By SEMA News Editors

Exhibiting at the 2026 SEMA Show is about more than building a great booth. The most successful exhibitors know how to make sure buyers, media members, customers and attendees know where to find you before the doors even open, November 3-6 in Las Vegas. (Still need a booth? Start here.) 

Fortunately, there is a wide range of marketing resources available for exhibitors to help amplify product launches and vehicle reveals, increase booth traffic and generate real business opportunities before, during and after the Show.

These opportunities are outlined in the Exhibitor Service Manual found at semashow.com/esm, and also detailed below.

Generate Buzz: SEMA Show Public Relations Opportunities

Thousands of journalists, media members, content creators and industry influencers attend the SEMA Show each year looking for the latest products, technologies and trends.

Found in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual, brands can take advantage of several free resources to help connect with the media, including:

• Press Conferences: Companies unveiling significant news are encouraged to apply for the official SEMA Show Press Conference Schedule, available at no cost. Restrictions and rules apply. Fill out the form at semashow.com/mediaconference.
• Press Releases: Exhibitors can also upload press releases at no cost, making company news easily accessible to credentialed media before and throughout Show week.
• New-for-2026 New Vehicle Build Unveiling: Launching a new vehicle build? Companies planning a vehicle reveal can submit their exhibitor name, booth number, reveal time and date, and a one-sentence teaser to pr@sema.org by October 1 for inclusion on a media list distributed to attending journalists.

Increase Visibility: SEMA Show Sponsorship Opportunities

The SEMA Show offers sponsorship opportunities that place your brand in front of attendees throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Available options are seemingly endless, including (but not limited to) hanging banners, rig and display space, aisle signs, billboards, digital displays, directional signage, floor graphics, advertising in SEMA publications and numerous additional branding opportunities.

Whether your goal is increasing booth traffic, reinforcing brand awareness or promoting a product launch, sponsorships allow exhibitors to reach attendees before they ever step onto the show floor. Complete sponsorship options are available in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Put Your Build in the Spotlight

The Feature Vehicle Display program gives exhibitors another opportunity to showcase products in a real-world application, attract attention and drive additional traffic and connections across the Show floor.

Although the July 31 application deadline has passed, SEMA Show organizers are still accepting feature vehicle applications, which will be reviewed at the end of September or as space allows. Approved vehicles are also promoted through the SEMA Show app with details about the build, products, builder and sponsoring exhibitor.

Select applicants who submitted on or before July 31 will receive an approval and confirmation email on August 28. Applications that submit after the July deadline are subject to approval at the end of September, or as space allows.

Learn more about Feature Vehicle Displays and how to apply in the "Vehicles/Car Displays" section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

The New Products Showcase, Free Entry for SEMA Show Exhibitors

For companies introducing new products, no marketing opportunity delivers greater exposure than the New Products Showcase.

Recognized as a top destination for buyers and media at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase puts exhibitors' latest innovations in front of thousands of decision-makers and media members searching for what's new and trending.

The first product submission is always free for exhibitors, making participation an easy decision. Additional entries are $95 each through October 2, after which the price increases to $175.

New for 2026, exhibitors can also enter products into the new Powersports | SxS | Lifestyle category, expanding opportunities for companies serving those growing markets.

Get all the details and sign up in the Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships section of the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Socialize Your SEMA Show: Exhibitor Digital Toolkit

Small business owners have more important things to worry about than social media. That's why the free 2026 Exhibitor & Attendee Digital Toolkit includes professionally designed graphics, copy templates, official logos and press release resources that are ready to download and share across websites, email campaigns and social-media channels.

Exhibitors can download complete asset packages or browse individual graphics sized specifically for today's most popular social platforms. Simply customize the messaging, announce your booth number and invite customers to visit during the Show.

When posting, remember to use #SEMA2026 and #SEMAShow2026, and also tag the official SEMA Show social accounts for additional opportunities to be shared with the industry's online community. 

Find the assets at semashow.com/digital-tools. 

Don't Forget SEMA Education to Maximize Your Team's ROI

Marketing ROI isn't limited to attracting more visitors to your booth. Investing in your team can deliver returns long after the Show ends.

SEMA Education returns to the 2026 SEMA Show with dozens of expert-led sessions covering sales and marketing, small-business strategy, executive leadership, vehicle technology, legislative updates, talent management and more. Most sessions are included with SEMA Show registration.

Exhibitors are encouraged to review the education schedule before arriving in Las Vegas and reserve seats early by adding sessions during registration or through the Exhibitor Portal. Some partner programs require separate registration or fees, which are noted in the schedule.

