SPRING 2019 | semaSAN.com

COUNTRY ROAD HOMECOMING Congratulations to Legislator of the Year: West Virginia Senator Mark Maynard Mountain State Senator Named Inaugural “Legislator of the Year”

By Colby Martin

t the 2018 SEMA Show, West Vir- ginia State Senator Mark Maynard was introduced as the first-ever Awinner of the Stephen B. McDon- ald Legislator of the Year award. Representing the Sixth District, Senator Maynard was recog- nized for his efforts in the West Virginia Senate to promote policies and legislation that support the automotive hobby. Senator Maynard is proudly counted among the hundreds of pro-hobby lawmakers com- prising the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and embodies the award’s spirit. The new award is bestowed to the state lawmaker who has gone above and beyond to support the hobby in their home state and was named for SEMA’s late Vice President of Government Affairs Stephen B. McDonald, who was the driving force behind West Virginia lawmakers, Senator Mark Maynard (right) and Delegate Gary Howell (left), met automotive the founding and growth of the Caucus. media personality Courtney Hansen at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. “I’m so honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” Senator Maynard said. dollar industry is continuing to expand, creat- from the Las Vegas race, campaigned one more “I’m a car guy through and through, and to ing high-paying jobs, and because of the efforts day, and I beat the longest-serving senator in me, working to share that passion and creat- of our members like Mark, West Virginia will the history of West Virginia. Then my legisla- ing unique opportunities for our state to ben- be a part of it.” tive career began.” efit through new visitors and new business is Senator Maynard is not only an industry Since his election to the West Virginia Sen- a dream come true. West Virginia is a paradise champion, but also a true enthusiast. His col- ate, Senator Maynard has cemented himself for people who love both the outdoors and the lection of vehicles is impressive. The stable as a consummate defender of the hobby and a automotive hobby. I’m proud of the work we’ve includes a Dodge Charger “General Lee,” a familiar face at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. done in just a short time, and I look forward to Pontiac Trans Am “Bandit,” a new Dodge Chal- During his state’s most recent legislative session, growing this industry even more in the future.” lenger Scat Pack and a trail-only Jeep, among he was a busy man. He authored several pro- The caucus’ national chairman, West Virginia others. His love for all things auto doesn’t stop hobby bills, many of which focused on expand- Delegate Gary Howell, has been instrumen- there. Before he heard the call to public service, ing access to off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. tal in both the award’s creation and attracting he also served as a pit crew member in profes- His most recent victories include passing Senator Maynard’s involvement in the group. sional NHRA drag-racing teams. legislation that creates a digital map of public “As West Virginia expands tourism, Mark has “Automobiles are truly a passion that prob- roads and trails available to OHV riders and a put forth and passed legislation that will allow ably started before l could crawl,” explained bill that creates a two-year pilot program allow- our state to be at the forefront in automotive Senator Maynard. “Growing up in my dad’s ing for ATV and RV access to West Virginia’s tourism,” Delegate Howell said. “This billion- full-service Union 76 station, l watched him Cabwaylingo State Forest. While these pro- turn wrenches and build and cam- posals didn’t ultimately become law, he also paign his sand-drag Chevy truck. I spearheaded legislation that would have created immersed myself in everything auto- a new State Trail Authority for West Virginia mobile and internal combustion I dedicated to overseeing all the state’s trails and could find. I took over the family led the charge to create license plates for off- automotive business in 2001. For road, self-assembled or modified vehicles that a fun—and serious—job in 2006, would have afforded them the same limited I joined Jim Head’s NHRA Nitro access to roads as ATVs. Funny Car crew. It lasted until the “I want to thank Gary Howell for recruit- end of the 2010 season. I joined ing me and allowing me to join his caucus and John Bojec’s team for a three-race spurring me along to attend the SEMA Show run at the end of the 2014 season. for three years in a row,” he adds. I look forward

Cover Image Courtesy Will Price At the same time, l was running for to continuing to fight for the hobby and indus- Senator Mark Maynard poses with his new Dodge Challenger Scat Pack at the West Virginia state capitol in Charleston. the Senate. I flew the redeye home try that I love. Thank you.”

SPRING 2019 I semaSAN.com Exhaust Noise Law Causes Outcry From Californians

recent exhaust noise law in California motor vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross has caused a significant stir, especially vehicle weight rating of less than 6,000 A with online communities. Concern pounds, other than motorcycles, may not and misinformation spread rapidly throughout exceed a sound level of 95 decibels when enthusiast circles as well as the industry. The tested under Society of Automotive Engi- SEMA Action Network (SAN) quickly assembled neers (SAE) test procedure J1492 (for- a “Fact vs. Fiction” webpage seeking to clarify the merly J1169). This would be unchanged matter. Thankfully, the saga doesn’t end there. by A.B. 390. California Assembly members Jim Frazier At the time of publication, A.B. 390 and Tim Grayson have since introduced pro- is awaiting committee assignment in hobby legislation (A.B. 390) to repeal the 2018 the Assembly. Legislation introduced in law (A.B. 1824) that amended how California the state must undergo a 30-day waiting law enforcement officials issue citations for period before they may be considered by exhaust noise violations. Both Assm. Frazier Pro-hobby legislation (A.B. 390) has been introduced to the legislature. repeal the 2018 law (A.B. 1824) that amended how and Assm. Grayson are members of the SEMA- California law enforcement officials issue citations for Please share the news with others. As supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leader- exhaust noise violations. you know, supporters can stay informed on ship Caucus and have previously attended the this and other issues by signing up for the SEMA Show. Assm. Frazier is the Chair of the cited for violating exhaust noise laws no lon- SAN. There is no cost or obligation to receive Committee on Transportation. ger receives what is known as a “fix-it” ticket. updates on the bill’s progress and how to shape Signed by then-Governor Jerry Brown in Instead, violations now result in an immediate its future. June of 2018, A.B. 1824 amended how excess fine. A.B. 390 would re-institute law enforce- For more information, visit the following exhaust noise violations are treated by law ment’s discretion to issue “fix-it” tickets. page at www.semaSAN.com/alerts: “Fact vs. enforcement. Pursuant to the law, a vehicle In California, exhaust systems installed on Fiction: California’s New Exhaust Noise Law.”

WEB RESERVES 50 STA TES 1 PL8 OR 2? State-By-State Guide to License Plate Requirements Newly Updated MANY PLATES 19

olting a license plate onto one’s prized the compilation includes specialty plates avail- current single-plate requirement in favor vehicle is a necessary task that can be able in a given state. A map at the top of the of two—on the heels of a similar proposal’s Bunpleasant. Thankfully, options avail- page illustrates the number of plates required in defeat last year. able have made contending with the visual each. The webpage has been fully updated for It’s true that while individual support for identifier increasingly less painful, yet legal. 2019 and is posted live. Those looking to pur- single-plate bills is important, and mass orga- Governments have recognized the public’s chase or apply for a specialty plate are advised nization by enthusiasts is vital. Otherwise, desire for choices and have attempted to adapt to check with their local DMV for guid- bills of this nature rarely have a chance of their rules over time. In fact, each state offers ance and paperwork. Details can be found at becoming law. Unfortunately, law-enforce- an alternative plate that varies from the stan- www.semaSAN.com/licenseplates. ment agencies generally oppose such measures dard issue. Personalized versions continue to be While many single-plate bills are not given on the claim that front plates allow officers to more and more common. Given the choice, the serious consideration, their introduction is a quickly identify vehicles involved in violations car and truck community would prefer to run great sign and significant first step. At the time of the law. There is hope in working together only a single, rear-mounted plate. These pro- of publication, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, with local law-enforcement officials, attend- posals are overwhelmingly favored by enthusi- Nebraska, New Hampshire and Texas each ing hearings and sharing the responsibility in asts when considered. Such laws would save the introduced such legislation for all motor vehi- finding mutual solutions. We have the oppor- state money, conserve its resources and protect cles during the 2019 legislative sessions. Other tunity to impact the future of these laws, so the aesthetic contours of collector vehicles. jurisdictions are likely to propose their own please spread the word! Encourage those you After tracking and influencing license plate measures before the current year ends. Illinois, know to become informed and ready when legislation nationwide, SAN fulfilled the need Maryland and Wisconsin all made attempts in a critical moment arises; have them enlist for a comprehensive resource. SAN has made 2018, while Iowa looked to expand usage for now at www.semaSAN.com. Everyone can it easy to look up each state’s requirements certain vehicles. Surprisingly, New Mexico is help the cause and get involved without cost

Images Courtesy Shutterstock.com online. Designed as a quick reference guide, once again pursuing legislation to reverse their or commitment.

