Alabama Titles: Legislation was signed into law by Governor Robert J. Bentley to exempt motor vehicles more than 35 years old from the requirement that they have certificates of title. Previously, only vehicles of model-year ’74 and older were exempted. Trailers 20 model years old and older are also to be exempted under the new law. Previously, only trailers of the ’89 model year and earlier were exempted. The law takes effect on January 1, 2017.
In the months since the legislation was introduced, support for the RPM Act in Congress has grown tremendously. The legislation remains essential to the future of motorsports. Despite recently withdrawing language from a proposed regulation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to claim that it has the authority to regulate street cars modified exclusively for the track. If the EPA decided to enforce this authority, it would have a devastating impact on businesses that supply motorsports products, jeopardizing the jobs and communities the industry supports.
While the term “lobbyist” may, in certain circles, conjure a less-than-flattering image of Gucci shoes, limitless expense accounts and golf vacations to Scotland, I can assure you as SEMA’s congressional affairs manager that this image bears little resemblance to the day-to-day life advocating for SEMA and its members. In their purest form, lobbyists represent companies and hard-working Americans before lawmakers and regulators. These advocates serve an important role in the lawmaking process by providing issue-specific expertise and explaining the impact and unintended consequences of legislation or proposed regulations to members of Congress and their staffs.
There is an old saying in racing, “It’s not who you know; it’s who knows you.” It’s what opens the door for you to a new sponsor for your car, to get that experimental part a company is developing, and many other befits. Frankly, it makes it easier for you to be successful in the racing and performance industry.
For those unaware, the pro-hobby bill comes in response to a proposed regulation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would have made illegal the act of converting a street vehicle or motorcycle into a race vehicle used exclusively at the track if the emissions system is taken out of compliance from its stock configuration.
Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats are a unique land formation that beckon visitors from around the world. For racers, the surface is unequaled. The hard salt crust is perfect for both speed and safety. For SEMA members, it is our heritage. Member products and sponsored race teams have helped set scores of world records.
More than 90 SEMA members and staff from across the United States traveled to Washington, D.C., on May 11 as part of the 2016 SEMA Washington Rally. Attendees focused much of their advocacy efforts on the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, urging their members of Congress to demonstrate support for the motorsports industry by co-sponsoring the bill. These efforts were not only well received but also produced immediate results. Within days of the visit, several members of Congress agreed to co-sponsor the RPM Act as a result of the meetings they had with SEMA members.
Missouri Historic Trailers: A bill was approved by the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee to allow a camping or fifth-wheel trailer more than 25 years old to be permanently registered for a $25 fee. The bill also allows those possessing a year-of-manufacture license plate more than 25 years old to use the plate as an historic trailer plate if the configuration of letters and numbers has not been issued to someone else. Under the bill, the owner of the historic trailer must keep the certificate of registration in the trailer at all times. Having already been approved by the House, the bill will now be considered in a vote by the full Senate.
Indiana Off-Highway Trails: A bill was approved by the Indiana House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Mike Pence to allow the operator of a non-registered off-road vehicle or a snowmobile from another state or country to purchase a trail-use tag to operate on designated trails and properties.
Maryland Historic Vehicles: A proposal that originally appeared to subject historic vehicles of model-year ’86 and later to undergo periodic safety inspections was amended and approved by the Maryland House. The amended bill now specifically excludes historic vehicles from the requirement that they receive an inspection certificate prior to titling and registration. The bill subjects only historic vehicles of model-year ’86 and later to equipment repair orders. The measure will next be considered by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
