LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS ON THE CAR FRONT

Monrovia, CA (Roy Nakano) The legislative arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) provides its update for June 2010 Canada (Prince Edward Island) Nitrous Oxide: The province of Prince Edward Island has introduced a bill to permit the installation of nitrous-oxide systems as long as the feed lines are disconnected or the canisters are removed while the vehicle is being operated on a public road. The bill largely mirrors SEMA-model legislation to better protect public road safety while ensuring legitimate off-road uses of nitrous-oxide systems. California Specially Constructed Vehicles: The California State Assembly approved SAN-supported legislation to increase the registration limit for exempted specially constructed vehicle registrations from 500 to 750 vehicles per year. The Senate will now consider the bill, where it is likely to have a much tougher journey. Current law provides for emissions-system certification and a model-year designation for specially constructed vehicles. Under the law, vehicle owners choose whether a smog-test referee certifies the engine model year or the vehicle model year. To determine model year, inspectors compare the vehicle to those of the era that the vehicle most closely resembles. If there is no close match, it is classified as a ’60 vehicle. Only those emissions controls applicable to the model year and that can be reasonably accommodated by the vehicle are required. The Department of Motor Vehicles provides a new registration to the first 500 specially constructed vehicles per year that meet the criteria. Louisiana Inspection Exemption: A SAN-supported bill to exempt antique vehicles 25 years old and older from the motor-vehicle inspection requirements was passed by the Louisiana House. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Current law only exempts vehicles 40 years old and older. The bill makes the inspection exemption consistent with current state law defining an antique vehicle as a vehicle that is 25 years old or older and used primarily for shows, parades, tours and other special uses and not for general transportation. Vehicles in Louisiana are subject to an annual vehicle inspection, including a safety-equipment inspection and, for vehicles registered in selected parishes, an additional emissions inspection. The emissions inspection consists of a visual anti-tampering check and a gas-cap-integrity check. Vehicles manufactured in 1995 and later are also subject to an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) emissions check. New York Historic Vehicles: The SAN is backing legislation in the New York Assembly to provide that historical vehicle owners only pay a one-time registration fee of $100 upon initial registration. The bill has been referred to the New York Assembly Transportation Committee for consideration. The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation and similar uses. Under current New York law, a historical motor vehicle is either a vehicle manufactured more than 25 years ago or one which has unique characteristics and which is determined to be of historical, classic or exhibition value. The $100 one-time fee would replace the current annual fee of $28.75. Vermont Inoperable Vehicles: Legislation, supported by the SAN, to provide an exemption to automotive hobbyists from the restrictions on salvage yards has been approved by the Vermont Legislature. The bill seeks to increase the regulation of salvage yards and automobile graveyards in the state but includes a provision stipulating that hobbyists are not to be confused with the owners of automobile graveyards. The bill defines an “automobile hobbyist” as a person not primarily engaged in the sale of vehicles and parts or dismantling junk vehicles. Further, the definition of “automobile graveyard” does not include an area used by an automobile hobbyist for storage and restoration purposes, provided their activities comply with federal, state and municipal law. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. Collector Car Appreciation Day Slated for July 9 Lawmakers Acknowledge Importance of Collection and Restoration of Historic and Classic Cars The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513) at the request of the SAN, designating July 9, 2010, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” nationwide. The Resolution recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States. The resolution was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). Senator Tester and Senator Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C., and their sponsorship of S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars. The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group of federal lawmakers that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. The caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for motorsports. The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, “We greatly appreciate the United States Senate’s recognition of the important role classic car restoration serves in our country. As Americans gather at car cruises and other events in conjunction with ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’ on July 9, these vital contributions will be honored and preserved.” “At a time when governmental intrusion, intentional or otherwise, is often negatively affecting the hobby, this is a positive move,” added Tom Cox, president of Southwest Virginia Car Council. “The automotive hobby has many