In 2003, a version of SEMA-model legislation to create an enforceable motor vehicle exhaust noise standard was signed into law in Maine. Prior to 2003, Maine deemed illegal all modifications that increased noise levels above that emitted by the vehicle’s original muffler. Under the SEMA model, an...

A bill to provide that the noise from a motor-vehicle exhaust system deemed “disturbing or unreasonably loud” constitutes the crime of disturbing the peace has been reintroduced for consideration in the West Virginia State Legislature. Under the bill, violators could be fined up to $1,000 per...

SEMA-supported legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Assembly to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an...

In another misguided attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, legislation has been reintroduced in the New York State Assembly to establish a progressive purchase surcharge for some new motor vehicles based on state calculations of carbon emissions.

A SEMA-supported bill has been reintroduced in the Iowa Legislature to allow ’64 or older motor vehicles to be registered as “limited-mileage” antique vehicles for an annual fee of $10. Vehicle owners taking advantage of this registration class are permitted to drive these vehicles up to 2,500 miles...

A bill has been introduced in the North Dakota State Legislature to prohibit the modification of any motor vehicle that alters the manufacturer's original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issues an inspection certificate. Current law permits modification if the...

A version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for specially constructed vehicles, including kits and replicas, has been introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Legislators around the country have been busy over the past month and, consequently, so has SEMA’s government affairs office. Association staff has plowed through thousands of bills and identified hundreds that may be of interest to member companies. The most pressing of these bills result in Action...