to further the grassroots lobbying efforts in Canada. “Cooperative efforts of the automotive hobbyists and car clubs who participate in the SEMA Action Network have resulted in numerous legislative successes across the United States,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “Canadian enthusiast groups face identical challenges. We are confident that by working with Canadian enthusiasts and hobbyist groups, we can add our voice to the debate and help legislators identify reasonable and responsible solutions to the array of issues affecting the automotive hobby.” In the United States, the SAN regularly rallies the support of 3,500-plus car clubs, thousands of individual contacts and 100-plus consumer automotive publications, with an estimated reach of 36 million enthusiasts nationwide; sends out action alerts to generate an abundance of responses to state and/or federal legislative actions and regulatory proposals; and issues timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments. “We are excited by this effort to expand the SAN into Canada,” said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. “In cooperation with the various organizations and clubs, we look forward to developing a pro-hobby platform to help protect the rights of enthusiasts across Canada.” For more information or to register for the SEMA Action Network, visit www.semasan.com. ===== Busy Month in Boston Enthusiasts in Massachusetts had a busy October as state lawmakers considered two pieces of legislation which would have greatly impacted the hobby. One bill would have done considerable harm to the hobby, while the other would have helped to make it easier to enjoy street-rod and custom vehicles. The first bill, which SAN members in Massachusetts know all too well, seeks to ban the sale and installation of aftermarket exhaust systems. During an October 2 hearing, the Joint Transportation Committee heard testimony but did not conduct a formal vote on the bill. The chairman has asked interested parties to work together to find a compromise. The SAN is hopeful that the SEMA-model legislation to create a decibel limit under an industry-recognized test procedure will be the basis for that compromise. The second measure, which was heard before the same committee on October 11, would create titling and registration classes for street rods and customs vehicles. Based on SEMA-model legislation, this bill has been enacted in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington. Under the bill, 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. During the hearing, committee members heard testimony regarding the difficult process enthusiasts face in trying to title and register these custom vehicles. Lawmakers responded favorably to hobbyist concerns and acknowledged support for the bill. SAN members in Massachusetts should stay tuned for e-mail action alerts as this bill moves through the legislative process. ===== Hey, That’s My Car! Swap Meet Special 1970 Ford Torino Owner: Ron Serianz Newington, Connecticut The restoration of my ’70 Ford Torino almost ended before it even began. I found it listed in a local paper, and although it lacked an engine, I couldn’t pass up on the chance to own one of these. I got it home as Hurricane Gloria was barreling down on the Connecticut coast. I parked the car in my garage and hoped for the best. It survived the storm unscratched, and it was clear to me that it was time to begin the restoration process. I went from swap meet to swap meet looking for the necessary parts, starting, of course, with an engine. I found a disassembled 429 Cobra Jet at a swap meet, and later I would add more swap meet finds, including a shaker air cleaner and hood. To help add to the car’s style, I added a Mustang spoiler, rear window covers and Magnum 500 wheels. Once again, all items were courtesy of my local swap meets. The paint job was the hardest part of the restoration. To help reduce costs, I decided to wet-sand and buff the car myself. After putting in 40 hours of work, I was satisfied that the job was done right. In addition to the blue base coat, I picked a red-orange laser strip and placed a Cobra emblem on the rear. The final product looked very sharp. Not bad for a couple days at the local swap meet! ===== Off-Road News Federal Government to Close 100,000 Acres to OHV Use in Utah The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the closure of approximately 100,000 acres in the Indian Creek Corridor of San Juan County, Utah. While OHV use will be permitted on existing roads and trails, all “cross-country” OHV activity within the designated area is prohibited. This closure will remain in effect until the BLM completes a review of its existing management plan for OHV use in San Juan County. Large-scale public land closures are consequential to SAN members as they deny access to off-roaders, further limiting recreation activities for this increasingly popular hobby. The SAN is actively working with the other land-access groups on reasonable land-use policies that protect motorized recreation and our nation’s natural wonders. ===== Club Spotlight Street Rodders Playing Santa Claus With more than 1,100 members and growing, the Georgia Street Rod Association (GSRA) has worked to bring together auto enthusiasts from across the state of Georgia. Since its inception in 1976, GSRA has been committed to working within the community and preserving the great street-rod tradition. Even though it’s a street-rod association, members welcome anyone interested in the car hobby. You don’t even need to own a car. As a strong member of SAN, GSRA continues to push for pro-hobby legislation in the Georgia Legislature, including recent efforts to have the SEMA Street Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill introduced. In its ongoing effort to support community programs, GSRA hosts an annual “Santa Cruise” to benefit the Marine Corp Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. While over 650 vehicles participated in last year’s event, GSRA has already planned for bigger and better things by moving to a venue that can host over 1,000 vehicles. This year, the GSRA hopes to collect over $10,000 worth of toys for the deserving cause. For more information on the Georgia Street Rod Association and the 2nd Annual Santa Cruise, visit www.gsra.com or call 478/757-8552. ===== November 2007 SAN Club Events Arizona November 16–18, Scottsdale 10th Southwest Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 California November 3, Lucerne Valley Candy Cane Classic Car Show Sponsor: Lucerne Valley Roadrunners Information: 760/248-9606 November 10–11, Pleasanton 18th Autumn Get-Together Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 November 16–18, Palm Springs Palms to Pines Sponsor: Porsche 356 Club Information: 213/665-2040 Florida November 2–3, Pinellas Park 32nd Annual Car Show & Swap Meet Sponsor: Florida West Coast Region, AACA Information: 727/595-7554 November 8–11, Panama City Beach Emerald Coast Cruizin Information: www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com November 18, Bradenton 16th Annual Super Sunday Mustang and Ford Show Sponsor: Mustang Club of West Central Florida Information: 941/351-3789 November 22–25, Daytona 34th Annual Daytona Turkey Run Sponsor: Daytona Beach Street Rods Information: www.turkeyrun.com or 368/767-9070 November 23–24, Ormond Beach 50th Gaslight Parade, Block Party and Antique Car Show Sponsor: Volusia Region Antique Automobile Club of America Information: www.aaca.org/volusia or 386/441-7793 Illinois November 17–18, Rosemont 26th Annual Fall Chevy Vettefest Sponsor: Nickey Chicago Information: www.chevyvettefest.net or 248/373-1700 Indiana November 3–4, Richmond 35th Annual Indoor Rod & Custom Car Show Sponsor: Vintage Wheels Information: 765/966-0541 Maryland November 3, Glen Burnie 4th Annual Hot Rod Jalopyrama Sponsor: The Rusty Nuts H.R.G. Information: www.jalopyrama.com or 440/437-3763 North Carolina November 3, Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Shelby Hog Happening Bikes Cars Barbecue Information: www.hoghappnin.com November 3, Wilmington 9th Annual Brits and Battleship Car Show Sponsor: The British Motor Club of the Cape Fear Information: www.bmccf.org or 910/799-2753 November 16–18, Asheville Corvettes at Biltmore 2007 Sponsor: RTP Corvettes Information: www.corvettesatbiltmore.com Pennsylvania November 4, Wayne The Cruisers Memorial Toy Run Sponsor: Chester County Cruisers Information: 610/647-0401 Texas November 9–10, Bastrop Bastrop Veterans’ Day Car Show Sponsor: Bastrop Area Cruisers Information: www.bastropareacruisers.com or 512/303-6775 November 11–12, 2007, Houston 2007 SVT Cobra & Shelby GT 500 Nationals Sponsor: SVT Cobra Mustang Club Information: www.svtcobraclub.com November 16–18, Jasper 7th Annual Rod Run Sponsor Lakes Area Cruisers Information: 409/384-8745 or 409/565-4913 November 22, Houston 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts AutoRama Sponsor: Millwinders Information: www.autorama.com or 936/344-9441 Check Out These Early December 2007 Events Georgia December 1, Forrest Park 2nd Annual Santa Cruise Sponsor: Georgia Street Rod Association Information: www.gsra.com or 478/757-8552 Maryland December 1–2, Timonium East Coast Indoor Nationals Information: www.eastcoastindoornat.com ===== Attention Car Clubs, Event Organizers and Enthusiasts: Put SAN on Your Mailing List! We like to know what’s going on with SAN 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 via e-mail at jasont@sema.org.

Driving Force - August 2007 (To view the newsletter as it was printed visit 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. ===== 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. ===== 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 ===== 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 ==== 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. ===== 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 www.eastcoastcamaroclub.com. ===== 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: www.laccc.com August 18, Atascadero 18th Annual Atascadero Car & Truck Show Sponsor: Mid-State Cruizers Car-Truck Club Information: 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: www.good-guys.com August 25-26, Eureka 19th Annual Dodge Charger Meet Information: www.dodgechargerregistry.com ILLINOIS August 23-25, Moline AACA Central Fall Meet Sponsor: AACA Mississippi Valley Region Information: www.aaca.org August 24-26, Springfield Hot Rod Super Nationals Sponsor: Family Events Information: www.familyevents.com August 25-26, Joliet 2nd Chrysler Classic at Route 66 Information: www.ccevents.com INDIANA August 17-19, Indianapolis 14th Annual Import and Truck Bash Sponsor: Family Events Information: 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: www.good-guys.com KENTUCKY August 2-5, Louisville Street Rod Nationals Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com August 30-September 1, Bowling Green 13th Anniversary Corvette Celebration Sponsor: National Corvette Museum Information: www.corvettemuseum.com MASSACHUSETTS August 19, Medway 16th Annual Car Show Sponsor: Mass Cruisers Information: www.masscruisers.com MICHIGAN August 9-11, Detroit The '75's 50th Anniversary Celebration Information: www.deuce75.com August 18, Birmingham Woodward Dream Cruise Information: 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: 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: 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: www.moparnats.org PENNSYLVANIA August 3-5, Carlisle All Truck Nationals Sponsor: Carlisle Events Information: 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: 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: www.familyevents.com VIRGINIA August 24-26, Richmond Richmond Nationals Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com WASHINGTON August 17-19, Spokane 6th Great Northwest Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Information: 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: www.good-guys.com August 23-26, Milwaukee National Meet Sponsor: Superbird Auto Club Information: 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: www.corvettemuseum.com MINNESOTA September 3, Hugo Annual Labor Day Car Show Sponsor: North Star Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club Information: www.northstarwheel.com ===== 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. ===== 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.

