LEGISLATION TO REPEAL OLD CAR EMISSIONS EXEMPTION INTRODUCED IN CALIFORNIA SENATE

The Agent was forwarded this from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assn.) and we pass it along as a public service. Please note that it only pertains to California vehicles.

Legislation has been introduced in the California Senate to repeal the state’s current rolling emissions test exemption for vehicles 30 years old and older. S.B. 1172 repeals the current pro-hobbyist exemption and replaces it with a static exemption for pre-1974 vehicles. S.B. 800 repeals the current exemption and replaces it with a static exemption for pre-1975 vehicles.

However, S.B. 800 was introduced by Sen. Maurice Johannessen (a long-time friend of the hobby) and we believe strongly that this bill will be amended to remove the repeal language. At this point, we do not believe that S.B. 800 poses a threat to the hobby. Therefore,

We Urge You to Contact Your State Senators Immediately to Oppose S.B. 1172

· Existing law in California exempts all pre-1974 vehicles from emissions testing until 2003. After 2003, vehicles 30-years old and older will be exempt from emissions testing.

· California’s current emissions testing exemption recognizes the minimal impact of vehicles 30-years old and older on vehicle emissions and air quality.

· Vehicles 30-years old and older constitute a small portion of the overall vehicle population (currently less than 3% of the over 23 million vehicles in California) and are a poor source from which to look for emissions reduction.

· Antique and classic vehicles are overwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven (about one-third the miles each year as a new vehicle).

· Legislators and regulators are feeling the heat from a failed effort to meet air quality goals and are looking for a convenient scapegoat. The old car hobby should not carry the burden of their mistakes!

Contact your state senators to oppose S.B. 1172. To find out who your state senators are, contact the California Senate general information line at

916/445-4311. This information can also be accessed via the Internet at www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html or by calling the SEMA Washington, DC office at 202-783-6007.

Please fax a copy of your letters to (SEMA) at 202/783-6024 or mail to: