SEMA is opposing Iowa legislation to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblended gasoline and E85. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with ethanol, in any amount. If enacted, the bill would remove labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasing the risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. Unblended gas is required to be labeled, but there is no guarantee that unblended gas will be available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been urged to create national labeling requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline that are placed as close as possible to the pump’s product-selection mechanism. However, since such requirements are not currently in place, vehicle owners must rely on state-labeling requirements for information about the gasoline they use in their vehicles. The bill has been approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee and is pending consideration in the Ways and Means Committee. 

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Arizona Senate approved legislation to exempt all vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection and maintenance program. The bill was also passed by the House Environment Committee and now moves to the Rules Committee before a vote by the full House. Existing law in Arizona only exempts pre-’67 model-year vehicles and those vehicles designated as “collectible.”

For more information, click here.  For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

The Arizona Senate approved legislation to exempt all vehicles more than 25 years old from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection and maintenance program. The bill was also passed by the House Environment Committee and now moves to the Rules Committee before a vote by the full House. Existing law in Arizona only exempts pre-’67 model-year vehicles and those vehicles designated as “collectible.”

For more information, click here.  For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved by the House Transportation Committee. The bill now needs to be approved by the House Rules Committee before making its way to the floor for a vote by all House members. The measure has already been approved by the Washington Senate. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 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.

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved by the House Transportation Committee. The bill now needs to be approved by the House Rules Committee before making its way to the floor for a vote by all House members. The measure has already been approved by the Washington Senate. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 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.

For more information, click here. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

As a result of the opposition mounted by SEMA and North Dakota vehicle hobbyists and businesses, legislation that threatened to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that altered the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issued an inspection certificate has been amended to remove those restrictions. The amended bill now only provides for a study of the state’s transportation laws to be conducted between the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions. This amended bill represents a significant legislative victory for North Dakota enthusiasts and related businesses. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

As a result of the opposition mounted by SEMA and North Dakota vehicle hobbyists and businesses, legislation that threatened to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that altered the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issued an inspection certificate has been amended to remove those restrictions. The amended bill now only provides for a study of the state’s transportation laws to be conducted between the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions. This amended bill represents a significant legislative victory for North Dakota enthusiasts and related businesses. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” was signed into law by Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Under previous law, Utah reserved the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years old and older. Under the new law, “vintage vehicles” 30–40 years old would be charged a $45 annual registration fee. When the vehicle reaches 40 years old, the registrant would pay a one-time $40 fee. Vintage vehicles are exempted from annual emissions and safety inspections. Utah exempts vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 from emissions inspections. Vehicles manufactured after that date must be registered as “vintage vehicles” or “customs” to qualify for this exemption.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” was signed into law by Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Under previous law, Utah reserved the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years old and older. Under the new law, “vintage vehicles” 30–40 years old would be charged a $45 annual registration fee. When the vehicle reaches 40 years old, the registrant would pay a one-time $40 fee. Vintage vehicles are exempted from annual emissions and safety inspections. Utah exempts vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 from emissions inspections. Vehicles manufactured after that date must be registered as “vintage vehicles” or “customs” to qualify for this exemption.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

We're not sure why Mercedes bothered with the few pieces of black tape around the lights and badges on this SLS Roadster prototype, but it's looking fantastic in "iridium silver" paint and a bright red convertible top!

Unlike the coupe’s gullwing doors, the convertible will have a more traditional entry, as well as an SLR-like powered soft-top. We expect the vert will be somewhat heavier due to the chassis reinforcement all verts need.

Watch for the official debut of the SLS AMG Convertible in the first half of 2011.

Photo Credit: Brenda Priddy & Company