SEMA Action Network Driving Force - May 2007 Big Win in Little Rock Arkansas Enacts SEMA Street Rod/Custom Vehicle Bill Into Law Arkansas 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 Arkansas State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mike Beebe. 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. Most 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. Arkansas joins Virginia, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island as states that have enacted similar bills into law. 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, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. ?For many vehicle enthusiasts in Arkansas 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.? The new law is the product of months of consultation with state legislators, regulators and the local hobbyist and business community. Arkansas State Representative Johnny Key, the bill?s sponsor, remarked, ?It?s been great working with the street-rod community in our state. 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.? ?Backed by the hard work and perseverance of Representative Key, we are extremely gratified that Arkansas 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.? 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. SEMA efforts are ongoing this year to work with the state legislatures in Florida, New York, Nevada and Massachusetts on this initiative and to add others to that list in the coming legislative sessions. ===== California Legislative Lowdown The SAN members in the Golden State are again engaged in a very active legislative session with numerous proposals being considered by the California Legislature. Among them are changes to the state?s emissions-testing program, surcharges on ?gas guzzlers,? and year of manufacturer license plates for historic vehicles. One of the more harmful proposals would require annual smog-check inspections for vehicles 15 years old and older. Under this bill, pre-?76 vehicles would continue to be exempt from smog checks. However, vehicles 15 years old and older?presently ?76??92?would move from a biennial test to annual tests with the clear intent of moving them into the scrappage program. On a more positive note, the SAN is working with the California Attorney General?s office and the Department of Motor Vehicles in support of legislation that seeks a reasonable solution to California?s vehicle registration and titling process so that motor vehicles (including hobby cars) can become properly registered in the state. In the past, California?s complex vehicle registration laws have created confusion among state hobbyists and those charged with applying these laws at the ground level. The result has been that certain hobbyist vehicles may be erroneously titled or registered. The bill provides amnesty from prosecution to those who, within a reasonable period of time, voluntarily retitle their vehicles and pay appropriate fees and penalties. ===== LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS Arkansas Historic Vehicles: Facing opposition from SAN members, legislation that threatened to amend the state?s current law governing historic or special-interest vehicles to require that these vehicles be at least 30 years old and pay a $25 registration fee was withdrawn. Under current Arkansas law, historic vehicles are only required to be 25 years old or older and historic vehicle owners are only required to pay a $7 registration fee. Florida Street Rods/Customs: Florida is on the verge of joining 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 Senate and is moving on a parallel track in the House. Under the bill, 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. Hawaii Exhaust Systems: SAN members defeated a Hawaii bill to ban vehicles equipped with an exhaust system ?that has been modified to make more noise or sound than the vehicle made when manufactured.? The measure would have allowed law enforcement officers to seize and impound a vehicle upon making a subjective determination that the vehicle was in violation. Idaho Replicas: A bill to create a registration classification for replica vehicles has been approved by the Idaho House of Representatives. Under the bill, a replica is defined as a vehicle made to replicate any passenger car or truck previously manufactured using metal, fiberglass or composite materials. Replica vehicles would be required to look like the original vehicle being replicated but may use a more modern drivetrain. Replica vehicles would only be required to meet federal safety and emissions standards in effect for the year and type of vehicle being replicated. Illinois Inoperable Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that would have further restricted the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property will not be considered by the Legislature. The bill sought to 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 have also expanded 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. Kentucky Inoperable Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that would have overturned existing hobbyist protections for inoperable vehicles, including parts cars that are stored out of ordinary public view on private property, died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The existing law was enacted in 2005 with the support of the state?s hobbyist community and based on SEMA-model legislation. The proposed bill threatened to reverse the existing law without giving it a chance to work by allowing local governments to impose more restrictive standards against project cars. Maryland ?Show-Class? Vehicles: Maryland has introduced legislation to create a new ?show-class vehicle? registration classification. Under the bill, ?show class? is defined as a vehicle that has decorative features or alterations and is used primarily for transportation to and from shows, repair facilities, parades, holiday or weekend activities or similar uses. These vehicles would be limited to 5,000 miles per year but would be exempt from specific equipment requirements and the use and inspection of emissions controls. Montana Exhaust Noise: SAN-sponsored legislation to permit vehicles with modified exhaust systems that do not emit an excess of 95 decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169 was approved by the Montana House of Representatives and is pending approval by the full Senate. Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle, and the engine is revved to three-quarters of maximum-rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded. Montana Collector Items: Legislation that would clarify that collector-vehicle owners must pay only a minimal one-time registration fee was approved by the Montana Legislature and sent to the state?s governor for his signature. Under Montana law, collector vehicles must be more than 30 years old and not be used for general transportation. Nevada Replicas: The SAN is working to enact a version of the SEMA-model kit-car legislation in that state. Under the bill, custom vehicles are defined as replicas of vehicles manufactured before 1968. These vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble, will only be required to have equipment required in the model year listed on the title and will be exempt from emissions inspections and controls. Pennsylvania Modifications: The Pennsylvania State Legislature has introduced legislation to include modifications or alterations to a motor vehicle that violate state motor-vehicle inspection laws and regulations among offenses cited as ?unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices.? ====== Caucus Corner New York Lawmaker Assumes Leadership of State Legislative Caucus New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich is the new chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Reilich succeeds Montana Senator John Brueggeman who served in that capacity since the Caucus? inception in 2005. Formed in 2005, the Caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. To date, almost 200 state legislators from California to New York and points in between are involved in the Caucus. The group is serving to raise the motor-vehicle hobby?s profile in the state legislatures and in the public?s eyes. Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and protect the hobby by improving existing motor-vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby. Upon joining the Caucus in 2006, Assemblyman Reilich immediately demonstrated his willingness to get involved in keeping automotive-related New York laws fair and hobby-friendly. Reilich?s quick response helped delay action on a bill that threatened to ban brush and grille guards on all motor vehicles that use New York?s public roadways. ?Assemblyman Reilich understood that this proposed ban relied heavily on unsubstantiated claims that grille guards, among other things, obstruct airbag sensors,? said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. ?The measure also ignored an existing federal prohibition against selling or installing equipment that would take a vehicle out of compliance with federal safety standards that cover occupant crash protection. Our friend Bill Reilich is leading the charge in the New York Legislature to ensure that the hobbyist point of view is considered in this debate.? Reilich has recently taken a seat on the New York Assembly?s Transportation Committee in order to help safeguard the rights of motor-vehicle enthusiasts. In 2007, he introduced SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles, including kit cars and replicas. In addition, his current advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses benefit the many industry members who cater to this growing crowd. Despite his busy legislative schedule, Reilich still finds time to fit in all the ?car stuff,? having recently added an ?81 T-Bird to his collection. He can often be found working on and refining his ?57 Chevy. ?As a New York State Legislator, I have been diligent in my efforts to protect the interests of automobile enthusiasts in my state,? Reilich said. ?When researching bills dealing with vehicle modification, I am careful to share with my colleagues the whole and accurate picture regarding the proposed legislation. Those that don?t share our love of the automobile are often unaware of the true effect of many of the bills. I am committed to my fellow auto enthusiasts and the hobby we enjoy. I look forward to continuing my work with the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus as chairman. As a leader, Senator Brueggeman has set the bar very high. Together we will continue to ensure the voices of the auto enthusiasts are heard.? State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus ? COMPLETE LIST Chairman: Assemblymember Bill Reilich (New York) Alaska Representative David Guttenberg Arizona Senator Ron Gould Representative Bill Konopnicki Representative Nancy McLain Arkansas Senator Denny Altes Representative Johnny Key California Senator Tom McClintock Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod Assemblymember Mike Duvall Assemblymember Bob Huff Assemblymember Doug La Malfa Assemblymember Alberto Torrico Assemblymember Michael Villines Colorado Senator Ken Kester Representative Debbie Benefield Representative Larry Liston Representative Nancy Todd Connecticut Representative Toni Walker Delaware Senator Steven Amick Representative William Oberle Jr. Florida Senator Bill Posey Representative Pat Patterson Georgia Senator Chip Rogers Representative Calvin Hill Representative Alan Powell * Representative Tony Sellier Hawaii Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Idaho * Representative Bill Killen Indiana * Representative Tom Knollman Iowa Senator Jeff Danielson Representative Dwayne Alons Representative Dave Deyoe Representative Jim Lykam Kansas Senator Chris Steineger Representative Bob Bethell Representative Doug Gatewood Representative Mario Goico Representative Harold Lane Representative Judith Loganbill Representative Terry McLachlan * Representative Shirley Palmer Representative Michael Peterson Representative Don Schroeder Representative Bill Wolf Kentucky Representative Charlie Hoffman Representative Reginald Meeks Louisiana Senator Ken Hollis * Representative Jeffery Arnold Maine * Senator Douglas Smith Representative Richard Cebra Representative Carol Grose Representative Lawrence Jacobsen Representative Everett McLeod Sr. Representative Peter Rines Representative Nancy Smith Maryland Senator J. Robert Hooper Delegate Barbara Frush * Delegate Cheryl Glenn Delegate Barry Glassman Delegate Benjamin Kramer Delegate Warren Miller Delegate Richard Weldon Massachusetts Representative Robert Hargraves Michigan * Senator Glenn Anderson Senator Ron Jelinek Representative Fran Amos Representative Bill Caul Representative Joe Hune Representative Rick Jones Representative Kathleen Law * Representative Richard LeBlanc Representative John Pastor Representative Tom Pearce Representative John Proos * Representative Bettie Cook Scott Representative Joel Sheltrown Representative John Stahl Representative Lorence Wenke Minnesota Representative Jim Abeler Representative Pat Garofalo Representative Rick Hansen Representative Melissa Hortman * Representative Carol McFarlane * Representative Ron Shimanski Mississippi Senator Hillman Frazier Representative Pat Montgomery Representative Dannie Reed Representative Clayton Smith Missouri Representative Bruce Darrough Representative James Whorton Montana Senator John Brueggeman Senator Jeff Essmann Representative Jill Cohenour Representative Gordon Hendrick Representative Bill Nooney Representative Wayne Stahl Nebraska Senator Don Preister Nevada Senator Bob Beers * Senator Bob Coffin Assemblymember Chad Christensen Assemblymember Moises (Mo) Denis Assemblymember Ellen Marie Koivisto Assemblymember Mark Manendo Assemblymember John Oceguera Assemblymember David Parks New Hampshire Representative Michael Reuschel New Jersey * Senator James McCullough * Assemblymember Richard Merkt New Mexico Representative Nathan Cote New York Senator Jeff Klein Assemblymember Jim Bacalles Assemblymember William Barclay Assemblymember Daniel Burling Assemblymember Marc Butler Assemblymember Nancy Calhoun Assemblymember Janet Duprey Assemblymember Joseph Errigo Assemblymember Gary Finch Assemblymember Mike Fitzpatrick Assemblymember Joseph Giglio Assemblymember Steve Hawle Assemblymember Brian Kolb Assemblymember Peter Lopez Assemblymember Donna Lupardo Assemblymember David McDonough Assemblymember Marcus Molinaro Assemblymember Bob Oaks Assemblymember Thomas O?Mara Assemblymember Jack Quinn Assemblymember Andrew Raia Assemblymember Bill Reilich Assemblymember Joseph Saladino Assemblymember Teresa Sayward Assemblymember Mark Schroeder Assemblymember James Tedisco Assemblymember David Townsend Jr. * Assemblymember Rob Walker North Carolina * Senator Julia Boseman * Representative Cary Allred Representative Larry Brown Representative George Cleveland Representative Nelson Cole Representative William Current Representative Bill Faison Representative Phillip Frye * Representative Mitchell Setzer * Representative Fred Steen II North Dakota Senator Tom Fischer Representative Robin Weisz Representative Alon Wieland Ohio Senator Lance Mason Representative John Hagan Representative Kenny Yuko Oklahoma * Representative Wallace Collins * Representative Scott Inman Oregon Senator Gary George Representative Jeff Barker Pennsylvania * Senator Michael Waugh Representative Scott Conklin Representative Patrick Harkins Representative Scott Perry Rhode Island Senator William Walaska * Representative John J. Laughlin II South Carolina * Senator Larry Martin Representative J. Gary Simrill Tennessee Senator Tim Burchett Senator Mike Williams Representative Robert Bibb Representative Chris Crider Representative Jim Hackworth Representative John Tidwell Representative Joe Towns Utah Senator Howard Stephenson Representative Gage Froerer Representative Neal Hendrickson Representative Patrick Painter Representative Stephen Sandstrom Virginia Senator J. Brandon Bell Delegate William Fralin Delegate Morgan Griffith Delegate Dave Nutter Delegate Tom Rust Delegate Terrie Suit Delegate Onzlee Ware Washington Senator Jerome Delvin Representative Cary Condotta Representative Bob Hasegawa Representative Chris Strow Representative Deb Wallace West Virginia Delegate Robert Beach Delegate Cliff Moore Wisconsin Representative Sheryl Albers Representative Steve Kestell Wyoming Representative Pat Childers * denotes new Caucus members ===== Off-Road News House Panel Approves Washington Wilderness Bill The House Natural Resources Committee approved legislation to create a 106,000-acre wilderness area in Washington?s Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. While the Senate has approved the measure three times in the last five years, this marks the first time in which the bill was approved by the House Committee. Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall and Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Chairman Raúl Grijalva have indicated they will be far friendlier than the previously Republican-led House to wilderness designations that prohibit motorized travel and other development in wilderness areas. The Washington proposal, commonly referred to as the Wild Sky Wilderness, will now be scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives. Opponents of the Washington bill have argued that 13,000 acres of the proposed areas do not meet the requirements for a wilderness designation as they contain existing roads and developed lands. Last year, lawmakers failed to pass a SAN-supported alternative to set aside about 93,000 acres as wilderness and also create a 13,300-acre ?backcountry wilderness management area? to maintain the previously developed lands. Wilderness legislation is consequential to SAN members since it potentially denies access to off-roaders to existing riding areas and trails. The SAN continues to support land-use decisions that allow local stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process. Within that context, the SAN supports compromise approaches on wilderness areas that balance the need to preserve access to appropriate motorized recreation while protecting some of our nation?s natural wonders. In following those criteria, the SAN supported a compromise wilderness proposal for Northern California last year which included provisions to establish adjacent or nearby areas that would be open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. This included ?cherry-stem? roads as OHV corridors within the wilderness areas. ===== Hey, That?s My Car! ?Street Savvy Savoy? 1960 Plymouth Savoy Owner: Ben Deutschman Metuchen, New Jersey My ?60 Plymouth Savoy was purchased new by my father on June 13, 1960 from a dealership in Metuchen, New Jersey. As time went on and the miles rolled by, it provided many faithful, economical years of service as the family taxi and grocery-getter. The slant-six that powered it definitely gave the economy of operation that my father needed from the car, while giving ample power to haul six passengers and their luggage comfortably. My Plymouth was the household mainstay until June 1972, when it was displaced from its top-dog position. By then the car was starting to show the effects of 12 years of service, and my parents decided it was time to purchase a new car. A year later, a so-called ?friend? convinced me that the engine needed to be rebuilt to take care of a minor smoke problem. Knowing little about engines or cars in general, I thought my friend, who even offered to help, had to be right. Needless to say, that was a mistake. After the ?rebuild,? the Plymouth?s engine didn?t smoke, but it also didn?t do anything else. Upon further review, I should have checked with an experienced mechanic about the smoke problem. I should have also considered asking my father if I should even think of getting involved in such a big job as an engine overhaul without his supervision. After all, he was a mechanical engineer. SPECS: UNDER THE HOOD: 225 slant-six engine 1-BBL Carter carburetor, TorqueFlite-six automatic transmission OUTSIDE: Srock wheels and wheel covers INSIDE: factory gauges, re-upholstered seats, factory optional RCA 45-rpm record player and matching hi-fi radio ===== MAY 2007 SAN CLUB EVENTS ALABAMA May 5, Prattville Eighth Annual Open Car Show Sponsor: Heart of Dixie Mustang Club Information: www.hodmc.org or 334/277-5822 ARIZONA May 12, Prescott Rod and Custom Car Show Sponsor: Mountain Top Street Rodders Information: 928/636-5609 May 19, Prescott Mopars on the Mountain Sponsor: Mopars Unlimited of Arizona Information: www.moparsonthemountain.com or 928/445-4970 CALIFORNIA May 5?6, Van Nuys Spring Fling XXI Sponsor: Chrysler Performance West Information: www.cpwclub.com or 818/759-1779 May 5?7, Pomona 9th Pomona Nitro Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 May 4?6, Riverside Show and Go 2006 Information: www.showandgo.us or 951/780-4055 May 12, Yucaipa 19th Annual Spring Classic Car show Sponsor: Past Pleasures Car Club Information: 909/790-3404 May 20, Redding 33rd Annual Red Bluff River Park Car Show Sponsor: Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association Information: 530/378-1812 May 26, Rio Linda Thunder in Depot Park #6 Sponsor: Capitol Auto Club Information: www.capitolautoclub.com or 530/677-3045 COLORADO May 6, Pueblo 6th Annual Riverwalk Car Show Sponsor: Outlaws Rod and Custom Club Information: 719/320-2359 CONNECTICUT May 5, Stamford 4th Annual Model Ts to Mustangs Antique and Classic Car Show Sponsor: Connecticut Council of Car Clubs Information: www.stamfordmuseum.org FLORIDA May 5, Jacksonville 34th Annual Car Show Sponsor: Northeast Florida Region Antique Automobile Club Information: Ralph at 904/737-7327 or http://local.aaca.org/northeastflorida/ GEORGIA May 19, Norcross Norcross Open Car Show Information: 770/448-2664 May 18?20, Braselton and Commerce The Year One Experience Sponsor: Right Coast Association Information: www.rightcoastcars.com ILLINOIS May 6, Grayslake 42nd Annual Grayslake Auto Show Sponsor: Waukegan and North Shore Chapters, AACA Information: www.aaca.org/illinois INDIANA May 5, Terre Haute Spring Fling Car Show Information: 815/432-2133 May 18?20, Nashville 30th Shelby Spring Fling Sponsor: Indiana SAAC Information: 812/988-7146 MISSOURI May 5?6, Springfield 10th Annual O?Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Information: www.familyevents.com or 317/236-6522 May 25?27, Springfield Mid-America Street Rod Nationals Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 NEW HAMPSHIRE May 25?27, Laconia Laconia Nationals Sponsor: Right Coast Association Information: www.rightcoastcars.com or 800/753-3978 NEW MEXICO May 20, Albuquerque NMCCC/Albuquerque Museum Annual Car Show Sponsor: NMCCC Information: 505/884-7912 OHIO May 18?20, Lima 22nd Annual Advance Auto Parts Spring 4-Wheel Drive Jamboree Nationals Information: www.familyevents.com or 317/236-6522 PENNSYLVANIA May 4?6, Carlisle Carlisle Performance and Style 2007 Sponsor: Carlisle Productions Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855 May 20, Pittsburgh 35th Cops & Rodders Rod Run Sponsor: Vintage Tin of West Pennsylvania May 18?20, Carlisle Carlisle Import-Kit/Replicar Nationals Sponsor: Carlisle Productions Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/ 243-7855 May 18?20, Hershey 3rd Dupont Great American Rod & Custom Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 May 27, Perkasie Lake Lenape Jamboree Sponsor: Goodtime Motorvators Information: 215/257-5706 May 26, Valley Forge The Brits Are Back Sponsor: Delaware Valley Triumphs Information: www.delvaltrs.org or 610/825-2617 TENNESSEE May 4?6, Knoxville Street Rod Nationals South Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 May 11?12, Sweetwater 16th Annual Car Show Sponsor: Valley Cruisers TEXAS May 19, Blanco 19th Annual Blanco Classic Car Show Sponsor: Fifties Unlimited Auto Club of Texas Information: 830/833-5348 VERMONT May 18?20, Bennington Spring Fever 2007 Sponsor: International Thunderbird Club Information: www.intl-tbirdclub.com or 518/281-3302 VIRGINIA May 18?21, Reston StarTech 2007 Sponsor: Greater Washington Section of The Mercedes-Benz Club of America Information: www.StarTech2007.org May 31?April 4, Fairfax Eastern National Sponsor: Early Ford V-8 Club Information: www.nvrg.org or 703/426-2662 WASHINGTON May 11?13, Omak 13th Annual Swap Meet/Flea Market Sponsor: Friendly OK Car Club Information: 509/826-3154 WISCONSIN May 6, Milwaukee 5th Annual Drive the Mile Information: www.milwaukeemile.com/drivethemile May 11?12, Concord 30th Annual Car Show and Fish Fry Sponsor: Boondockers Street Rods Information: www.boondockersstreetrods.com or 920/261-9880 May 20, Waukesha 11th Annual Spring Waukesha Show & Swap Sponsor: Oldsmobile Club of Wisconsin Information: 262/966-3702 May 20, Milwaukee/Cudahy Wisconsin Early Mustanger?s 25th Annual All-Ford Show and Swap Information: www.wemustangers.stangnet.com or 414/764-6726 WYOMING May 26?28, Casper Cruisin? With the Oldies Sponsor: Oil Capitol Auto Club Information: www.oilcapitolautoclub.com or 307/265-7314 Check out these early June 2007 events CALIFORNIA June 3, Fremont 17th Annual Mopar Rally Sponsor: Mopar Alley Information: 408/356-4752 June 2?3, Pleasanton 14th Summer Get-Together Sponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 COLORADO June 1?3, Loveland (Larimer County Fairgrounds) 10th Colorado Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 CONNECTICUT June 3, Windsor Locks 21st Annual 4C?s Auto Show and Aircraft Exhibit Sponsor: Connecticut Council of Car Clubs Information: www.ctccc.org or 860/623-3906 INDIANA June 3, Loogootee 36th Annual Park & Spark Car Club Auto Show Sponsor: Park & Spark Car Club IOWA June 3, Marion 26th Annual Chevy & Chevy Powered Car Show Sponsor: Guppy?s On the Go Information: 319/366-4966 OHIO/ARKANSAS June 2?8, Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour Cleveland, Ohio to Little Rock, Arkansas Information: www.hotrod.com PENNSYLVANIA June 1?3, York Street Rod Nationals East Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 WISCONSIN June 1?4, Greenfield Dells Run Sponsor: Fiero Fanatics Information: www.fierofanatics.com or 414/282-3577 ===== 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 AND CUSTOM VEHICLES Nevada AB 411: Creates special license plates and registration certificates for historic vehicles, defined as manufactured at least 40 years before the application date. Provides for a one-time fee of $50 and exempts these vehicles from inspections/emissions. Oregon HB 3527: Defines a ?racing-activity vehicle? and provides them with certain equipment exemptions if they are fitted with original manufacturer?s equipment and accessories or their equivalent and are maintained in safe operating conditions. EMISSIONS/INSPECTIONS Arkansas HB 2466: Sets clean car standards to reduce effects of global warming. Hawaii HR 83/HCR 105: Recommends the adoption of California vehicle-emissions standards. Maine LD 1168: Prohibits a person from registering a new motor vehicle unless the person proves that the vehicle is a California-emissions-certified vehicle. Massachusetts SB 1409: Exempts low-emissions vehicles from maintenance and emissions inspections. Nevada AB 481: Requires adoption of California emissions standards for model year 2010 and after. Prohibits registration or transfer of vehicles that don?t meet standards. Creates tax exemptions for first five years for fuel-efficient vehicles. Nevada SB 161: Provides exemptions from emissions inspection for vehicles registered for three years or less and for hybrid vehicles. New Jersey AB 4113/SB 745: Provides a sales-tax exemption for partial zero-emissions vehicles, and imposes a tax surcharge on higher-polluting vehicles. North Carolina SB 509: Increases amount of time allowed for a vehicle to get re-inspected following a failure from 30 to 60 days. North Carolina SB 1307/HB 1179: Establishes the North Carolina Low-Emissions Vehicle Program. Pennsylvania HB 564: Exempts hybrids from periodic vehicle inspections. Rhode Island HB 6204/SB 906: Allows state police officials to perform roadside emissions inspections. EQUIPMENT Pennsylvania SB 543: Restricts businesses from modifying/altering a vehicle in a way that would violate inspection laws without notifying them of the potential violation. Texas HB 3832: Prohibits the use of television receivers in view of the driver while a vehicle is in motion. HYBRIDS Massachusetts HB 2983: Provides incentives for the purchase and use of alternative-fuel vehicles. New York SB 3947: Exempts the sale of hybrid and high-efficiency vehicles from state sales and compensating use taxes. Ohio SB 107: Creates a tax credit for individuals who purchase a new hybrid vehicle. South Carolina HB 3649: Allows sales-tax rebate for the purchase of certain fuel-efficient vehicles. INOPERABLE VEHICLES California AB 468: Defines the term ?abandoned vehicle? as a vehicle with the following conditions: missing the engine or other parts necessary for operation, a flat tire, trash/debris in or around vehicle, leaking fluids, cobwebs around tires or a registration tag expired for six months or more. North Carolina HB 509: Affects the regulation of abandoned or junked motor vehicles in the towns of Ayden, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Spring Lake, and the cities of Eden, Greensboro, High Point and Reidsville. Tennessee HB 430/SB 930: Authorizes local governments to enforce an ordinance that permits the removal of abandoned and junked motor vehicles as an exception to the state law, which requires the consent of a person who has acquired any interest in the vehicle prior to removal. MISCELLANEOUS Florida SB 2890: Requires manufacturers to provide vehicle owners with access to information necessary to repair a motor vehicle. Maine LD 1210: Requires a manufacturer to provide owner or repair facilities with information necessary to repair a motor vehicle. Nevada SB 379: Requires manufacturers to supply information to repair/service vehicles manufactured after 1994. Texas SB 1371: Requires manufacturers to provide access to motor-vehicle key information. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHV) Alabama HB 175: Requires each off-road vehicle owner to obtain a certificate of title for each vehicle. Nevada SB 434: Requires OHV owners to apply for a certificate of title after January 1, 2008, within 30 days of ownership. Also requires a certificate of operation for OHVs and prohibits operation without a certificate. RACING Massachusetts SB 1411: Allows police in the city of Taunton to impound vehicles for illegal drag racing. TIRES New York SB 3463: Requires dealers to sell a new passenger vehicle with the option for a full-size spare if the vehicle comes equipped with a compact spare. WINDOW TINTING Maine SB 646: Authorizes state police officials to examine window tinting to determine compliance with tinting laws. New York AB 6404: Provides for window-tinting standards of no less than 90% light transmittance and appropriates money for meters for testing by police. North Carolina HB 965/SB 1217: Creates a window-tint certification process and requires vehicles with after-factory tint to have a certificate of compliance attached to the vehicle.

