WASHINGTON, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Car hobbyists and related
businesses scored another major victory when a version of SEMA model
legislation to create a statutory titling and registration class for
replica vehicles was passed by the Virginia General Assembly and signed
into law by Governor Tim Kaine. The new law goes into effect on July 1,
2007. Virginia joins Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine,
Missouri, Montana and Rhode Island as states that have enacted similar
bills into law.
The law defines a replica as a vehicle not fully constructed by a
licensed manufacturer but either constructed or assembled from components.
The measure allows these vehicles to be titled and registered under the
model year of which the vehicle is a replica and only requires that they
meet safety and emissions requirements as established for that model year.
As a condition of the hobby-friendly emissions system and safety equipment
requirements, replica vehicles titled under this law will be limited to no
more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle's odometer.
The new law, which gained the bi-partisan support of the Virginia
Legislature, is the product of months of consultation between SEMA, members
of the Capital Area Cobra Club, state legislators and motor vehicle
regulators. The measure was introduced by Virginia Delegate Tom Rust and
Senator Martin Williams.
"Backed by the hard work and dedication of the Capital Area Cobra Club,
Virginia businessman Rick Pearce, Delegate Tom Rust, Senator Martin
Williams and legislative staff, we are extremely gratified that Virginia
will join the growing list of states that recognize replicas as distinct
classes of vehicles," said SEMA Vice President, Government Affairs Steve
McDonald. "We are especially indebted to these individuals for their
continued efforts in coordinating the support of enthusiasts, lawmakers and
state and local vehicle administrators."
"As a car enthusiast myself, I'm happy to have helped the replica
owners, especially in my case the members of the Capital Area Cobra Club,
in getting legislation drafted and through the legislative process in
Virginia," said Delegate Tom Rust.
The new law recognizes the unique nature of these vehicles as hobbyist
cars that are generally only used for occasional transportation,
exhibitions, club activities, parades and tours. "For many vehicle
enthusiasts in Virginia and throughout America, building, maintaining and
enjoying their vehicles is a favorite pastime," McDonald added. "This law
represents an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to the hobby and
to protect it for future generations. These vehicles are the same crowd
pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose
owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events. These vehicles
are pampered and coddled, buffed and shined and meticulously cared for.
They are the pride and joy of those who own them."
SEMA efforts are ongoing this year to work with the state legislatures
in Florida, Arkansas, New York, Massachusetts and Nevada on this initiative
and to add others to that list in the coming legislative sessions.
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963,
represents the $34 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,817
member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends
and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The
industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and
technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more
information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit http://www.sema.org and http://www.enjoythedrive.com.
SOURCE SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)
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Related links:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com
http://www.sema.org
CONTACT:
Steve McDonald of SEMA, +1-202-783-6007, ext.
31, stevem@sema.org
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