Tennessee passes SEMA-model custom vehicle legislation

Volunteer State FFROGs rejoice as pro-hobbyist legislation is approved by Tennessee Senate

 

We’re all chanting “another one bites the dust!”, as another state approves the SEMA-model legislation allowing for custom registration and titling of kit and component cars, and street and hot rods.

 

This time its Tennessee owners who get to reap the benefits of SEMA’s efforts! 

 

 

The measure defines a custom as an altered vehicle over 25 years old or manufactured to resemble a vehicle 25 years old or older.  Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.  The bill exempts customs from periodic vehicle inspections and emissions inspections and from a range of standard equipment requirements.  The legislation also provides for a one-time registration fee of $25, valid as long as you own the vehicle. 

 

The bill mirrors model legislation created by SEMA and recently enacted in Illinois, Missouri, Rhode Island, Montana and Maine.
 

Your state could be the next to join the list in enacting this common-sense law, but you can’t just sit and wait for it to happen.  You have to get involved!
 
In its continuing efforts to promote and protect the auto hobby, SEMA and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) are working with state lawmakers from across the country through the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.  Formed in 2005, the Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles. To date, more than 125 legislators from 37 states are involved in the Caucus.

Working in state capitals, many of these legislators have sought to preserve and protect the hobby by seeking the amendment of existing motor vehicle statutes and creating new programs to safeguard and expand the hobby.  Their work has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community.

 
For more information about the Caucus, including a complete list of its members, click here to visit the SAN website.

More details on all SEMA vehicle legislative developments, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.