By SEMA News Editors

In case you missed it, the 2025 SEMA Fest lineup was announced—and it's next-level. Rock icons Queens of the Stone Age, legendary hitmakers The Black Crowes and alt-pop favorites Neon Trees are set to headline this year's high-octane festival of music, motorsports and car culture.

It all comes to life Friday, November 7, at the SEMA Show's Bronze Lot, immediately following the close of the 2025 SEMA Show. But here's the big news: Ticket sales are officially open as of, Friday, July 18, at 8:00 a.m. PT at semafest.com!

This is your chance to lock in your spot at one of the most unforgettable nights of the year. From full-throttle drifting demos and fan-favorite activations to a powerhouse concert lineup, SEMA Fest 2025 is the soundtrack to your adrenaline addiction.

🎟️ General Admission and VIP tickets will be available, along with package options for the "SEMA Show Friday - Open to the Public" pass for your friends who aren't industry professionals. 

So, whether you're here for the riffs, the rides—or both—get ready as tickets might sell out.

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.

This story was originally published on Thursday, July 17.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA wants feedback from industry leaders on how tariffs are impacting your business. Please take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will significantly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf.  

We need just a few more responses to strengthen our dataset. If just four SEMA members add their information today, we'll have a more complete picture to share with lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Why do we need this data? The feedback SEMA gathers from aftermarket industry businesses is essential to lawmakers. They need to hear about how tariffs affect your ability to ship goods and products, as well as import the materials and components you need.  By providing your insights, you greatly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA wants feedback from industry leaders on how tariffs are impacting your business. Please take part in our survey to provide your insights, which will significantly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf.  

We need just a few more responses to strengthen our dataset. If just four SEMA members add their information today, we'll have a more complete picture to share with lawmakers and the Trump administration.

Why do we need this data? The feedback SEMA gathers from aftermarket industry businesses is essential to lawmakers. They need to hear about how tariffs affect your ability to ship goods and products, as well as import the materials and components you need.  By providing your insights, you greatly aid our ability to advocate on your behalf. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

From the Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, the California legislation that seeks to expand the preservation of historic vehicles, continues to truck forward. Senate Bill 712, the legislation's formal name, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee this week with bipartisan support, marking another important step toward modernizing California's outdated smog check rules for collector vehicles.

Take a minute to voice your support for "Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It seriously only takes a minute!)

The bill, strongly supported by SEMA and the enthusiast community, creates a new, optional exemption pathway for vintage vehicles. In the current, amended version, the exemption will begin in 2027 for model years '76–'81, with one additional year added annually until the exemption covers vehicles from 1986. Vehicles must also carry collector car insurance and display historical plates—measures designed to ensure the exemption is used as intended.

• The core of the bill remains intact, helping fuel the increased momentum it needs to become law. Leno's Law continues to be a fair, enforceable path for vintage vehicle owners to maintain and enjoy their cars without outdated testing burdens or impractical inspections.

"SEMA believes that this version of the bill improves on current law and ensures that future generations have access to car culture without unnecessary barriers" said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's California-based senior manager for state government affairs. "These cars are part of our history, and they deserve a path forward that reflects how they're actually used."

SEMA urges industry members to stay engaged as the bill heads to Assembly Appropriations. The finish line is in sight—and the future of California's car culture is riding on it.

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

From the Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, the California legislation that seeks to expand the preservation of historic vehicles, continues to truck forward. Senate Bill 712, the legislation's formal name, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee this week with bipartisan support, marking another important step toward modernizing California's outdated smog check rules for collector vehicles.

Take a minute to voice your support for "Leno's Law" and help protect jobs, heritage and small businesses. Tell legislators to pass the bill now. (It seriously only takes a minute!)

The bill, strongly supported by SEMA and the enthusiast community, creates a new, optional exemption pathway for vintage vehicles. In the current, amended version, the exemption will begin in 2027 for model years '76–'81, with one additional year added annually until the exemption covers vehicles from 1986. Vehicles must also carry collector car insurance and display historical plates—measures designed to ensure the exemption is used as intended.

• The core of the bill remains intact, helping fuel the increased momentum it needs to become law. Leno's Law continues to be a fair, enforceable path for vintage vehicle owners to maintain and enjoy their cars without outdated testing burdens or impractical inspections.

"SEMA believes that this version of the bill improves on current law and ensures that future generations have access to car culture without unnecessary barriers" said Victor Muñoz, SEMA's California-based senior manager for state government affairs. "These cars are part of our history, and they deserve a path forward that reflects how they're actually used."

SEMA urges industry members to stay engaged as the bill heads to Assembly Appropriations. The finish line is in sight—and the future of California's car culture is riding on it.

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and to stay updated on its progress, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts, the California Supreme Court recently declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California.