Get the details and browse the official schedule at semashow.com/education-schedule.

Missed the first part of our SEMA Show exhibitor tips? View it below:

• Have a Plan for the 2026 SEMA Show: Essential Resources for Exhibitors

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com.  

SEMA Fest has been confirmed for Friday, November 6, and industry members will get the lowest rate on tickets through the registration portal and Attendee Resource Center. Sign up for updates at semafest.com.   

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, California's SEMA-backed SB 1392, has passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously. The bill, which is authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, now goes to the full Assembly for a vote. If approved, it moves that much closer to the governor's desk. 

Inspired by ongoing conversations about protecting California's automotive heritage, the bill has now cleared the committee hurdle where it stalled last year and is headed to the Assembly Floor. While there is still work ahead, this progress represents a hard-earned win for California car culture and the community fighting to preserve it.  

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption. 

Ahead of the pivotal vote, Leno's Law supporters gathered at the California State Capitol to urge lawmakers to keep the bill moving. The rally featured remarks from Sens. Cortese and Grove, Carmen Vera of Pasadena Classic Car, Victor Muñoz of SEMA, Francine Mata of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and Leno, who joined by phone. The rally brought together members of California's collector-car community, with more than 40 classic and collectible vehicles on display. Enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians, collectors, restorers and community advocates have helped push Leno's Law farther than ever before.  

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and stay updated on its progress, contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Leno's Law, California's SEMA-backed SB 1392, has passed the California Assembly Appropriations Committee unanimously. The bill, which is authored by Sens. Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, and sponsored by SEMA Hall of Famer Jay Leno, now goes to the full Assembly for a vote. If approved, it moves that much closer to the governor's desk. 

Inspired by ongoing conversations about protecting California's automotive heritage, the bill has now cleared the committee hurdle where it stalled last year and is headed to the Assembly Floor. While there is still work ahead, this progress represents a hard-earned win for California car culture and the community fighting to preserve it.  

🎞️ VIDEO: Watch Chris Jacobs and Carmen Vera's message on Leno's Law below: 

Leno's Law creates a narrow collector-vehicle smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles, phased in from pre-'81 models to pre-'86 models by 2032. To qualify, owners must either provide proof of collector car insurance or show, through a future DMV process, that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California's existing pre-'76 exemption. 

Ahead of the pivotal vote, Leno's Law supporters gathered at the California State Capitol to urge lawmakers to keep the bill moving. The rally featured remarks from Sens. Cortese and Grove, Carmen Vera of Pasadena Classic Car, Victor Muñoz of SEMA, Francine Mata of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and Leno, who joined by phone. The rally brought together members of California's collector-car community, with more than 40 classic and collectible vehicles on display. Enthusiasts, small businesses, lowriders, historians, collectors, restorers and community advocates have helped push Leno's Law farther than ever before.  

For more information on how to support Leno's Law and stay updated on its progress, contact SEMA Senior Manager for State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz at victorm@sema.org. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued a final rule that permanently eliminates the requirement that American companies and individuals must report the beneficial ownership information of their business to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. The final rule, which took effect on August 14, 2026, requires foreign entities to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) for foreign individuals. 

• The automotive aftermarket has long advocated for policies that allow small businesses to spend less time navigating unnecessary regulatory burdens and more time investing in their businesses and employees. Treasury's final BOI rule moves in that direction by permanently eliminating a federal reporting requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. 

The U.S. Treasury Department estimates that the changes in the final rule will eliminate approximately $9 billion in annual compliance costs for small businesses and reduce the reporting burden by approximately 53 million hours per year compared with the previous framework. 

Key Provisions in Beneficial Ownership Final Rule: 

• Adopts the exemptions set out in the interim final rule issued in March 2025, making the rollback of BOI reporting by American companies permanent.
• Exempts American persons who have obtained FinCEN IDs from any obligation to update or correct the information they originally provided to FinCEN to obtain their FinCEN IDs.
• Eliminates the requirement for foreign companies to report American person "company applicants" (i.e., the individuals who helped those foreign companies register to do business in the United States). 
• Exempts foreign pooled investment vehicles registered in the United States from reporting the BOI of an American person in control of the investment vehicle. 
• Confirms that FinCEN will delete information about any individuals––company applicants, beneficial owners or recipients of a FinCEN ID––that FinCEN reasonably believes is a U.S. person (e.g., the information is linked to a U.S. passport or U.S. driver's license).

Under the final rule, foreign entities that are reporting companies will still be required to report BOI for foreign individuals. 

