Kansas Passes SEMA-supported Classic Car Legislation
The Specialty Gear Industry Association (SEMA) applauds Kansas lawmakers for passing H.B. 2594 — “exempting specific modifications on antique vehicles from car identification quantity offense seizures and dispositions” — as a important stage forward in preserving the rights of restorers and proprietors of traditional vehicles in the state.
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The catalyst for the legislation arrived from an automotive fanatic in Kansas who bought his dream motor vehicle in 2017 — a 1959 Corvette convertible — from a dealership throughout condition lines in Indiana. When he tried using to sign up the automobile back again household in Kansas, the Kansas Freeway Patrol seized it as “contraband.” In accordance to Kansas condition legislation at the time, the Corvette must be crushed and has been sitting in a Topeka impound good deal ever considering that, even though the proprietor pleads his circumstance in the point out court docket process.
Beneath the preceding Kansas regulation, law enforcement have been needed to seize and demolish any car on which the VIN “has been ruined, taken off, altered or defaced.” There was no exception for a motor vehicle lawfully bought by an individual who experienced no motive to be mindful of its VIN challenges. In the scenario of this 1959 Corvette, the dashboard VIN plate experienced been removed decades back throughout the car’s restoration and reapplied with new rivets.
On mastering of the situation in late 2021, SEMA worked with Kansas Rep. Leo Delperdang to introduce H.B. 2594 and avoid this from going on once again. The new law protects restorers and proprietors of vintage automobiles when not impeding legislation enforcement from carrying out their responsibilities. It clarifies that a VIN may be eliminated from an antique car “if the elimination and reinstallation are fairly required for repair service or restoration unless the man or woman is aware of or has reason to know that the antique car or truck is stolen.”
The monthly bill cleared both of those the Kansas Dwelling and Senate unanimously and has now been signed into regulation by Gov. Laura Kelly. It can be viewed in its entirety right here.
Although an excessive case, the Kansas enthusiast’s expertise prompted SEMA to commence evaluating other states’ language to assist make certain this serious incident remains an isolated occurrence. The system seeks to increase clarification to identical present regulations to guard common vehicle restorers and entrepreneurs.
In Arizona, SEMA-supported legislation (H.B. 2480) has been released to enable complete restoration of pre-1981 vehicles, like momentary removal of the VIN when vital. H.B. 2480 variations current regulation to allow the removing and reinstallation of a VIN on pre-1981 vehicles if reasonably essential for mend or restoration. Prior to the new invoice, fanatics who deliberately eradicated or altered a VIN, no matter of explanation or auto product year, have been responsible of a felony.
The Arizona bill passed the legislature and awaits acceptance or veto by Gov. Doug Ducey. The bill can be considered right here.
These expenses are just two illustrations of the operate SEMA undertakes each and every day to secure the automotive passion and our flexibility to go after them. To find out extra about SEMA’s legislative routines, pay a visit to semasan.com.