SEMA Action Network Driving Force - April 2007 California Proposes to Require ANNUAL Emissions Tests for Vehicles 15 Years Old and Older Pre-?76 Vehicles Would Continue to Be Exempt From Smog Checks Enthusiasts in California are rallying against legislation that has been introduced in the State Assembly by Assemblyman Dave Jones to require annual smog-check inspections for vehicles 15 years old and older. In addition, the bill would direct funds generated through the additional inspection fees to be deposited into an account which can be used to scrap older cars. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee for consideration. The measure represents another attempt by California legislators and regulators to scapegoat older cars for air-quality deficiencies. In 2004, despite objections from the vehicle hobby community, California repealed its rolling emissions-test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older and replaced it with a law requiring the lifetime testing of all ?76 and newer model-year vehicles. ?Under this year?s bill, pre-?76 vehicles would continue to be exempt from smog checks,? said Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president, government affairs. ?However, vehicles 15 years old and older?presently ?76??92?that are not currently exempt would move from a biennial test to annual tests with the clear intent of moving them into the scrappage program.? Sponsors of the legislation ignore 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. Legislators are also ignoring the fact that classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well maintained and infrequently driven. "Implementing an annual test would not only increase the vehicle owner?s cost, but it would also give the state more opportunities to lure these vehicles into retirement,? McDonald added. Recently, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District released an updated smog plan that calls for scrapping 30,000 passenger cars, five times the number previously planned. Scrappage programs, widely rejected by other states as an ineffective means of cleaning the air, accelerate the normal demise of vehicles through the purchase of older cars which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. ?By virtue of these scrappage programs, the vehicle hobby risks the loss of potential collector cars and parts forever that could have been used in a project,? commented SAN Director Jason Tolleson. === LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS Arkansas Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to amend the vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and to create a classification for custom vehicles was approved by the Arkansas Legislature. The bill 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. Under the bill, 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. Arkansas Historic Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation 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 to the Arkansas House of Representatives. Under current Arkansas law, historic vehicles are only required to be 25 years old or older and owners are required to pay a $7 registration fee. Illinois Inoperable Vehicles: A bill introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives would further restrict the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The SAN-opposed measure 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. The pending legislation would give local authorities an inordinate amount of power when determining the disposition of inoperable historic project cars. The bill would make it virtually impossible for Illinois hobbyists to maintain inoperable collector vehicles on private property. This demonstrates a clear disregard and lack of understanding of the vehicle hobby and the rights of hobbyists. The measure 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. Iowa Antique Use: SAN-supported legislation that would amend the state?s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their occasional use for up to 1,000 miles per year has been approved by the Iowa Senate Transportation Committee. Under current law, the use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions or educational purposes. The proposed legislation would provide Iowa citizens the opportunity to enjoy occasional recreational driving, in addition to the other sanctioned uses. Iowa High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps: In what could be the state?s first step towards limiting lighting options for motor-vehicle owners, SAN-opposed legislation that would prohibit the operation of motor vehicles equipped with HID headlamps has been introduced in the Iowa State Legislature. The bill would subject vehicle owners to a $20 fine. The bill has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration. Sponsors of the measure ignore the fact that HID headlamps that meet applicable photometry standards are not prohibited by Federal law and should not be restricted in Iowa. The proposed bill would require owners of vehicles currently equipped with HID headlamps (including those purchased with equipment from a dealership) to remove these lamps. Kentucky Inoperable: A bill was approved by the Kentucky House Local Government Committee, that would overturn existing hobbyist protections for inoperable vehicles, including parts cars that are stored out of ordinary public view on private property. The existing law, which was established in 2005 and is now threatened, is based on SEMA-model legislation and was enacted with the support of the hobbyist community in Kentucky. Unfortunately, the new bill would reverse the existing law and allow local governments to impose more restrictive standards against project cars. The bill would override safeguards provided for in the current law that allow hobbyists to work on collector vehicles on private property and would allow local governments to impose more restrictive standards against project cars. It would also override reasonable provisions enacted in 2005 that vehicles be located out of ordinary public view by means of suitable fencing, trees, shrubbery, etc. Maryland 25-Year Exemption: A bill has been introduced to the Maryland House of Delegates to exempt vehicles more than 25 years old from the state?s mandatory biennial emissions inspection and maintenance program. Existing law in Maryland only exempts vehicles manufactured before the ?77 model year from emissions inspection. The SAN-supported bill provides for a rolling emissions-inspection exemption that would exempt qualifying vehicles upon enactment and would pick up an additional model year for each year the law is in effect. The proposed bill recognizes that such vehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are well maintained and infrequently operated, and it also acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of these older vehicles. Maryland/Connecticut Tires: The SAN is opposing legislation in Connecticut and Maryland that would require the development of statewide programs to mandate that replacement tires for passenger cars meet fuel-efficiency standards. The SAN recommended that the bills be rejected since these types of replacement tire-efficiency programs conflict with federal law, are anti-consumer and anti-small business and would require a substantial appropriation by the legislature. Massachusetts Exhaust Noise: After being stalled for the last several years, a bill 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? has been reintroduced in Massachusetts. As in the previous version, the bill?s sponsor is attempting to divide the hobby on this issue by excluding limited-use ?antique motor cars? from the proposed ban. Under current Massachusetts law, ?antique motor cars? are defined as those vehicles over 25 years old which are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc. The proposed measure 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. The bill fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc. and would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better-performing options. Minnesota Racetracks: SAN-legislation that would increase the number of facilities that would qualify for an exemption from civil lawsuits based on racetrack noise has been introduced to the Minnesota Legislature. Under the bill, racetracks that were in operation on or before July 1, 1996, would qualify for the exemption but would still be subject to regulation by local government. The proposed measure would allow all Minnesota tracks to benefit from the same exemptions and would continue to allow local governments to control the regulation of noise. Minnesota Off-Road: Legislation that would limit modified 4x4 trucks to minimally maintained roads and to the area specifically designated for their use has been reintroduced to the Minnesota Legislature. The SAN-opposed measure would severely restrict 4x4 truck access to Minnesota hobbyists by prohibiting use of ?trails,? including those designated south of Highway 2 and those north of Highway 2 that are currently open for off-road use. The proposed bill also defines 4x4 trucks as four-wheeled motor vehicles manufactured to operate on public roads and subsequently modified with special tires, suspension or other equipment. Montana Exhaust Noise: SAN-sponsored legislation has been introduced in Montana to permit vehicles with modified exhaust systems that do not emit an excess of 95 decibels as measured by SAE test standard J1169. Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45-degree angle, and the engine is revved to three-quarters of the maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded. The SAN has been successful in enacting the 95-decibel limit in California, Washington state and Maine. West Virginia Expanded Use: Legislation that would amend the state?s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their use for ?occasional recreational driving? has been introduced to the West Virginia House of Representatives. Under current West Virginia law, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, testing, obtaining repairs and for recreational purposes only on Friday evenings, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The SAN-supported measure will provide West Virginia citizens the opportunity to enjoy recreational driving on weekdays in addition to the other sanctioned uses. The bill also provides added incentive to owners of qualifying antique vehicles (more than 25 years old) to register as ?antique? thereby reducing registration fees. Currently, antique vehicles in West Virginia are only required to pay a $2 annual registration fee. Wyoming Street Rods/Customs: Prior to the Legislature?s adjournment, SEMA-model legislation to create vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and custom vehicles has been approved by the full Wyoming House of Representatives and the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, the bill was not considered by the full Senate and will have to be reintroduced in 2008. The bill 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. Under the measure, 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. === 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: Arizona Representative Nancy McLain Georgia Senator Chip Rogers Iowa Senator Jeff Danielson Representative Dave Deyoe Kansas Representative Doug Gatewood Representative Mario Goico Representative Terry McLachlan Representative Michael Peterson Representative Don Schroeder Representative Bill Wolf Kentucky Representative Reginald Meeks Mississippi Senator Hillman Frazier Montana Representative Jill Cohenour Representative Gordon Hendrick Representative Bill Nooney Representative Wayne Stahl New Mexico Representative Nathan Cote New York Assemblymember Jim Bacalles Assemblymember Daniel Burling Assemblymember Peter Lopez Assemblymember David McDonough Assemblymember Bob Oaks Assemblymember Joseph Saladino Assemblymember Teresa Sayward Assemblymember Mark Schroeder Assemblymember Dave Townsend Pennsylvania Representative Scott Conklin Representative Patrick Harkins Representative Scott Perry Utah Senator Howard Stephenson Representative Gage Froerer Representative Neal Hendrickson Representative Patrick Painter Representative Stephen Sandstrom Click here for a complete of Caucus members. === Hey, That?s My Car! ?Elky? A Hot Rod With a Little Pickup 1964 Chevrolet El Camino Owner: Al Judd Durham, North Carolina About 10 years ago I saw an ad in the paper for a ?64 Chevrolet El Camino that the owner gave up on restoring. It was completely disassembled and sand-blasted, and it had no engine. That night, I thought to myself, my current Datsun pickup has more than 150,000 miles, and I want both a truck AND a hot rod?how about a pickup and hot rod all-in-one? And that was the beginning of ?Elky.? It took three truckloads of parts and a rollback to get the El Camino home. What I had originally planned as a one-year project ended up being three. Overall it was a great experience, and I am glad that I went through with it. This is something I have always wanted to do?rebuild and modify a car from the ground up. I can say I have personally installed almost every bolt on the vehicle. It has also been a great way to work with my son Clayton, as we both learned about mechanical work and bodywork. It has been some good bonding time. He may have also learned a few cuss words along the way. Not to kid myself, I learned a lot about car repair and bodywork too by working to bring the car back to life. It was better than any auto-repair course I could have taken. In the end, Elky came out just fine for a couple of beginners. SPECS UNDER THE HOOD: Chevy 327 small block, Tremec 3550 five-speed transmission and Centerline clutch. OUTSIDE: Dupont Bright Tangerine paint with Minilite gray powdercoated wheels on BFG rubber. Front and rear sway bars, disc-brake conversion, and a complete polygraphite suspension kit. INSIDE: Dual bucket seats, redone gauges, CD/stereo sound system, custom upholstery with Chevrolet logos. === Youth Spotlight Taking Reading on the Road Kristen Thomas Greer, South Carolina While most kids get a car at 16, I chose to build my own. My parents? gift was a model car, catalogs for parts and a trip to YearOne. After a little bit of searching to find something within my budget, my dad and I tracked down a ?77 Pontiac Trans Am that had been sitting for a few years. With birthday money and a summer job, I was able to get the car. We took inventory of the parts that needed to be completed, and then we went to work. In the meantime, I also participated in and won a local Miss America Outstanding Teen preliminary. While developing a platform for the statewide competition, I decided that I would share my love of cars with the importance of education. In doing so, and with the help of my parents, we are planning the Knowledge Is Power Tour. This four-day cruise will kick off in Greer, South Carolina on Thursday, April 26 and wind its way through Aiken, Columbia and Charleston and wrap up in Myrtle Beach on Sunday, April 29. The event will benefit education in South Carolina as books will be donated to schools in each city. In taking this message to Governor Mark Sanford, he declared Friday, April 27 as the ?Knowledge Is Power Day? in South Carolina. To help promote my love for the hobby, I