In addition to the final rule, FinCEN has issued Frequently Asked Questions and will be updating guidance on FinCEN.gov to reflect the final rule. 

A Win for Small-Business Regulatory Relief 

For the independent repair shop owner, specialty-parts manufacturer, distributor, performance business or motorsports company, the takeaway is simple: If your business is organized in the United States, you generally no longer need to file BOI with FinCEN. 

Businesses with foreign corporate structures should still review the rule carefully to determine whether they fall within the remaining reporting requirements. And all businesses should continue to comply with other applicable federal, state and local requirements. 

Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued a final rule that permanently eliminates the requirement that American companies and individuals must report the beneficial ownership information of their business to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a 2021 federal law intended to enhance transparency in entity structures and ownership to combat money laundering, tax fraud and other illicit activities. The final rule, which took effect on August 14, 2026, requires foreign entities to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) for foreign individuals. 

• The automotive aftermarket has long advocated for policies that allow small businesses to spend less time navigating unnecessary regulatory burdens and more time investing in their businesses and employees. Treasury's final BOI rule moves in that direction by permanently eliminating a federal reporting requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. 

The U.S. Treasury Department estimates that the changes in the final rule will eliminate approximately $9 billion in annual compliance costs for small businesses and reduce the reporting burden by approximately 53 million hours per year compared with the previous framework. 

Key Provisions in Beneficial Ownership Final Rule: 

• Adopts the exemptions set out in the interim final rule issued in March 2025, making the rollback of BOI reporting by American companies permanent.
• Exempts American persons who have obtained FinCEN IDs from any obligation to update or correct the information they originally provided to FinCEN to obtain their FinCEN IDs.
• Eliminates the requirement for foreign companies to report American person "company applicants" (i.e., the individuals who helped those foreign companies register to do business in the United States). 
• Exempts foreign pooled investment vehicles registered in the United States from reporting the BOI of an American person in control of the investment vehicle. 
• Confirms that FinCEN will delete information about any individuals––company applicants, beneficial owners or recipients of a FinCEN ID––that FinCEN reasonably believes is a U.S. person (e.g., the information is linked to a U.S. passport or U.S. driver's license).

Under the final rule, foreign entities that are reporting companies will still be required to report BOI for foreign individuals. 

In addition to the final rule, FinCEN has issued Frequently Asked Questions and will be updating guidance on FinCEN.gov to reflect the final rule. 

A Win for Small-Business Regulatory Relief 

For the independent repair shop owner, specialty-parts manufacturer, distributor, performance business or motorsports company, the takeaway is simple: If your business is organized in the United States, you generally no longer need to file BOI with FinCEN. 

Businesses with foreign corporate structures should still review the rule carefully to determine whether they fall within the remaining reporting requirements. And all businesses should continue to comply with other applicable federal, state and local requirements. 

Questions? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

A successful SEMA Show experience, November 3-6, starts well before attendees arrive in Las Vegas. By handling registration, hotel, airfare and transportation early, Showgoers can take advantage of available savings and spend less time managing logistics once the Show gets underway.

Register Now to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Badge

And there’s a good reason to start now: The current $75 SEMA Show badge price is available only through September 25, when registration increases to $100. Registering early also gives attendees access to the Registration Resource Center, where they can handle other Show-planning details in one place, including print receipts; register a spouse; book hotels; reserve a spot in one of dozens of educational sessions; purchase tickets to events like SEMA Fest, the SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast and SEMA Industry Honors; and more.

How to Save on Your 2026 SEMA Show Hotel

Hotel reservations are open through SEMA's only official housing partner, onPeak. Bookings made in the official SEMA Show block are eligible for hotel loyalty and member programs and are guaranteed to be the lowest possible prices available.

That's right: organizers will price-match if you happen to find a lower rate, so there's no downside to booking within the official SEMA Show hotel block at semashow.com/hotel. 

How to Save on Airfare to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show

SEMA Show organizers know travel costs can add up, which is why they've partnered with several airlines to offer exclusive discounts for attendees heading to the 2026 SEMA Show via airplane. 

With these deals from exclusive SEMA Show partners––detailed at the link below––attendees can take advantage of airfare savings while planning their trip to the industry's premier automotive aftermarket event. 

Learn more about how to save on airfare on the SEMA Show website here.

How to Save on the Las Vegas Monorail and The Vegas Loop During SEMA

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail is an excellent way to get to the SEMA Show campus if your hotel is near a station. It conveniently tracks above Vegas traffic, making your commute time from any station no more than 10 minutes, and drops Showgoers off just outside of Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Monorail stations and their corresponding hotels include: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/The LINQ, Boingo (LVCC), Westgate and Sahara.