The CCC sought to ban off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at Oceano Dunes. But by declining the CCC's petition, the Court's instead affirmed a legal victory for SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc., and Friends of Oceano Dunes that protects motorized access to the area and makes permanent the March 2025 decision by the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District of California, Division 6, of Coastal Act violations by the CCC. That earlier ruling held that the Coastal Act was violated when the CCC ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. 

The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring.  

What This Means for OHV Access in California 

This is a momentous victory for OHV access. The decision ends nearly four years of litigation, in which SEMA, EcoLogic Partners, Inc. (a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) District 37), and Friends of Oceano Dunes sued the Coastal Commission over a March 2021 order demanding Department of Parks and Recreation eliminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Court's decision ensures that OHV recreation at Oceano Dunes is a lawful use under the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program and, more generally, the Coastal Act.  

• The Coastal Commission has no additional legal options to appeal the matter. 

SEMA says: "This ruling is a huge win in the fight to protect motorized recreation access in California and across the United States," announced SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "The Coastal Commission's efforts to stop off-road access at Oceano Dunes were unreasonable and set a dangerous precedent. "This is a hard-fought victory for the motorized recreation community and the millions of enthusiasts that recreate at Oceano Dunes each year. SEMA is proud to have supported this lawsuit and is committed to protecting the right to responsibly recreate on California's coast and public lands throughout the country." 

Background 

While Friends of Oceano Dunes and EcoLogic/SEMA filed separate lawsuits, both sets of plaintiffs argued successfully that the commission's action was inconsistent with the County's  Local Coastal Program, resulting in a violation of the Coastal Act.  

The California Court of San Luis Obispo County in June 2023 ruled in favor of SEMA, EcoLogic and Friends of Oceano Dunes, which was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeals' ruling that the commission's attempt to terminate OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area was in conflict with the County of San Luis Obispo's existing Local Coastal Program.  

The Local Coastal Program expressly allows OHV use at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area as part of its recreational element. Under the California Coastal Act, the county's program – and not the Coastal Commission's policy preferences – controls what activities can take place within the county's coastal zone, including Oceano Dunes. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here. 

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections, and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Every year, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas brings the automotive aftermarket world together to see the latest products, innovations and technology that are shaping the future of the industry. The SEMA Show is where trends are born, connections are made and deals happen. For savvy exhibitors, one of the smartest moves they can make is to participate in the SEMA Show New Products Showcase--the No. 1 destination for SEMA Show buyers and a value-packed program designed to maximize visibility and drive booth traffic. And with the first product entry always free of charge, there's no excuse not to participate in this program that gets your products in front of media members, buyers, builders, business owners and more professionals.

"Nowhere else can we get to this many of our dealers and our consumers and show them new products that they get to touch and feel. Because on the internet, you just don't get that experience," said John Myers of KICKER Stillwater Designs.

Submissions are now at semashow.com/newproducts, and all exhibitors are encouraged to review the rules and submit early.

In addition to the product display on-site at the SEMA Show, every product is professionally photographed, promoted across official SEMA Show channels, and listed in a year-round online gallery that continues to generate exposure long after the Show ends. Even better, the 2025 SEMA Show app gives attendees and buyers the ability to scan items in the New Products Showcase (using the Product Scanner feature) and instantly map out where to find each exhibitor on the SEMA Show floor.

Even better, all eligible new product entries are considered for the 2026 SEMA New Product Awards and the SEMA Show Media's Choice Awards, providing even more brand exposure and recognition.

Enter your company's products at semashow.com/newproducts today! 

Exhibitors can continue to maximize their 2025 SEMA Show plans with the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM), which is now available online. The entire ESM is the official exhibitor's handbook for success, in addition to the relationships they form with their SEMA sales representative, the SEMA media team and the SEMA Show department. 

In addition, exhibitors should consider attending the complimentary 2025 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit. SEMA will provide hotel rooms for up to two employees free of charge from June 25-27, in Las Vegas, and provide proven strategies straight from Show organizers to get the most ROI of the November event. Learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor-summit and register for the program here.

Still have questions? Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2025 SEMA Show? Get started at semashow.com/buyabooth.

Note: Attendee registration is now open for the 2025 SEMA Show here. Exhibitors receive a certain allotment of badges for staff members based on booth size. To register additional staff members, exhibitors can do so for $50 per badge through Friday, June 27. After, the registration price will increase. Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Chris Demers, retail sales manager at Mobile Car Pro, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Demers in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?   
Chris Demers: My love for cars. It runs in the family; my grandfather used to own an auto parts store. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?   
CD: I joined to get more attention for Mobile Car Pro. I am hoping it helps shine a light on all the great services our team offers. 

SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?   
CD: Find out what you are most passionate about in this space; there are a lot of options.  

SN: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend? 
CD: A BMW M3 Competition. You'll see me passing you on the left.  

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?   
CD: You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.  

SN: What keeps you in the industry?   
CD: The amazing team I have around me at Mobile Car Pro. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?   
CD: Watching Boston sports.   

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.