will be distributing SEMA Action Network brochures and Take a Kid to a Car Show stickers. I?m really looking forward to unveiling my car as one of the participants. I?ll turn 17 right before the tour and can drive the whole event myself! All I need now is to find a way to have my snowflake wheels refurbished, a set of tires and a paint job and I?ll be ready to roll. For more information on the Knowledge Is Power Tour, call 864/879-6646 or e-mail event organizers at thomasmoto@aol.com. === Club Spotlight Annual Legislative Conference to Convene in Sacramento Formed in 1972, the Association of California Car Clubs (ACCC) consists of thousands of automobile hobbyists throughout the state who are interested in California laws and policies regarding collector automobiles. It is a volunteer organization of regional representatives who keep member clubs, individuals and business members across the state informed of issues that impact the hobby. To ensure that their message is heard by state officials, ACCC holds a Legislative Conference each year in Sacramento at the Towe Automobile Museum. This conference allows automotive hobbyists to discuss challenges and mutual issues directly with various California officials. ACCC Annual Legislative Conference, Sacramento May 9: A car show on the West steps of the Capitol building. The show will include vehicles from early 1900s up to the present. May 10?11: Briefings at the Towe Automobile Museum from various California officials. Information: www.acccdefender.org or 916/276-4081. Editor?s note: Please send your Club Spotlight stories and photos to the SAN at jasont@sema.org. === APRIL 2007 SAN CLUB EVENTS ARIZONA April 27?29, Payson 14th Annual BeeLine Cruise-In Car Show Sponsor: Rim Country Classic Auto Club Information: rccac2007@yahoo.com CALIFORNIA April 22, Buena Park (Knott?s Berry Farm) 22nd Annual Fabulous Fords Forever Information: www.fordcarclubs.org April 28?29, Buena Park (Knott?s Berry Farm) 28th Annual Handcrafted Auto Show Sponsor: Association of Handcrafted Automobiles Information: www.replicarclub.com or 818/597-8797 April 27?29, Bakersfield Western Street Rod Nationals Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 April 27?29, Yosemite CCRG Jamboree Sponsor: Blossom Trail A?s of Reedley Information: mwall@inreach.com or 559/638-4746 April 29, Los Angeles Spring ?Fun? Car Show Sponsor: Coastal Valleys CHVA Information: Larry Bauman at 818/767-1857 CONNECTICUT April 15, Stafford Ty-Rods of CT 21st Annual Spring Swap Meet Sponsor: Ty-Rods Auto Club Information: 860/649-3697 FLORIDA April 14, Cocoa ?Celebration of Cars? Antique Auto Show Sponsor: Cape Canaveral Region AACA Information: 321/459-9950 April 20?22, Jacksonville 9th Spring Nationals Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 GEORGIA April 7, Marietta 8th Annual Charity Car Show Sponsor: Community Charity Concepts Information: wayne@thedodds.com or 770/944-7433 April 21?22, Conyers 10th Annual Horsepower at the Park Information: www.horsepoweratthepark.com or 678/957-6749 April 28, Atlanta Motor Speedway 5th Annual Landmark Mopar Southern Classic Sponsor: Northern Georgia Mopar Club Information: 2007moparshow@mindspring.com or 770/401-6542 ILLINOIS April 7, East Peoria Nostalgic Indoor Auto Show Sponsor: Early Ford V8 Club of Peoria Information: jshaven@mtco.com or 309/367-2981 April 15, Elmhurst 24th Annual Car Show and Swap Meet Sponsor: Northern Illinois Region, WPC Club Information: 630/721-0662 IOWA April 14?15, Cedar Rapids Swap Meet Sponsor: Hawk A Region Model A Club Information: 319/378-3873 KENTUCKY April 26?28, Bowling Green Official C5/C6 Bash Information: www.corvettemuseum.com or 800/53-VETTE April 29, Louisville 13th Annual NSRA Kentucky Appreciation Day Sponsor: National Street Rod Association Information: www.okolonastreetrods.com or 502/937-9781 MASSACHUSETTS April 23, Fitchburg 37th Annual V8 Spring Tune-up Car Show Sponsor: New England Region Early Ford V8 Club Information: v8pasttimesnewsletter@yahoo.com MINNESOTA April 14?15, St. Paul 51st Annual Rod and Custom Spectacular Show Sponsor: Annual Gopher State Timing Association Information: www.gstarod-custom.com or 763/566-3990 MISSISSIPPI April 14, Amory Railroad Festival Car and Truck Show Sponsor: Tenn-Tom Cruisers Information: laneygarage@traceroad.net or 662/256-9320 MISSOURI April 29, UMB Bank Pavilion 39th Annual Swap Meet Sponsor: Model T Ford Club of St. Louis Information: 314/830-0873 NEW MEXICO April 14, Alamogordo Swap Meet and Car Corral Sponsor: Golden Gears Car Club Information: 505/434-0200 April 28, Rio Rancho Park ?n the Park Car Show Sponsor: Car Shows Unlimited Information: 505/891-4737 NEW YORK April 29, Floral Park 29th Annual Queens Farmhouse Meet Auto Show Sponsor: Greater New York Region AACA Information: 718/843-3490 NORTH CAROLINA April 12?15, Charlotte (Lowe?s Motor Speedway) Charlotte Auto Fair Information: www.charlotte-autofair.com or 704/841-1990 NORTH DAKOTA April 14?15, Grand Forks 24th Annual Prime Steel Car Show Sponsor: Prime Steel Car Club Information: 218/965-4886 OHIO April 19?21, Cleveland Spring Meet Sponsor: Durant Motors Automobile Club Information: www.durantmotors.org April 27?29, Canfield Dave & Ed?s Swap Meet Sponsor: Let?s Go Cruisin? Information: 330/477-8506 OKLAHOMA April 13?15, Oklahoma City Southwest Street Rod Nationals Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 PENNSYLVANIA April 18?22, Carlisle Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral Sponsor: Carlisle Productions Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855 SOUTH CAROLINA April 4, Rock Hill 1st Annual Catawba River Rod Run Sponsor: Dixieland Cruisers of Rock Hill Information: 803/417-4990 April 21, Columbia 8th Annual Car Show Sponsor: Columbia Classic Chevy Club Information: 803/356-2784 April 26?29 South Carolina ?Knowledge Is Power? Tour Information: thomasmoto@aol.com or 864/879-6646 TENNESSEE April 20?22, Memphis 27th Annual Super Chevy Tour Information: www.superchevyshow.com TEXAS April 21, Boerne 15th Annual Open Car Show Sponsor: Texas Corvette Association Information: www.texas-corvette-association.org or 830/226-5386 VERMONT April 29, Enosburg Falls Dust-Off Cruise Sponsor: Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers Information: 518/563-8662 VIRGINIA April 21, Richmond 22nd Early Bird Rod Run Sponsor: Virginia Street Rods Inc. Information: www.virginiastreetrods.org April 27?30, Williamsburg Spring Meet Sponsor: Durant Motors Automobile Club Information: www.durantmotors.org or 919/989-9603 WISCONSIN April 28?29, Jefferson 30th Annual Spring Jefferson Swap, Sale & Show Sponsor: Madison Classics Information: www.madisonclassics.com or 608/244-8416 WASHINGTON April 22, Burlington JJ?s April Showers Show & Shine Sponsor: Whatcom County Driver?s Club Information: 360/856-1224 Check out these early May 2007 events CALIFORNIA May 4?6, Riverside Show and Go 2007 Information: www.showandgo.us or 951/780-4055 ILLINOIS May 6, Grayslake 42nd Annual Grayslake Auto Show Sponsor: Waukegan & North Shore Chapters AACA Information: www.aaca.org/illinois or 708/485-3633 MARYLAND May 6, Havre De Grace 5th Annual All GM Show Sponsor: Maryland Chevelle Club Information: www.chevelles.net/mcc or 410/612-0173 MINNESOTA May 6, Minneapolis/St. Paul 20th Annual Spring Extravaganza Car Show & Swap Meet Sponsor: Gopher State Chapter Buick Club Information: d3mnstpaul@aol.com MISSOURI May 5?6, Springfield 10th Annual O?Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Information: www.familyevents.com or 317/236-6522 PENNSYLVANIA May 4?6, Carlisle Carlisle Performance and Style 2007 Sponsor: Carlisle Productions Information: www.carlisleevents.com or 717/243-7855 TENNESSEE May 4?6, Knoxville Street Rod Nationals South Sponsor: NSRA Information: www.nsra-usa.com or 901/452-4030 === 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 AND CUSTOM VEHICLES California AB 462: Allows an owner of a vehicle that is a ?69 model year or older or the owner of a commercial vehicle or pickup ?72 model year or older to use model-year license plates. Idaho HB 187: Defines a replica vehicle as one made to replicate any passenger car or truck previously manufactured, using metal, fiberglass or other composite materials. Replica vehicles must look like the original vehicle but may use a more modern drivetrain. Also requires owners of specially constructed vehicles to certify that the vehicle meets federal standards and all requirements of Idaho law. Kentucky HB 336: Limits inspection on historic vehicles brought into the state to verification of the VIN number with supporting documentation for titling purposes. Kentucky HB 381: Allows the display of historic plates or reproductions on historic vehicles. Maine SB 233: Allows the operation of a ?modified show vehicle? on public roads to participate in a show, an off-road competition or a racing event. Also creates a limited inspection for such vehicles. Maryland SB 940: Creates a ?show-class vehicle? registration category. A show-class vehicle has decorative features or alterations and is used primarily for transportation to and from shows, to repair facilities, and for parades or holiday/weekend activities. These vehicles are limited to 5,000 miles per year or less and are exempt from inspections, emissions and sound-level limits. Minnesota SB 1124: Changes collector vehicle and classic license provisions to create a plate fee and eliminate requirement for two license plates. New Hampshire HB 659: Exempts vehicles manufactured prior to 1941 from equipment and inspection requirements if the vehicles are equipped as manufactured or within OEM specifications. Tennessee SB 1013/HB 1088: Increases penalty for violating antique vehicle registration laws from a five-year bar to a 10-year bar from holding an antique registration. Tennessee SB 1486/HB 2115: Requires department of revenue to permit the registration of antique motor vehicle?s vintage license plates instead of current license plates. CLEAN?FUEL/HYBRID VEHICLES Maryland SB 776: Provides income-tax credit for purchase of qualifying hybrid vehicles. Mississippi HB 1731: Provides income-tax credit for purchase of hybrid electric vehicles without intent to resell. New York AB 4281: Allows tax credits for the purchase of qualified hybrid vehicles. New York AB 5798: Creates tax credits for flex fuel and hybrid vehicles. Pennsylvania HB 309/HB 564: Exempts hybrids and electric vehicles from periodic inspection requirements. EMISSIONS/INSPECTIONS California AB 255: Increases statewide smog abatement fee from $12 to $16. California SB 240: Authorizes the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air District to increase motor vehicle fees by not more than $30 under certain circumstances. California AB 1488: Creates a two-year pilot program to integrate lightweight diesel vehicles into the smog-check program. Illinois HB 3424: Establishes a Clean Car Program for vehicles of 2011 model year and after creating new motor-vehicle emission standards and compliance requirements. Illinois HB 3432: Adopts new emissions standards for new vehicles 2009 and later, creates a vehicle and engine certification program and prohibits the sale and registration of certain vehicles that fail to meet these emissions standards. Maryland HB 1276: Creates task force to study the establishment of annual motor vehicle safety inspections. Minnesota HB 639: Enacts initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles by 30% by the year 2030. Minnesota HB 863: Requires adoption of California standards regarding low-emissions vehicles. Updates standards to meet Clean Air Act requirements. North Carolina HB 69: Changes safety and emissions inspections from annual to every two years. Texas SB 12: Changes the low-income vehicle-repair assistance, retrofit and accelerated-vehicle retirement program to prohibit sale of vehicle engines and emissions equipment once a vehicle is retired. Texas HB 1072: Sets eligibility requirements for low-income vehicle-repair assistance, retrofit and accelerated-vehicle retirement program. EQUIPMENT Illinois HB 656: Allows people cited for equipment violations to avoid conviction if they produce evidence in court to prove the vehicle has been repaired or brought into compliance. New Mexico HB 176: Requires trucks and SUVs to be equipped with mudguard flaps. New York AB 5167: Prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by visual display. Prohibits the installation of TVs and monitors in a vehicle where they can be viewed by the driver. Tennessee HB 275/HB 325/SB 497: Prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a television receiver, video screen, etc. with the screen in view of the driver. Exceptions for information displays, GPS and visual enhancement for driver?s view. EXHAUST Illinois SB 459: Prohibits vehicle impoundment solely on the basis of an exhaust-noise violation. Maine HB 492 / HB 493: Removes the ?excessive and unusual noise? prohibition from exhaust law, changes window-tint standards, changes wheel requirements for street rods/custom vehicles/trucks to exempt them from OEM requirements. New York AB 1732: Requires inspection of exhaust to ensure there are no leaks that allow carbon monoxide to enter into the passenger compartment over a certain level. LIGHTING Connecticut HB 6116: Requires a vehicle?s lights to be tested during a vehicle-emissions inspection. Massachusetts HB 3629: Prohibits non-flashing, oscillating or rotating blue lights and oscillating or rotating red lights on motor vehicles. New York SB 2157/AB 4140: Requires records to be kept regarding use of salvage high-intensity headlamps (HID) lights including what vehicle they were taken from and the identification of the owner of each vehicle involved. New York SB 1272/AB 5512: Authorizes insurance premium reductions for vehicles equipped with retrofitted daytime running lamps. Texas HB 1975: Prohibits operation of a vehicle equipped with a blue light, other than an emergency vehicle. MISCELLANEOUS New Jersey SB 2553: Creates the Motor Vehicle Owners? Right to Repair Act. New York AB 4248: Creates penalties for forgery, removal, defacing and destruction of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) on frames, engines, transmissions and other vehicle parts. New York AB 5817: Requires automobile manufacturers release vehicle repair information to vehicle owners. Rhode Island HB 6014/SB 783: Changes penalties for ?street racing? to include forfeiture/impoundment of vehicle, loss of license and prison sentences. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHV) California AB 744: Allows a qualified off-highway motor vehicle to be operated upon a highway that has no more than two lanes. New York AB 5099: Designates off-highway-vehicle operations as an inherent risk activity and limits the liability of landowners, lessees, etc. from action in resulting injuries. TIRES New York AB 4687: Requires date of manufacture to be imprinted on tires. Exceptions for certain tires. VEHICLE HEIGHT Hawaii SB 1513: Changes minimum headlamp height requirement from 24 inches to 22 inches and deletes license-plate height requirement of no lower than 12 inches above the ground. WINDOW TINTING Washington HB 2208: Creates a misdemeanor penalty for a person or business tinting windows for profit to install film sunscreening or coloring material in violation of this act.