Attendees enjoy exclusive Monorail discounts. Purchase tickets at tix.lvmonorail.com/SEMA26 for the best rates available. Paper tickets are also available (at full price) from ticket kiosks and customer service desks. Hours of operation begin every day at 7:00 a.m. and end at midnight on Monday, 2:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

Monorail riders also enjoy discounts across Las Vegas on things like food, entertainment and shopping. Learn more at lvmonorail.com/discounts.

The Las Vegas Loop

The Las Vegas Loop is an underground transportation network that takes riders through various stations across the LVCC campus. This unique means of transportation saves you time and energy getting from one point to another, and it's free for the LVCC grounds.

Walking from one end of the LVCC to the other could take up to 30 min. and lots of energy. Take a look at the Loop map, and leverage the free rides whenever possible to get to your location so you spend more time where you want to be. It's a week-long marathon, so don't sprint.

The Loop also features stations at Westgate and Encore Las Vegas and recently added Resorts World Las Vegas to the growing list, making the Loop another transportation option to get to and from the LVCC. However, these routes are fee-based, so visit lvloop.com/tickets for going rates.

SEMA Fest Is Back in 2026

SEMA Fest––which recently announced an all-star lineup featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and 311––returns to Las Vegas on Friday, November 6, with motorsports, music and car culture. 

Qualified SEMA Show attendees can add SEMA Fest tickets directly through the Registration Resource Center when securing a Show badge.

Non-industry friends and family can purchase tickets now at SEMAFest.com, along with passes for the one-day "SEMA Show Friday–Public Day," a bucket-list experience for automotive enthusiasts.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for November 3-6, in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee, buyer and media registration is now open online. For more information, visit semashow.com. 

By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Show, November 3-6 in Las Vegas, is where the aftermarket comes together to connect and do business. For SEMA members, private meeting rooms in the SEMA Member Lounge (located in Room N251 on the second level of North Hall) offer a convenient place to take those important conversations off the Show floor.

Take the Meeting to Room N251 in North Hall

The SEMA Member Lounge gives members a place to step away from the bustling Show floor to recharge, reset and regroup. It also offers members the opportunity to book private meeting rooms for business conversations.

Meeting rooms accommodate up to 10 people and can be reserved in advance, making them useful for customer meetings, supplier discussions, team meetings or other conversations that call for a little privacy. Certain conditions, including start and end times, apply.

Members can also take advantage of the lounge itself, with amenities that include:

• Complimentary coffee.
• Internet and printer access.
• Device charging stations.
• Food available for purchase (little to no waiting in lines).
• Comfortable seating and workspace.
• Networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

With a private meeting room just steps from the Show floor, members can keep appointments on schedule without having to leave the SEMA Show campus or search for an available table or quiet corner.

Make the Most of SEMA Show Membership

The private meeting rooms are one of several benefits available through the SEMA Member Lounge during the Show. SEMA Membership also provides year-round access to market research, advocacy, business savings programs, councils, networks and other resources designed to help aftermarket businesses succeed.

For companies planning their 2026 SEMA Show schedules, membership can add another useful resource to the week––including a place to conduct business away from the crowds.

Visit sema.org/join to become a SEMA member and unlock exclusive benefits before arriving in Las Vegas. To start the application, make sure to select "Create Account" in the login box.

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Fest is bringing the heat to Las Vegas with a full slate of high-octane automotive demonstrations, featured vehicles and motorsports action taking center stage alongside its 2026 musical lineup. Taking place Friday, November 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event will give enthusiasts an up-close look at the excitement of car culture, from OPTIMA drifting demonstrations and the Globe of Death to a showcase of rare supercars and hypercars from Supercar Saturdays Florida, plus a heart-pounding concert headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring. The lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive.

Featured Experiences at SEMA Fest

The evening's adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.  

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.  

Together, will the lineup of chart-topping, arena-caliber acts, SEMA Fest will deliver the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.  

Tickets for SEMA Fest are now available via semafest.com.

General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world's largest automotive aftermarket trade event--typically reserved for industry insiders--alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands. 

"SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle and cultural relevance," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "By bringing together the world's premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note."

SEMA Fest serves as the official "closing ceremony" of SEMA Week, transforming the world's premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience. (Learn more at semashow.com).

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds and the latest in automotive products and technology.  

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.  

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.  

