SEMA-opposed legislation to ban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 inches in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system, any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatchback will not be considered in the Hawaii legislature this year.

The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the original vehicle manufacturer or dealer. If enacted, the bill would have denied hobbyists the opportunity to purchase and install a range of aftermarket alternatives to original-equipment stereos. Following a hearing on the bill in the House Transportation Committee, the measure was deferred.

For details, please 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 approved by the Utah House of Representatives. Currently, Utah reserves the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years old and older. Under the bill, “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. The bill now moves to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. 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 more information, click here. For details, please 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 approved by the Utah House of Representatives. Currently, Utah reserves the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years old and older. Under the bill, “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. The bill now moves to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. 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 more information, click here. For details, please contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

A bill (H.B. 3214) to ban the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems or exhaust system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise that exceeds noise limits has been introduced by Oregon State Representative Phil Barnhart.

Under the bill, noise limits would be specified in rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, in 1991, the DEQ terminated its noise-control program. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee for consideration. Among other things, the bill would prohibit the sale of these exhaust systems in Oregon and the sale of these systems by an Oregon-based business to an out-of-state customer; provides no clear standard to enforce, and refers to DEQ noise standards that are not currently in use; and makes no accommodation for SEMA-model legislation to allow vehicle hobbyists to buy and install aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

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

A bill (H.B. 3214) to ban the sale of certain new motor-vehicle exhaust systems or exhaust system components that cause motor vehicles to produce noise that exceeds noise limits has been introduced by Oregon State Representative Phil Barnhart.

Under the bill, noise limits would be specified in rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). However, in 1991, the DEQ terminated its noise-control program. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee for consideration. Among other things, the bill would prohibit the sale of these exhaust systems in Oregon and the sale of these systems by an Oregon-based business to an out-of-state customer; provides no clear standard to enforce, and refers to DEQ noise standards that are not currently in use; and makes no accommodation for SEMA-model legislation to allow vehicle hobbyists to buy and install aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test.

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

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011, which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

SEMA applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. SEMA also supports a newly introduced bill (H.R. 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011, which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

SEMA applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. SEMA also supports a newly introduced bill (H.R. 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN), a nationwide partnership of individuals, car clubs and members of the specialty auto-parts industry, continues to work toward eliminating legislative threats and promoting favorable laws for the automotive hobby. To further develop this important enthusiast network, the SAN recently kicked-off a contest to expand its reach by challenging current SAN members to recruit new members. The grand prize for the “SAN Challenge” is roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas, lodging and entry passes to the 2011 SEMA Show.

Contestants in the SAN Challenge are responsible for identifying and signing up new members to SAN. The contestant who enrolls the most new, unique SAN members by September 1, 2011, will be awarded the grand prize. Ten runners-up will win a one-year subscription to the Source Interlink Media automotive publication of their choice.

As active members and leaders in the SEMA community, please spread the word about the SAN Challenge. This is a perfect way for enthusiasts (your customers) to both win an opportunity to participate in the SEMA Show and play a vital role in the efforts to increase the power of our industry’s voice.

The Challenge is open to U.S. and Canadian (except Quebec) SAN members, 18 years or older. No purchase necessary. For rules and more information or to share this contest with your customers and fellow enthusiasts, please visit www.semasan.com/challenge or contact Mike Dingell at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or e-mail miked@sema.org.