SPRING 2019 I semaSAN.com SAN DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH

When I Am King...

Colby Martin

t’s no secret that Adam Carolla their position by creating unique pathways all is forging his way into automo- their own. Their “keys to the kingdom” were I tive royalty. Many are familiar earned—not granted. For those familiar with with his name after he helped steer the SEMA-supported automotive caucuses, online-based media into a wild legislators at the federal and state levels with success. However, gearheads are an automotive appreciation are not tough to becoming aware of the entertainer’s locate. In fact, the first steps are often within leveraging of showbiz to fuel his reach at the local level first. Case in point is long-time four-wheeled passion—to West Virginia Senator Mark Maynard, who is refreshing effect. His personal shop also featured in this newsletter. houses a growing array of machines Food for thought: might a role in public that are sights to behold: vintage rac- office be for you someday? Here are accounts ers and classic exotics being prepped of what attracted a few friends of the hobby for driving duties. to service in their state legislature: I’ve been a fan since Carolla first made his way into the entertain- State Representative Stan Blake (Wyo- ment industry. From the very begin- ming): I originally started in local politics ning 25 years ago, his personality running for a hospital board in Green River, and wit distinctly struck me on the Wyoming. That was unsuccessful. I then ran airwaves of morning FM radio. Here for the position of legislative representative was a local guy doing comedic mate- for my union. After winning that election, rial about the finer points of power I became aware that House District 39 was tools, nailing schedules, drywall going to be vacated by the current office and a host of non-carpentry topics holder. I consulted with my wife and we aimed toward adults. My adolescent agreed that I should throw my hat into the mind was instantly hooked. How- Image Courtesy Shutterstock.com ring and run. The main attraction to run was ever, I was unaware at the time that Wouldn’t you be smiling too if you had just punished a Toyota in that I wanted to try and make a difference in he was so into cars. the Celebrity Race at the Long Beach Grand Prix? It’s good to the lives of my constituents and to become a be comedian and car aficionado Adam Carolla. The title of this piece, “When voice for the working people in my area. I Am King,” is derived from a recurring segment Carolla performed on A not-so-obvious connection can be made State Representative Steven S. Howitt (Mas- TV. The premise of the tongue-in-cheek between his bit and actual life. Carolla is a sachusetts): I have always been involved in fantasy was simple: he’d yell humorous self-made talent who grasped for years to get public service. My father instilled in me the new decrees while seated on a throne wear- in the spotlight and stay there. With a flour- desire to not watch from the sidelines, but ing a crown. Laughter from the audience ishing career, as well as a genuine interest in be involved in one’s community as he was. quickly prompted a mighty “SILENCE!” our hobby, he’s been able to make decisions In 2004, then-Governor Mitt Romney was in return—furthering the comedic effect. most can only dream about. How many looking for candidates to run for representa- Political satire need not be based on reality to enthusiasts get themselves to a point where tive positions. I gave it a try and lost. With be funny. they can build kinships with automotive perseverance and support from my wife and Imagine yourself being in a position of luminaries and legends, make documenta- family, I continued my quest. After two more power. How would you write and/or rewrite ries about motorsports icons and buy ex-Paul tries, I was successful. the rules if you could directly shape policy? Newman race cars to use in competition? Just Set the ridiculous aside—this question actu- by his mere participation, Carolla is influenc- Former State Representative Josh Byrnes ally forms the core of democracy. Keep the ing the collector car market—without neces- (Iowa): I was not political prior to running definition in mind: a system of government sarily setting out to do so. for office. In 2009, we had a really bad bud- in which power is vested in the people, who Can members of the car and truck commu- get situation where we had an administration rule either directly or through freely elected nity rise up to become leaders? Yes, the notion spending more money than the state took in. representatives. That’s right, future leaders are of making a difference at home holds wide- Our state was suffering so I made the decision eligible to come from within the ranks of the spread appeal and is obtainable. Similar to to act and get involved. I placed my name on common folk. Carolla, many elected officials have achieved the ballot and won! It was a great experience.