2026 Musical Lineup for SEMA Fest

Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as "Self Esteem," "Come Out and Play," "The Kids Aren't Alright" and "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)." Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the '90s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.  

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with "The Middle," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early '00s.  

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States and remains known for crowd favorites such as "Down," "Amber" and "All Mixed Up." 

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge and attitude. 

About SEMA Fest 

SEMA Fest is where car culture, motorsports and live music converge for an adrenaline-fueled experience open to the public. Created by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the world-renowned SEMA Show, SEMA Fest brings together top automotive lifestyle brands, high-performance demonstrations, custom vehicles and an all-star music lineup in Las Vegas. Held during SEMA Week on the Las Vegas Convention Center campus, the event invites enthusiasts of all kinds to experience the energy of motorsports alongside performances from chart-topping artists, fan activations, vendors, food and more. 

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit semafest.com. 

About SEMA and the SEMA Show 

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by SEMA, a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org. Want to contact SEMA via phone? Call 909-396-0289. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, moving forward with new efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in California.

SEMA opposed adoption of the regulation, citing unresolved concerns about tire affordability, consumer choice and the impact on small businesses. SEMA will continue monitoring implementation of the regulation and working to protect access to affordable replacement tires and specialty products for California consumers and businesses.  

SEMA recognizes that the final proposal is significantly improved from where the rulemaking began. Following extensive engagement by SEMA and a coalition of industry stakeholders, CEC staff made several meaningful changes that addressed many of the industry's technical and specialty-product concerns. Among those changes, the Commission delayed the first phase of implementation to 2029 and the second phase to 2033, and created new exemptions for competition tires, certain winter tires, small-diameter tires and certain large off-road tires. 

Despite those improvements, SEMA continued to oppose the regulation because its central concern remained unresolved: the potential for higher replacement-tire costs for Californians. 

Replacement tires are necessary and often unexpected safety purchases. SEMA repeatedly urged the Commission to pause the rulemaking and conduct additional analysis using real-world market data before adopting standards that could increase prices or reduce the number of affordable tire options available to California drivers. Delaying implementation gives businesses more time to prepare, but it does not address the underlying affordability concern. 

A bipartisan group of 14 California state lawmakers led by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) also raised those concerns and called for the CEC to delay implementation and to reevaluate the proposal, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, product availability, tire life and other statutory requirements. 

The lawmakers also cited public polling commissioned by SEMA showing significant concern about the mandate's cost. The survey found that 79.5% of respondents were concerned about government requirements that could increase replacement-tire costs, while 68.9% preferred allowing consumers to choose among tires at different price points and performance levels rather than imposing uniform government standards. The lawmakers pointed to those findings as evidence that affordability and consumer choice remain significant concerns for families already facing rising costs. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved its Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, moving forward with new efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger cars and light-duty trucks in California.

SEMA opposed adoption of the regulation, citing unresolved concerns about tire affordability, consumer choice and the impact on small businesses. SEMA will continue monitoring implementation of the regulation and working to protect access to affordable replacement tires and specialty products for California consumers and businesses.  

SEMA recognizes that the final proposal is significantly improved from where the rulemaking began. Following extensive engagement by SEMA and a coalition of industry stakeholders, CEC staff made several meaningful changes that addressed many of the industry's technical and specialty-product concerns. Among those changes, the Commission delayed the first phase of implementation to 2029 and the second phase to 2033, and created new exemptions for competition tires, certain winter tires, small-diameter tires and certain large off-road tires. 

Despite those improvements, SEMA continued to oppose the regulation because its central concern remained unresolved: the potential for higher replacement-tire costs for Californians. 

Replacement tires are necessary and often unexpected safety purchases. SEMA repeatedly urged the Commission to pause the rulemaking and conduct additional analysis using real-world market data before adopting standards that could increase prices or reduce the number of affordable tire options available to California drivers. Delaying implementation gives businesses more time to prepare, but it does not address the underlying affordability concern. 

A bipartisan group of 14 California state lawmakers led by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) also raised those concerns and called for the CEC to delay implementation and to reevaluate the proposal, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, product availability, tire life and other statutory requirements. 

The lawmakers also cited public polling commissioned by SEMA showing significant concern about the mandate's cost. The survey found that 79.5% of respondents were concerned about government requirements that could increase replacement-tire costs, while 68.9% preferred allowing consumers to choose among tires at different price points and performance levels rather than imposing uniform government standards. The lawmakers pointed to those findings as evidence that affordability and consumer choice remain significant concerns for families already facing rising costs. 

For more information, contact SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Flystock