By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 Low-volume production of turn-key replica cars, such as this Dynamic Corvette ’56 resto-mod, hangs in the balance until NHTSA implements the FAST Act. |
SEMA is encouraging its members to ask U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to implement the replica car law. Under the 2015 law spearheaded by SEMA, small automakers (5,000 or fewer vehicles produced globally) may sell up to 325 turnkey replica cars a year in the United States, vehicles that resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had a December 4, 2016, deadline to implement the law. Nearly two years later, NHTSA has taken no regulatory action.
SEMA has put the agency on notice that it will file a court action if it fails to take immediate action. The delay is creating financial hardship for small businesses committed to the program. Replica car companies began making investments in new facilities, equipment and supplies based on the one-year timeline to implement the law. Instead, workers have not been hired and sales are on hold because of NHTSA’s inaction.
Click here for more information and to contact DOT Secretary Chao.