SPRING 2019 I semaSAN.com LEGISLATIVE FRONT LINES States Spearhead Surplus Vehicles and Single Plates

s state lawmakers have convened to Hawaii: Legislation has been introduced that insignia that does not interfere with the tradi- begin their 2019 legislative sessions, allows for the titling and registration of “former tional military markings on the vehicle. A a series of primarily pro-hobby bills military vehicles.” The bill defines a former mil- have been introduced on two automotive sub- SINGLE LICENSE PLATES jects: military surplus and license plates. SAN knows that these topics have become familiar Bills in favor of a single, rear-mounted license in recent years—gaining popularity in juris- plate requirement continue to represent a dictions around the country. At the time of trend. For governments, these are often an publication, the following proposals are in the attempt by states to save money and conserve early stages of consideration by their respective resources. Those with a personal interest in legislatures. For the latest updates on these and cars and trucks generally support these efforts. other current initiatives, visit www.semaSAN. Among the styles included are antiques, street com/alerts. rods, customs, replicas, exotics, sports cars, reconstructed and others. After all, own- MILITARY VEHICLES itary vehicle as a 25-year or older vehicle that is ers are spared the burden of having to create a “Pinzgauer,” “Kaiser Jeep M715,” “Humvee” mounting holes on some original and fabri- Former military surplus vehicles are experienc- or “DUKW.” Currently, “former military vehi- cated bumpers and the aesthetic contours of ing a growing interest among enthusiasts. Bills cles” are not allowed to be registered or titled collector vehicles of all ages are preserved. In aimed at them are usually designed to create a for on-road use in the state. addition, states have found that instituting permanent titling and registration process. In a specialty plates can offer reasonable and vol- given state, these increasingly beloved machines Minnesota: House and Senate counterpart untary means to generating new revenue. are uniquely defined and are often not currently legislation has been introduced to aid in the registration of certain decommissioned mili- Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New tary vehicles as standard motor vehicles. Hampshire and Texas: Legislation has been introduced to require the issuance of only a Nebraska: Legislation has been introduced to single license plate for all motor vehicles. create a process for the titling and registration of “former military vehicles.” The bill defines New Mexico: SEMA-opposed legislation has former military vehicle as a vehicle that was been introduced to require registration plates manufactured for use in any country’s military on the front and back of all motor vehicles. forces and is maintained to accurately represent Under current law, all motor vehicles in the authorized for use on public highways. SEMA its military design and markings, regardless of state are only issued a single plate. A similar supports the term “military surplus vehicle” to the vehicles size or weight, but is no longer or legislative proposal failed to be approved after mean a wheeled, multipurpose or tactical vehi- never was used by a military force. enthusiast opposition in 2018. cle including trailer, that was manufactured for military use by or under the direction of the Washington: Legislation has been introduced West Virginia: The state already requires only U.S. Armed Forces or Armed Forces of any to allow for the registration of military surplus a single, rear-mounted license plate. Legisla- other country and was subsequently authorized vehicles. “Military surplus vehicle” is defined tion was introduced to provide for special for sale to civilians. When approved, these laws as a vehicle that is not operated using continu- plates for use on collector vehicles and allow recognize the important historical and patriotic ous tracks, was originally manufactured and purpose of these vehicles. sold directly to the armed forces of the United States and is no longer owned by the U.S. Colorado: Legislation has been introduced in Armed Forces. the Colorado Senate to create a process for the titling and registration of “demilitarized motor West Virginia: Legislation has been intro- vehicles.” The bill defines a demilitarized motor duced to allow for the registration of military vehicle as a vehicle purchased for nonmilitary surplus vehicles. This legislation is a version use that was commonly used by the U.S. of SEMA military vehicle model legislation. Armed Forces to transport persons or prop- Separate legislation to provide antique military for the transfer of these plates between the erty over the highway. Currently, such vehicles vehicles an exemption from the requirement collector vehicles owned by an individual. A are not allowed to be registered or titled for to display license plates was also introduced. similar version of this bill failed to be passed

Images Courtesy Shutterstock.com on-road use in the state. The bill creates an alternative registration during the previous year’s legislative session.

SPRING 2019 I semaSAN.com

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