Yes. This is the third time this bill has been introduced. However this year we have an advantage as Assemblyman Bill Reilich is now on the Transportation Committee. Reilich is the new Chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus (sponsered by SEMA's D.C. Office) and he has activitely solicited support from the Committee members. To date, he has enlisted the support of at least 10 (and still counting) other New York legislators in joining this pro-hobby Caucus. I would urge AACA members to back up Reilich's efforts and correspond with Committee members about this bill. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or need additional information. Thank you! Jason Tolleson

SEMA Action Network Driving Force - March 2007 Commonwealth Adopts Common Sense Legislation for Replicas Virginia Legislature Approves Pro-hobby Titling and Registration Bill With the perseverance of the SAN, pro-hobbyist lawmakers and the automotive business community, a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a state registration and titling class for replica vehicles has been finally approved by the Virginia State Legislature. The measure must now be signed by the governor before being enacted into law. Under the bill, a replica is defined as a vehicle not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer but either constructed or assembled from components. ?Backed by the hard work and dedication of the Capitol Area Cobra Club, Virginia businessman Rick Pearce, Delegate Tom Rust, Senator Martin Williams and legislative staff, we are extremely gratified that Virginia will join the growing list of states that recognize replicas as distinct classes of vehicles,? said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve McDonald. ?We are especially indebted to these individuals for their continued efforts in coordinating the support of enthusiasts, lawmakers and state and local vehicle administrators.? The measure allows these vehicles to be titled under the model year of which the vehicle is a replica and only requires that they meet safety and emissions requirements as established for that model year. As a condition of the hobby-friendly emissions system and safety equipment requirements, replica vehicles titled under this legislation would be limited to no more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle?s odometer. ?As a car enthusiast myself, I?m happy to have helped the replica owners, especially in my case the members of the Capitol Area Cobra Club, in getting legislation drafted and through the legislative process in Virginia,? said Delegate Tom Rust. In April 2005, replica owners in Virginia received letters from the Department of Motor Vehicles stating that their vehicles may have been titled and registered incorrectly. Individuals were asked to return their title and license plates, pay a $25 fee, have the car inspected by a special DMV agent and then have the vehicle re-registered and titled based on the year of assembly. Under this requirement, vehicles would be subject to current emissions and equipment standards. When signed into law, this bill will allow Virginia replica vehicle owners to avail themselves of a unique titling class which provides that replica vehicles may be legally titled and registered based on the model year the vehicle most closely resembles. ?It was gratifying to see this bill pass the Virginia Legislature,? said Capital Area Cobra Club member Scott Harrison. ?Prior to this bill, the members of our club living in Virginia had no definitive way to register their replica vehicle. Our club has over 300 members with the majority living in Northern Virginia and members had their cars registered in various ways based on the inconsistent information provided to them at their local DMV.? 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. Efforts are ongoing this year to work with the state legislature in Arkansas, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and Wyoming on this initiative. If successful, these states will join Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Montana, and Rhode Island in recognizing the unique nature of these cars. For more information, or to download a copy of the SEMA-model bill visit www.semasan.com. Editors Note: The SAN would also like to recognize House Transportation Committee Assistant Jack Hilgers and Nancy Palmer of Delegate Rust?s staff for their dedicated efforts in navigating this bill through the legislative process. Their continued support for the hobby in Virginia is greatly appreciated. ===== LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS Hawaii Exhaust Noise: SAN-opposed legislation to ban vehicles equipped with an exhaust system ?that has been modified to make more noise or sound than the vehicle made when manufactured? has been introduced in Hawaii. The measure would allow law enforcement officers to seize and impound a vehicle upon making a subjective determination that the vehicle was in violation. In some states, noise limits for modified exhaust systems are established by a SEMA-model bill and applicable to an easy to administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to an SAE test standard with an established noise limit of 95-decibels. The Hawaii bill adopts a 95-decibel standard, but does not include reference to the SAE testing procedure. Simply referencing the 95-decibel limit does not provide a process through which vehicle owners can prove compliance with the law. Indiana Antique Taxes: SAN is supporting a bill in the Indiana State Legislature to provide an exemption from the excise surtax for motor vehicles licensed and registered as antiques. Indiana law defines an ?antique? as a motor vehicle or motor scooter that is at least twenty-five (25) years old. The county surtax is generally applied at a rate of between $7.50 and $25 annually for each motor vehicle registered in the county depending on the age and value of the vehicle. New York Spinners: In what could be the state?s first step in limiting custom wheel and hubcap options for motor vehicle enthusiasts, legislation that would prohibit the operation of motor vehicles equipped with spinner hubcaps has been reintroduced in the New York State Legislature. The SAN-opposed bill would subject vehicle owners to fines of up to $750 for a third or subsequent violation. The measure also ignores 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 an issue; and that spinner hubcaps have no proven detrimental effect on motor vehicle safety. West Virginia Abandoned Vehicles: A bill has been reintroduced in the West Virginia State Legislature that would further restrict the ability of West Virginia vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The SAN-opposed legislation seeks to redefine ?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 would make violation a misdemeanor offense punishable by substantial fines, community service and jail. The SAN is opposing the bill as it 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. Wyoming Street Rods/Customs: SEMA-model legislation to create vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and custom vehicles has been approved by the Wyoming House of Representatives. The bill 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. Under the measure, 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. The bill is similar to legislation enacted into law in Illinois, Missouri, Rhode Island, Montana, Maine, Colorado and Hawaii. ===== Virginia House Approves Changes to Antique Vehicle Laws A bill in the Virginia State Legislature that would amend the state?s current law defining antique motor vehicles was approved by the House of Delegates. Introduced as an attempt to legislate against abuses of the requirements for the state?s antique vehicle plate, the final bill is a product of compromise between legislators and the vehicle hobbyist community. ?I'm hopeful that this will once and for all alleviate the problem of people abusing antique license plates,? said Virginia House Majority Leader and member of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus Morgan Griffith. ?The whole purpose of the antique plate is to promote the hobby, not to abuse the benefits that are afforded to these vehicles.? The compromise proposal made several changes to the existing law, including removing the limitation that antique vehicles may only be operated for pleasure driving in a radius 250 miles from the owner?s residence. The bill also changes the fee for registration and license plates from $10 to a one-time fee of $50; requires that applicants for antique license plates show evidence of ownership or regular use of another passenger car or motorcycle; and prohibits commercial use of vehicles displaying antique license plates. The measure requires that owners of antique vehicles provide notarized certifications that these vehicles meet safety equipment requirements for the model year in which they were manufactured and allows the DMV to suspend the registration of vehicles registered with antique plates if the vehicle is not properly equipped or is otherwise unsafe to operate. While the SAN maintains certain reservations about how this provision will be developed and implemented upon enactment of the bill, we do feel that the measure as passed by the House deserves the support of the hobbyist community in Virginia. ===== Caucus Corner Each month Driving Force will feature a member of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. Here are its newest members: Maryland Delegate Ben Kramer Derwood, MD New York Assemblymember Gary Finch Springport, NY Assemblymember Joseph Giglio Gowanda, NY Assemblymember Steve Hawley Batavia, NY Click here for a complete list of Caucus members. ===== Hey, That?s My Car! My ?Oldghia? 