<< Back to Driving Force, July 2012
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Colorado Emissions Inspections: A SAN-supported bill that originally sought to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that are six model years old and newer died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill had been approved by the Senate Transportation Committee, but did not advance further in the legislative process. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer.
Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special-Interest Motor Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement from 20 to 30 years old for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the legislature adjourned for the year, suffering the same fate as an identical bill last year. The bill had been approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10-9 vote. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increased the maximum assessment of these vehicles to $2,500. These special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500 and owners pay personal property taxes on that amount.
Hawaii Audio Equipment: Legislation to ban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system, any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatch back was deferred from consideration in 2011, with the legislature retaining the option of reviving the bill in 2012. With the adjournment of the legislature for this year, the bill is now formally dead. The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the original vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
Hawaii Low-Mileage Credit: Resolutions urging the city and county of Honolulu to create a 10% vehicle registration credit for residents who drive limited miles in their vehicles were not approved by the House of Representatives before the legislature adjourned for the year. Under the resolutions, the credit would have extended to any resident who is registering a vehicle and can provide information from the two most recent safety inspections showing that less than 3,000 miles were driven between the two inspections. While the resolutions did not carry the weight of law, they did urge Honolulu to correct the unfairness associated with having those residents (including owners of rarely used hobby cars) who make less use of our roads contribute the same amount in fees.
 |
Hawaii Exhaust Noise: SEMA-model legislation that would have allowed vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective noise limit died when legislature adjourned for the year. Under the bill, car owners would have been issued a certificate of compliance if the exhaust system emitted no more than 95 decibels under a fair and predictable test. The measure would have remedied the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which exhaust noise citations are prosecuted solely based on the officer’s subjective judgment. |
 |
Michigan Historic Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation that would amend the state’s current law to permit historic vehicles with unlimited use as “exhibition” vehicles the entire month of August was passed by the House Transportation Committee. Having already been approved by the full Senate, the bill now moves to the House floor for a vote by all members. Under current state law, use of historic vehicles is limited to participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and similar uses, including mechanical testing, but not for general transportation. |
 |
New Mexico Collector Cars: Governor Susana Martinez issued a proclamation designating July 13, 2012, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day” in the state. New Mexico joins Hawaii and New York as states that have officially recognized the celebration. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 452 at the SAN’s request to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The date marked the third commemoration in what has become an annual event. |
Nebraska Ethanol: Persuaded by the opposition of the SAN, legislation to remove labeling requirements on pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasoline was “indefinitely postponed.” With the adjournment of the legislature for the year, the bill is now formally dead and would have to be reintroduced in 2013 in order to be reconsidered. Current law requires labeling when gasoline contains 1% or more alcohol, including labels for pumps dispensing E10. The bill would have made it impossible for owners to know whether the gasoline they put into their vehicles contained any ethanol, making unintentional misfueling and engine damage more likely.
Pennsylvania Emissions Inspections: Legislation has been introduced to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles never before registered in the state or any other jurisdiction for 10 years from the date of original registration. Current law only exempts new vehicles that have less than 5,000 miles on their odometer for one year after their first registration.
Vermont Exhaust Systems: A SAN-opposed bill to ban motor-vehicle exhaust systems that increase the noise level above the level emitted by the originally installed system died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under the bill, violators would not have passed the state’s required inspection. The bill also did not provide an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test and allowed law enforcement to make subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system increased noise.