When you're out enjoying your car, politics is probably the last thing on
your mind. Unfortunately, no matter what kind of car you own or how you use it,
there's a good chance someone somewhere is working on legislation that could
alter your rights to enjoy it.
While hobbyists are rarely the target of such legislation, they can
still be negatively impacted by even well-intentioned laws. For example:
Local zoning ordinances meant to keep "junk" out of neighbors' view can make it
difficult – or illegal – for you to keep a parts car or un-restored classic on
your property.
Strict emissions laws meant to cut down on air pollution can put an unfair
burden on collector car owners whose vehicles contribute little to the actual
problem.
These are just two examples of how laws can affect your enjoyment of the hobby,
but there is something you can do about it! As a member of Hagerty
Plus, you are automatically part of the nation's largest network of collector
vehicle owners. This distinction offers you the chance to join hundreds of
thousands of hobbyists around the country affecting hobby legislation every
day.
To get started, click on one of the related links below:
State
Legislative News gives you instant access to legislative updates for your home state.
Contact
Your Legislator provides you with a convenient guide to your local and state legislators, as
well as hot links to send online letters and email memos.
Top
National Issues will bring you up to date on new and pending legislation that could have local
ramifications.
Getting
Involved offers concrete information about how you can make your voice heard at the
local, state and national levels.
Consumer Protection links you to information-packed articles designed
to protect you from scam artists, unfair laws, unscrupulous repair shops and
more.
By providing a wide range of legislative services to hobbyists and
policymakers, Hagerty Plus is working to make every state a better place to own
a collector vehicle.
New York Reintroduces Bill to Provide for One-Time Historic Vehicle Registration Fee SEMA and Hagerty Plus Legislation has been reintroduced in the New York Assembly (A.B. 2658) by Assemblymember Steve Englebright (EngleS@assembly.state.ny.us) 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.
Oregon Bill Banning Sale of Aftermarket Parts Goes to Committee SEMA and Hagerty Plus The Oregon House Environment and Water Committee will consider legislation (H.B. 2186) to prohibit the sale and distribution of aftermarket motor vehicle parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.”
Virginia Withdraws Bill to Restrict Hobbyist Inoperable Vehicles SEMA and Hagerty Plus The sponsor for legislation (H.B. 2570) to allow the City of Newport News to adopt a more restrictive inoperable vehicle ordinance has withdrawn the legislation from consideration by the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns.
Pro-Hobbyist Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Bill Reintroduced in New York SEMA and Hagerty Plus SEMA model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles has been reintroduced in the New York General Assembly by Assemblymember Bill Reilich (reilicw@assembly.state.ny.us).
Virginia Bill to Restrict Hobbyist Inoperable Vehicles Hagerty Plus and SEMA A.B. 2570 has been introduced to allow the City of Newport News to restrict at home auto-restorations from keeping their cars on their property.
Oregon Bill to Limit Aftermarket Options Hagerty Plus and SEMA At the request of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, the Oregon Speaker of the House has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) to prohibit the sale and distribution of aftermarket motor vehicle parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.” The bill is primarily focused on aftermarket tires and would authorize the Environmental Quality Commission to implement enforcement regulations, likely based on a rolling resistance calculation.
Pro-Hobbyist New Jersey Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Bill SEMA and Hagerty Plus SEMA model legislation (S.B. 2074) that would create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles will be considered by the New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee on Monday, February 2.
Massachusetts Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Bill SEMA & Hagerty Plus H.B. 5194 to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles was approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature and now awaits the signature of the governor before becoming law.
Oppose Federal “Cash for Clunkers” Program SEMA & Hagerty Plus Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales.
New Jersey Hot Rod and Custom Bill Hagerty Plus and SEMA SEMA model legislation (A.B. 2836) that would create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly.
Reformulated Motor Oils and Your Flat-Tappet Engine Hagerty, Foreign Parts Positively and Hot Rod Magazine Changes in oil formulas could have catastrophic effects on your flat-tappet engine. Find out what you can do to protect yourself.
HOW TO STOP THE GOVERNMENT FROM MESSING WITH YOUR CAR Ro McGonegal, FormerEditor, Hot Rod Magazine Ro McGonegal, enthusiast and former editor of HOT ROD outlines how the government is trying to limit the use and enjoyment of collector cars and what you can do about it.
