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 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.
Vermont Reintroduces Scrappage Bill SEMA & Hagerty Plus A bill (S.B. 316) has been introduced in the Vermont State Senate that would implement a vehicle scrappage program.
New Jersey Bill Would Expand Usage Rights Hagerty Plus and SEMA Legislation (A.B. 1495) that would amend the state’s current law governing historic motor vehicles to permit their use for pleasure driving one day per week has been introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly by Assemblyman John Burzichelli.
Pro-Hobbyist “Show Car” Bill Introduced in Pennsylvania Hagerty Plus and SEMA A version of SEMA model legislation (H.B. 2163) to create a vehicle registration classification for “show cars” and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was introduced and referred to the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee for consideration.
West Virginia Bill to Hinder Backyard Vehicle Restorations Hagerty Plus and SEMA For the third time, a bill (S.B. 143) has been introduced in the West Virginia State Legislature by State Senator Frank Deem ( fdeem@mail.wvnet.edu ) that would further restrict the ability of West Virginia vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property.
Washington Inoperable Vehicle Bill Hagerty Plus and SEMA A version of SEMA model legislation (S.B. 6403) has been introduced in the Washington State Legislature by Senator Mike Carrell (Carrell.michael@leg.wa.gov) that would prohibit cities or towns from enforcing an ordinance, development regulation, zoning regulation, or administrative practice that prevents automobile collectors from pursuing their hobby.
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.
Colorado Kit Car Bill Signed into Law Hagerty and SEMA Legislation (H.B. 1176) to create a statutory titling and registration class for kit cars and exempt these cars from Colorado’s emissions inspection program is now law.
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.