tentacles that support jobs, manufacturing, small business and families. It’s nice to see some official recognition of the beneficial impact automobiles and our hobby have made to America and the world.” CLUB SPOTLIGHT California Car Clubs Rally for the Cause Annual Legislative Conference Convened in Sacramento In working with the SEMA Action Network to ensure that California enthusiasts have a voice in Sacramento, the Association of California Car Clubs (ACCC) consists of thousands of hobbyists throughout the state who advocate on California laws and policies regarding collector and classic automobiles. Formed in 1972, the ACCC is a volunteer organization of regional representatives who keep member clubs, individuals and business members across the state informed of issues that impact the hobby. This past May 5–6, the ACCC held their annual legislative conference in Sacramento to ensure that state officials are responsive to the concerns of hobbyists. The conference allowed automotive hobbyists to discuss mutual issues and challenges directly with legislators, the Air Resources Board, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles and other government officials. The SAN thanks the ACCC for taking a leadership role in protecting this great American hobby in California. For more information on the ACCC, visit www.acccdefender.org. JUNE 2010 SAN CLUB EVENTS CALIFORNIA June 5, Pleasanton Summer Get Together Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Info: www.good-guys.com June 5, Chino 3rd Annual Steve McQueen Car Show Sponsor: 356 Club of Southern California Info: www.porsche356club.org June 6, Van Nuys Eleventh Annual All General Motors Car Show at Woodley Park Sponsor: Los Angeles Chapter of the Buick Club of America Info: www.buickclub.org/losangeles June 6, Freemont 20th Annual Mopar Rally Sponsor: Mopar Alley Info: www.moparalley.org June 26, Rancho Cordova Mopar Day in the Park 17: All Mopar Car Show and Swap Sponsor: Capital City Mopars Info: www.capitalcitymopars.com or 916/962-2655 June 26, Lodi Picnic at the Grove: Street Rod Car Show Sponsor: Franklin Syndicate Auto Club Info: www.franklinsyndicate.com COLORADO June 4–6, Loveland 13th Colorado Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Info: www.good-guys.com June 19, Aurora Third Annual Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run Sponsor: Stevinson Toyota East & Scion Info: www.onhavanastreet.com CONNECTICUT June 4, Waterford 23rd Annual British by the Sea Sponsor: Connecticut MG Club Info: http://mgclub.homestead.com IDAHO June 18–19, Coeur d’Alene Car d’Alene Cruise and Car Show Info: 208/667-5986 ILLINOIS June 5, Homer Glen 9th Annual Spring Fling Car Show Sponsor: Lemont Classic Car Club Info: 708/301-8899 or [email protected] June 19–20, South Barrington 6th Annual Dadfest Car and Bike Show Info: www.willowcreek.org/dadfest INDIANA June 11–13, Indianapolis 22nd Hot Rod Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Info: www.good-guys.com June 19, Flora 2010 Hog-Jog Cruise In Sponsor: Idlers Car Club Info: 574/967-4666 or [email protected] KANSAS June 12, Garnett 16th Annual Lake Garnett Cruisers Auto & Motorcycle Show Info: www.lakegarnettcruisers.com MASSACHUSETTS June 6, Danvers 17th Annual Marque Antique Auto Show Info: Ron at 978/979-1422 or www.hubcapcafe.com/calendar/2010/99224.htm June 13, Maynard Autofest 2010 Sponsor: Maynard Area Auto Club Info: 978/897-3445 or http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=maynardaac June 19, Woburn 3rd Annual Open House Sponsor: Chop Shop Customs Info: www.chop-shopcustoms.com June 26–27, Topsfield Car Show, Kruse Car Auction, Flea Market and Auto Corral Sponsor: North Shore Old Car Club Info: www.nsocc.com MISSOURI June 18–20, Branson 38th Annual Rods and Relics Rod Run Sponsor: Rods and Relics Car Club Info: www.rodsnrelics.com NEW MEXICO June 19, Rio Rancho 15th Annual Mopar Fest Car Show Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of New Mexico Info: www.moparclub.com NEW YORK June 3–5, Canandaigua AACA Eastern Spring Meet Sponsor: Genesee Valley Region AACA Info: www.aaca.org June 25–27, Rhinebeck 19th East Coast Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Info: www.good-guys.com PENNSYLVANIA June 4–6, Carlisle Third Annual National Meet and Car Show at the All FORD Nationals Sponsor: Lincoln Mark VII Club Info: 267/825-3017 or http://TheLincolnMarkVIIClub.org June 15, Harrisburg 5th Annual Motorsports Day at the Capitol Sponsor: PA House Motorsports Caucus Info: www.aacamuseum.org/events/event.aspx?id=290 June 18–20, Prospect Pittsburgh Parts-A-Rama Info: www.pittsburghparts-a-rama.com UTAH June 11–12, Bountiful Cruisin’ the Boulevard Coats for Kids Sponsor: Bountiful Rotary Club Info: 801/557-8572 or [email protected] June 26, Salt Lake City 8th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Classic Car Show Sponsor: Utah’s Cruisin’ for a Cure Inc. & Stampede for Men’s Health Info: www.utahcruisinforacure.org VIRGINIA June 11–12, Newport News 15th Annual National Truck Show and Club Sponsor: The Li’l Red Express & Warlock Owners Club Info: 757/875-5270 or [email protected] ALBERTA, CANADA June 12–13, Wetaskiwin History Road: The Ultimate Car Show Sponsor: Reynolds-Alberta Museum Info: 780/361-1351 or [email protected] Early July 2010 EVENTS IOWA July 2–4, Des Moines 19th Heartland Nationals Sponsor: Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Info: www.heartlandnats.com UTAH July 1–3, Logan Cache Valley Cruise-In Sponsor: Cache Valley Cruising Association Info: www.cachevalleycruisein.net