1965 Volkswagen Karman Ghia Owner: Jerry Jess Phoenix, AZ This Karman Ghia was rebuilt from a junkyard VW into a true show car by its owner in 1993. After a few years on the road and after a few different owners, it ended up in Phoenix were it sat out in the open for 5 years. A friend of mine spotted the car one day and asked the owner if it was for sale. His response was ?maybe.? While I never set eyes on the car, my friend told me that I had to have it. After some 8 months of negotiating, I was finally was able to convince the owner to sell the car. At 71 years young and a car person since I was 16, this is the first car I ever bought without ever seeing it. Remarkably, after all those years sitting out in the Phoenix weather, the paint, interior, and motor were still in almost pristine condition and my ?OLDGHIA? won 1st place in the very first VW show it entered. Now it is a driver for my wife and I and we get lots of high fives tooling around Phoenix and various car events. Owning it is a dream come true. UNDER THE HOOD: Dual carbureted, 1776 vintage Gene Berg high performance motor OUTSIDE: Custom electric suicide doors, Porsche Fuchs wheels, Porsche style headlights, frenched rear license plate holder, side body air vents, custom bumpers INSIDE: leather bucket seats, Gene Berg shifter, racing tach, electric windows 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: SEMA, 1317 F Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004. You also may upload high-resolution digital pictures (minimum 5 inches wide at 300 dpi) directly through the SAN website at www.semasan.com/san/mycar.aspx. ===== Eagle One Honors Four Car Clubs With Golden Rule Award Four car clubs have been honored by Eagle One with the prestigious Golden Rule Award for conducting the most outstanding community service program in their region during 2006. This marks the 14th year that the leading maker of appearance care products has recognized and rewarded car clubs for exemplary community involvement. And the Winners Are: Western Region Mustangs Northwest, Seattle, WA Midwest Region Cedar Rapids Corvette Club, Cedar Rapids, IA Eastern Region Wheels That Heal, Salisbury, MD Southern Region Southern Knights Cruisers, Richmond, VA The four clubs will each receive a combined total of $750 from Eagle One and associate sponsor Valvoline for a donation to a charity to be selected by each club. They will also receive a generous supply of Eagle One premium appearance care products and Valvoline motor oil for fundraising events as well as the custom-designed, hand-cast Golden Rule Award. Eagle One is a division of The Valvoline Company. ===== Club Spotlight Pennsylvania Council Marks 30 Years of Success The Legislative Council of Motor Vehicle Clubs (LCMVC) of Pennsylvania is a watchdog organization of antique, classic car and motorcycle collectors and hobbyists. Member clubs also consist of a wide cross-section of hobby vehicles including military, trucks and fire engines. Later this month, the group will convene for its annual legislative meeting. This will be the 30th year in which the group has met to discuss legislative initiatives in Pennsylvania. LCMVC is best known for its successful campaign to establish a one-time fee for antique/classic tags. Another successful endeavor by LCMVC was the removal of the annual state inspection for antique cars. Working closely with the SEMA Action Network, the organization also provides a networking resource for member affiliates to disseminate timely information to its members to allow them to be in touch with their local and state-elected officials on pertinent items. LCMVC Annual Meeting March 25 ? 12:00 p.m. Hershey Region AACA Headquarters 131 Museum Drive - Hershey, PA For more information contact: lcmvcpa@gmail.com or 215/947-4118 Editor?s note: Please send your Club Spotlight stories and photos to the SAN at jasont@sema.org. ===== MARCH 2007 SAN CLUB EVENTS ALABAMA March 8-11, Dothan 6th Annual Swap ?n? Cruisin Information: 334/793-4323 ARIZONA March 17, Sierra Vista 10th Annual Benefit Car Show Sponsor: SARCHVA Information: 520/459-2184 CALIFORNIA March 4, Long Beach Cadillac Concours D?Elegance / Car Lovers Club Show Sponsor: Cadillac Club International Consortium Information: 951/845-5916 March 10-11, Costa Mesa 1st Orange County Get-Together Sponsor: Goodguys Information: www.good-guys.com or 925/838-9876 March 17, Orange 7th Annual SCVCOA Spring Picnic Sponsor: SoCal Chapter, Volvo Club of America Information: www.scvcoa.org or 951/674-0818 March 18, Santa Anita 1st Annual Run with the Winner Car Show Sponsor: Cal-Rods Information: www.calrods.com March 18, Anaheim Comanche Cruise Car and Bike Show Information: 714/974-9120 March 24-25, Pleasanton 25th All American Get-Together Sponsor: Goodguys March 30 - April 1, Del Mar 7th Del Mar Rod and Custom Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys FLORIDA March 4, Hollywood 19th Florida Mopar Nationals Sponsor: Florida Mopar Connection Car Club Information: floridamopar@bellsouth.net or 954/920-7096 March 25, Port Richey Chasco Fiesta 2007 Sponsor: Gulfside Corvettes Information: www.gulfsidecorvettes.com or 727/863-0468 ILLINOIS March 3-4, McCormick Place Chevy/Vettefest Sponsor: Chicago Gearheads Information: 773/908-8668 March 25, Wheaton Buick Olds Pontiac Cadillac Swap Sponsor: Chicagoland Chapter, (BCA) Information: 815/838-7956 KENTUCKY March 10-11, Louisville 40th Annual Giant Swap Meet Sponsor: Kyana Region AACA Information: 502/619-2916 MARYLAND March 10, West Friendship Antique Auto Parts Flea Market Sponsor: Chesapeake Region-AACA Information: 410/653-3108 MASSACHUSETTS March 11, Springfield Western Massachusetts Car Show Information: 413/271-3275 MICHIGAN March 3-4, Flint 3rd Annual PCS Mid-Michigan Chapter Micro-Meet Sponsor: PCS, Mid-Michigan Chapter Information: plumbsmith@ameritech.net or 810/691-6352 March 18, Troy 26th Annual Swap Meet Sponsor: Southeast Michigan Buick Club Information: 248/649-2396 MINNESOTA March 4, Rochester 3rd Annual Indoor Swap Meet Sponsor: MN Region-AACA Information: 507/281-1097 NEVADA March 1-3, Laughlin Gambler Classic River Run Sponsor: Southern Nevada Classic Chevy Club Information: www.gamblerclassicriverrun.com or 702/593-5777 March 30 ? April 1, Las Vegas Motor Speedway Mopars at the Strip Information: www.moparsatthestrip.com or 702/256-8254 NEW MEXICO March 23-25, Albuquerque Southwestern Musclecar Nationals Information: www.southwesternmusclecarnationals.com NORTH DAKOTA March 31 ? April 1, West Fargo Toppers Car Show Sponsor: Toppers Car Club Information: 701/281-1188 OHIO March 31 ? April 1, Columbus Mid-Ohio Ford Club Spring Swap Sponsor: Mid-Ohio Ford Club Information: www.springswap.com OREGON March 2-4, Portland 51st Portland Roadster Show Sponsor: Multnomah Hot Rod Council Information: www.portlandroadstershow.com or 503/232-4567 SOUTH CAROLINA March 15-17, Florence 19th Annual Run to the Sun Sponsor: Pee Dee Street Rodders Information: www.peedeestreetrodders.com or 800/456-0009 March 31, Aiken 4th Annual Spring Fling Information: 803/648-4761 or aikenhorsepower@bellsouth.net TENNESSEE March 31, Clarksville March Madness Information: 931/980-4453 TEXAS March 3-4, Amarillo Make a Wish Car Show Sponsor: AACA, Amarillo Region Information: 806/351-1108 March 18, San Jacinto Battlegrounds Old Car Picnic Sponsor: Special Interest Fords of the 50?s Information: www.fordsofthe50s.com or 281/599-7920 March 24, Palestine 22nd Annual Peoples Car Show and Parade Sponsor: Cars of Palestine Information: www.carsofpalestine.com or 903/723-4737 March 31 ? April 1, Fredericksburg 3rd Annual O?Reilly Auto Parts Texas 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals Information: www.familyevents.com or 317/236-6522 UTAH March 2-4, Sandy 33rd Annual AutoRama Information: www.autorama.com or 801/774-8015 VIRGINIA March 2-4, Roanoke 27th Annual MDA Car Show Sponsor: Roanoke Valley Charity Car Show Committee Information: www.mdacarshow.com or 540/772-3237 March 10, Chesapeake 10th Annual Car Swap Meet Sponsor: Tidewater Region-AACA Information: 757/486-5456 WASHINGTON March 2-4, Seattle Seattle Roadster Show Information: www.hotrodshows.com or 877/236-0632 ===== 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 AND CUSTOM VEHICLES Connecticut HB 7029: Creates a definition for a ?reconstructed? vehicle to replace ?rebuilt.? Reconstructed refers to every motor vehicle materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition or substitution of essential parts, new or used. Iowa HF 335: Eliminates the $5 fee along with the restricted use provisions for antique vehicles and requires all such antique vehicles to be registered under the annual fee schedules provided for older vehicles. Iowa SB 91: Allows antique vehicle owners to drive an antique vehicle up to 1,000 miles per year in addition to driving the vehicle for exhibition or educational purposes. Oklahoma HB 2051: Creates the option for antique and classic cars to register license plates for life. CLEAN FUEL/HYBRID VEHICLES Connecticut SB 520: Authorizes municipalities to halt property taxes on hybrid and alternative passenger vehicles with a corporate average fuel economy of more than 40 miles per gallon. Maine HB 100: Exempts vehicles with a manufacturer?s estimated highway mileage rating of at least 40 miles per gallon from the California low-emissions vehicle standards. New York AB 4031: Provides tax exemption on sales and compensating use taxes for new motor vehicles meeting clean vehicle standards. EMISSIONS/INSPECTIONS Arizona SB 1531: Makes various changes to the vehicle emissions program under the Clean Air Act. New vehicles will not require inspection before their sixth year of registration after initial purchase/lease. Connecticut SB 988: Prohibits vehicles from idling when the vehicle is not in motion for more than 3 consecutive minutes, unless under certain conditions. Hawaii SB 136: Abolishes periodic motor vehicle inspections. Maine HB 378: Removes statutory provisions that require motor vehicles to have an annual motor vehicle inspection. Maryland HB 44/SB 51/HB 131/SB 103: Creates the Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007. Allows Dept. of Environment and Motor Vehicle Administration to create new emissions standards and implement Clean Air Act standards for 2011 and later model year vehicles. Minnesota SB 481: Requires the adoption of California standards regarding low emissions vehicles. Updates laws to comply with the Clean Air Act. Missouri HB 525: Repeals the motor vehicle safety inspection program effective January 1, 2008. New Hampshire HB 449: Changes the annual motor vehicle inspection to a biennial requirement. Utah SB 168: Exempts new vehicles bought in the year after the model year (example: a 2006 model year vehicle bought in January 2007) from its first scheduled inspection. INOPERABLE VEHICLES Hawaii HB 895/SB 1017: Decreases the amount of time allowed to recover a vehicle that has been towed before it is deemed abandoned from 30 days to 10 days. LIGHTING Kansas HB 2160: Prohibits substituting auxiliary driving lamps for headlamps. Also prohibits auxiliary lamps from being lighted any time head lamps are in low-beam position. Montana HB 504: Restricts the height of light from the headlight of a motor vehicle to no more than 2 feet above the road surface at a length of 30 feet from the front of the vehicle. New York AB 4140: Requires record to be kept regarding use of salvage HID lights including what vehicle they were taken from and the identification of the owner of each vehicle involved. MISCELLANEOUS Hawaii HB 567: Encourages the opening of a motorsports facility to keep motor racing off of public streets and freeways. Minnesota HB 415: Changes date for racetracks to be exempted from noise standards. Previously, a racetrack in operation on or before July 1, 1983 was exempt, this bill would change the date to 1996. Montana HB 483: Prohibits operating a vehicle on a highway unless all tires meet federal standards for tires and bear the DOT marking. New York SB 1484: Allows license plate frames of certain dimensions if the frame does not obscure the identifying elements of the plate. New York AB 3272: Prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by visual display. Prohibits the installation of TVs and monitors in a vehicle where they are capable of being viewed by the driver. North Dakota SB 2351: Prohibits tires leaving the road while a vehicle is in operation by means of an adjustable suspension. Virginia HB 2108: Permits visual displays within view of the driver if the device is used to enhance the driver?s view in front of, behind, or to the sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle. OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES Washington HB 1434: Makes changes regarding OHV noise abatement near residences. Changes the permissible level from 105dB(A) to 96dB(A) and also changes the test procedure and creates fines for violation. ===== 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. 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.

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Anti-Hobbyist Inoperable Vehicle Bill Introduced in Kentucky A bill (H.B. 472) has been introduced in the Kentucky Legislature that would overturn existing hobbyist protections for inoperable vehicles, including parts cars that are stored out of ordinary public view on private property. The existing law, which was enacted in 2005 and now threatened, is based on SEMA model legislation and has the support of the hobbyist community in Kentucky. Unfortunately, H.B. 472 as introduced by Rep. Charlie Miller (Charlie.Miller@lrc.ky.gov) would reverse the existing law and allow local governments to impose more restrictive standards against project cars. We Urge You to Contact Members of the House Local Government Committee (List Below) to OPPOSE H.B. 472 H.B. 472 would override safeguards provided for in the current law that allow hobbyists to work on collector vehicles on private property. H.B. 472 would allow local governments to override the law and impose more restrictive standards against project cars. H.B. 472 would override reasonable provisions enacted in 2005 that vehicles be located out of ordinary public view by means of suitable fencing, trees, shrubbery, etc. H.B. 472 would override efforts made in 2005 by legislators and hobbyists to enact reasonable and fair compromise legislation. H.B. 472 overturns the 2005 law without giving it fair chance to work. DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the Kentucky House Local Government Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 472. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Kentucky House Committee on Local Government Rep. Steve Riggs [Chair] (502) 564-8100 Ext. 674 (502) 564-6543 (fax) steve.riggs@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Ron Crimm [Vice Chair] (502) 564-8100 Ext. 706 Ron.Crimm@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Mike Denham [Vice Chair] (502) 564-8100 Ext. 696 mitchel.denham@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Ancel Smith [Vice Chair] (502) 564-8100 Ext. 668 ancel.smith@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Jim Wayne [Vice Chair] (502) 564-8100 Ext. 616 jim.wayne@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Scott W. Brinkman (502) 564-8100 Ext. 682 scott.brinkman@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Robert R. Damron (502) 564-8100 Ext. 671 Robert.Damron@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Ted Edmonds (502) 564-8100 Ext. 641 ted.edmonds@lrc.ky.gov Rep. David Floyd (502) 564-8100 Ext. 698 david.floyd@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Derrick Graham (502) 564-8100 Ext. 639 derrick.graham@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Richard Henderson (502) 564-8100 Ext. 642 Richard.Henderson@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Charlie Hoffman (502) 564-2217 Charlie.Hoffman@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Dennis Keene (502) 564-8100 Ext. 626 dennis.keene@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Adam Koenig (502) 564-8100 Ext. 689 Adam.Koenig@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Tom McKee (502) 564-8100 Ext. 667 Tom.McKee@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Reginald Meeks (502) 564-8100 Ext. 653 reginald.meeks@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Brad Montell (502) 564-8100 Ext. 609 brad.montell@lrc.ky.gov Rep. David Osborne (502) 564-8100 Ext. 679 David.Osborne@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Arnold Simpson (502) 564-8100 Ext. 695 Arnold.Simpson@lrc.ky.gov Rep. Ken Upchurch (502) 564-8100 Ext. 673 Ken.Upchurch@lrc.ky.gov

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Iowa Introduces Bill to Expand Use of Antique Vehicles Legislation (S.F. 91) that would amend the state?s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their occasional use for up to 1,000 miles per year has been introduced in the Iowa Senate. Under current Iowa, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions or educational purposes. We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate (List Below) in Support of S.F. 91 S.F. 91 will provide Iowa citizens the opportunity to enjoy occasional recreational driving in addition to the other sanctioned uses. S.F. 91 provides added incentive to owners of qualifying antique vehicles (25-years old or older) to register as ?antique? thereby reducing registration fees. Antique vehicles are only required to pay a $5 annual registration fee and may display model year registration plates. DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the Iowa Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their support of S.F. 91. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Iowa Senate Transportation Committee Tom Rielly, Chair E-mail: tom.rielly@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 641-673-0359 Jeff Danielson, Vice Chair E-mail: jeff.danielson@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 319-236-0611 Larry Noble, Ranking Member E-mail: larry.noble@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-964-7521 Daryl Beall E-mail: daryl.beall@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-573-7889 Dick L. Dearden E-mail: dick.dearden@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-262-1203 Tom Hancock E-mail: tom.hancock@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 563-876-3219 Bill Heckroth E-mail: bill.heckroth@legis.state.ia.us Hubert Houser E-mail: hubert.houser@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-486-2597 Matt McCoy E-mail: matt.mccoy@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-245-2959 John Putney E-mail: john.putney@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-262-3111 Steve Warnstadt E-mail: steve.warnstadt@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-258-3705 Brad Zaun E-mail: brad.zaun@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-223-4500 Mark Zieman E-mail: mark.zieman@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 563-539-2995 URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Iowa Introduces Bill to Expand Use of Antique Vehicles Legislation (S.F. 91) that would amend the state?s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their occasional use for up to 1,000 miles per year has been introduced in the Iowa Senate. Under current Iowa, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions or educational purposes. We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate (List Below) in Support of S.F. 91 S.F. 91 will provide Iowa citizens the opportunity to enjoy occasional recreational driving in addition to the other sanctioned uses. S.F. 91 provides added incentive to owners of qualifying antique vehicles (25-years old or older) to register as ?antique? thereby reducing registration fees. Antique vehicles are only required to pay a $5 annual registration fee and may display model year registration plates. DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the Iowa Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their support of S.F. 91. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Iowa Senate Transportation Committee Tom Rielly, Chair E-mail: tom.rielly@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 641-673-0359 Jeff Danielson, Vice Chair E-mail: jeff.danielson@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 319-236-0611 Larry Noble, Ranking Member E-mail: larry.noble@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-964-7521 Daryl Beall E-mail: daryl.beall@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-573-7889 Dick L. Dearden E-mail: dick.dearden@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-262-1203 Tom Hancock E-mail: tom.hancock@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 563-876-3219 Bill Heckroth E-mail: bill.heckroth@legis.state.ia.us Hubert Houser E-mail: hubert.houser@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-486-2597 Matt McCoy E-mail: matt.mccoy@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-245-2959 John Putney E-mail: john.putney@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-262-3111 Steve Warnstadt E-mail: steve.warnstadt@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-258-3705 Brad Zaun E-mail: brad.zaun@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-223-4500 Mark Zieman E-mail: mark.zieman@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 563-539-2995 URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Iowa Introduces Bill to Expand Use of Antique Vehicles Legislation (S.F. 91) that would amend the state?s current law governing antique motor vehicles to permit their occasional use for up to 1,000 miles per year has been introduced in the Iowa Senate. Under current Iowa, use of antique vehicles is strictly limited to exhibitions or educational purposes. We Urge You to Contact Members of the Senate (List Below) in Support of S.F. 91 S.F. 91 will provide Iowa citizens the opportunity to enjoy occasional recreational driving in addition to the other sanctioned uses. S.F. 91 provides added incentive to owners of qualifying antique vehicles (25-years old or older) to register as ?antique? thereby reducing registration fees. Antique vehicles are only required to pay a $5 annual registration fee and may display model year registration plates. DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the Iowa Senate Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their support of S.F. 91. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Iowa Senate Transportation Committee Tom Rielly, Chair E-mail: tom.rielly@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 641-673-0359 Jeff Danielson, Vice Chair E-mail: jeff.danielson@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 319-236-0611 Larry Noble, Ranking Member E-mail: larry.noble@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-964-7521 Daryl Beall E-mail: daryl.beall@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-573-7889 Dick L. Dearden E-mail: dick.dearden@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 515-262-1203 Tom Hancock E-mail: tom.hancock@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 563-876-3219 Bill Heckroth E-mail: bill.heckroth@legis.state.ia.us Hubert Houser E-mail: hubert.houser@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-486-2597 Matt McCoy E-mail: matt.mccoy@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-245-2959 John Putney E-mail: john.putney@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-262-3111 Steve Warnstadt E-mail: steve.warnstadt@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 712-258-3705 Brad Zaun E-mail: brad.zaun@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 515-223-4500 Mark Zieman E-mail: mark.zieman@legis.state.ia.us Business Telephone: 563-539-2995

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT 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 (adcockp@arkleg.state.ar.us ). 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 (List Below) 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. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Arkansas House Committee on Public Transportation Rep. Robbie Wills, Chair Business Phone: 501-730-4677 Fax: 501-329-0321 E-mail: willsr@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Frank Glidewell, Vice Chair Business Phone: 479-646-6300 Fax: 479-452-2978 E-mail: glidewellf@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Lenville Evans Business Phone: 501-676-6780 Fax: 501-676-2106 Rep. David Wyatt Business Phone: 870-251-1044 Fax: 870-251-3519 E-mail: wyattd@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Monty Davenport Business Phone: 870-449-6745 Rep. Otis Davis Business Phone: 870-792-7003 E-mail: daviso@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Ray Kidd Business Phone: 870-761-7727 E-mail: kiddr@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Fred Allen Business Phone: 501-225-4979 Fax: 501-225-4762 E-mail: FredAllen99@comcast.net Rep. Johnny Hoyt Business Phone: 501-354-4360 E-mail: hoytj@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Lance Reynolds Business Phone : 501-589-3000 E-mail: reynoldsl@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Gene Shelby Business Phone: 501-623-2606 E-mail: shelbyg@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Jim House Business Phone: 479-443-5883 E-mail: housej@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Johnnie Roebuck Business Phone: 870-403-4382 Fax: 870-246-6974 E-mail: roebuckj@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Bobby Pierce Business Phone: 501-888-4390 Fax: 870-942-8737 E-mail: pierceb@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Bryan King Business Phone: 870-438-6434 E-mail: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Barry Hyde Business Phone: 501-371-0255 Fax: 501-371-0020 E-mail: hydeb@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Donna Hutchinson Business Phone: 479-876-6011 E-mail: hutchinsond@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Larry Cowling Business Phone: 870-542-7452 Fax: 870-542-7743 E-mail: cowlingl@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Randy Stewart Business Phone: 870-398-4630 E-mail: stewartr@arkleg.state.ar.us Rep. Dan Greenberg Business Phone: 501-821-4808 E-mail: rep.greenberg@gmail.com

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Backyard Vehicle Restoration Jobs Under Siege Again In Illinois A bill (H.B. 367) has been introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives by Rep. Jack Franks (jack@jackfranks.org) that would further restrict the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. 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 Executive 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. Please contact members of the Illinois House Executive Committee immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 367. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. Illinois House Executive Committee Daniel J. Burke Email: burkedj@legis.state.il.us Phone: 217/782-1117 Fax: 217/782-0927 Joseph M. Lyons Phone: 217/782-8400 Fax: 217/557-1934 Dan Brady Email: dan@rep-danbrady.com Phone: 217/782-1118 Fax: 2147/558-6271 Edward J. Acevedo Email: eacevedo@hdsmail.state.il.us Phone: 217/782-2855 Fax: 217/782-7762 Maria Antonia Berrios Email: rep_berrios@yahoo.com Phone: 217/558-1032 Fax: 217/558-7112 Robert A.Biggins Email: bobbiggins@comcast.net Phone: 217/782-6578 Fax: 217/782-5257 Richard T. Bradley Email: rbradley@hdsmail.state.il.us Phone: 217/782-8117 Fax: 217/558-6369 Brent Hassert Phone: 217/782-4179 Fax: 217/782-5257 James H.Meyer Email: jhmeyer@msn.com Phone: 217/782-8028 Fax: 217/557-0571 Robert S. Molaro Phone: 217/782-5280 Fax: 708/354-0743 Robert Rita Email: robertbobrita@aol.com Phone: 217/558-1000 Fax: 217/558-1091 Angelo Saviano Email: skip@saviano.com Phone: 217/782-3374 Fax: 217/557-7211 Arthur L. Turner Phone: 217/782-8116 Fax: 217/782-0888

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT New York Reintroduces Bills to Provide for One-Time Historic Vehicle Registration Fee New bills have been introduced in the New York Senate (S.B. 187) and Assembly (A.B. 1460) to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill has been referred to the New York Senate Transportation Committee and the Assembly Transportation Committee respectively for consideration. We Urge You to Contact Senate/Assembly Transportation Committee Members (List Attached) Immediately to Support S.B. 187 and A.B. 1460 The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector?s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. Under current New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $23. DON?T DELAY! Please contact members of the New York Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their support for S.B. 187 and A.B. 1460. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance. New York Senate Transportation Committee Thomas W. Libous, Chair senator@senatorlibous.com (518) 455-2677 Caesar Trunzo trunzo@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2111 John D. Sabini sabini@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2529 Owen H. Johnson ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3411 Suzi Oppenheimer oppenhei@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2031 Frank Padavan padavan@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3381 Michael F. Nozzolio nozzolio@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2366 Toby Ann Stavisky stavisky@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3461 Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. fuschill@senate.state.ny.us Martin Malave Dilan dilan@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2177 John J. Flanagan flanagan@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2071 Joseph E. Robach robach@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2909 Diane J. Savino savino@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2437 James L. Seward seward@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3131 David J. Valesky valesky@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2838 William J. Larkin, Jr. larkin@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2770 Bill Perkins perkins@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-2441 Andrew Lanza lanza@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3215 Shirley Huntley shuntley@senate.state.ny.us (518) 455-3531 Assembly Transportation Committee David F. Gantt, Chair 518-455-5606 518-455-5419 (fax) (no email) Marc Alessi alessim@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5294 Darrel J. Aubertine aubertd@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5545 Jim Bacalles bacallj@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5791 Michael Cusick cusickm@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5526 Ruben Diaz, Jr. diazr@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5514 Francine DelMonte delmonf@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5284 Joseph Errigo errigoj@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5662 Joe Giglio GiglioJ@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5241 Sam Hoyt hoyts@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4886 Ivan C. Lafayette lafayei@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4545 George S. Latimer latimeg@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4897 John W. Lavelle lavellj@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4677 Charles D. Lavine lavinec@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5456 Donna Lupardo lupardd@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5431 David G. McDonough McDonoD@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4633 Jimmy Meng mengj@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5411 Joan L. Millman millmaj@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5426 N. Nick Perry perryn@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4166 Bill Reilich reilicw@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-4664 Fred Thiele, Jr. thielef@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5997 Paul D. Tonko tonkop@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-5197 Harvey Weisenberg weisenh@assembly.state.ny.us 518-455-3028

Backyard Vehicle Restroration Projects Again Under Siege in West Virginia A bill (S.B. 48) has been reintroduced in the West Virginia State Legislature by State Senator Frank Deem that would further restrict the ability of West Virginia vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. S.B. 48 would redefine ?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 would make violation a misdemeanor offense punishable by substantial fines, community service and jail. Contact members of the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee (Contact Information Below) to Voice Your Opposition to S.B. 48 S.B. 48 would give authorities an inordinate amount of power in determining the disposition of project cars. S.B. 48 would make it extremely difficult for West Virginia hobbyists to maintain inoperable collector vehicles on private property. S.B. 48 demonstrates a clear disregard and lack of understanding of the vehicle hobby and the rights of hobbyists. S.B. 48 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. Please contact members of the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee by phone or e-mail to voice your opposition to this bill. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your immediate assistance. West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Jeffrey Kessler, Chair kessler@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7880 Senator Michael Oliverio, Vice-Chair cglagola@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7919 Senator Chafin htchafin@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7808 Senator Foster dfoster@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7866 Senator Green mkgreen@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7831 Senator Hunter senhunter@mountain.net (304) 357-7995 Senator Jenkins ejenkins@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7956 Senator Minard jminard@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7904 Senator Stollings rdstoll@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7939 Senator Wells epwells@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7841 Senator White crwhite@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7906 Senator Barnes cbarnes@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7973 Senator Caruth dcaruth@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7901 Senator Deem fdeem@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7970 Senator Hall mikehall@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7843 Senator McKenzie senatormckenzie@aol.com (304) 357-7984 Senator Yoder jyoder@mail.wvnet.edu (304) 357-7957