SEMA Action Network

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62884

SEMA model legislation (H.B. 890) that would create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles has been reintroduced in the Texas State Legislature. H.B. 890 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill has been referred to the Texas House Transportation Committee for consideration.

• H.B. 890 provides specific registration/titling classes and license plates for street rods and customs, including replicas. Street rods are of a pre-1949 vintage; customs are of the post-1949 era.
• H.B. 890 allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
• H.B. 890 only holds street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title of the vehicle.
• H.B. 890 recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive enthusiasts invest in their hobby cars. Street rods, customs and replicas are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events. This legislation represents an opportunity to acknowledge this family hobby and to protect it for future generations.

Please e-mail a copy of your letters to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org

Representative Larry Phillips - Chair
Phone: 512/463-0297
Email: Larry.Phillips@house.state.tx.us

Representative Drew Darby - Vice Chair
Phone: 512/463-0331
Email: Drew.Darby@house.state.tx.us

Representative Dennis Bonnen
Phone: 512/463-056
Email: Dennis.Bonnen@house.state.tx.us

Representative Yvonne Davis
Phone: 512/463-0598
Email: Yvonne.Davis@house.state.tx.us

Representative Allen Fletcher
Phone: 512/463-0661
Email: Allen.Fletcher@house.state.tx.us

Representative Linda Harper-Brown
Phone: 512/463-0641
Email: Linda.Harper_Brown@house.state.tx.us

Representative George Lavender
Phone: 512/463-0692
Email: George.Lavender@house.state.tx.us

Representative Armando Martinez
Phone: 512/463-0530
Email: Mando.Martinez@house.state.tx.us

Representative Ruth Jones McClendon
Phone: 512/463-0708
Email: Ruth.McClendon@house.state.tx.us

Representative Joseph Pickett
Phone: 512/463-0596
Email: Joe.Pickett@house.state.tx.us

Representative Eddie Rodriguez
Phone: 512/463-0674
Email: Eddie.Rodriguez@house.state.tx.us

Automagically

I see that it is a good thing to separate registrations and that these vehicles are upheld to the model year standards that they are built but I am unsure as to how this is any different then current.

Are these vehicles having difficulty being registered in Texas, Insured, Inspected...etc?

Let me know why exactly I should support this bill over the status quo. As I am ignorant to why this bill would make amends for something that doesn't need them in my eyes.

Thanks.

Antigini-GT/CS

I thought you only had to abide by whatever laws were in place at the time already? As far as anything 25 years or older, you can register for a "classic" car plate.

SEMA Action Network

Currently, you could buy a Cobra kit car, spend the time, effort, and money to build it, yet not be able to put it on the road. This bill will solve that problem.

Automagically

OK, so are you now able to bypass the inspection stage? Or does this go back to the "restrictions placed on the model year"? Because if the car is tagged that's great, but if it isn't inspected then wouldn't you still be illegal technically? Or does the special tag bypass this as well?

SEMA Action Network

For it to be registered, it'll still need to pass an inspection.

Automagically

Correct...which means you still haven't answered the question. What you are saying is that these vehicles will fall under a new registration, and will be inspected as so. Correct? Under this legislation the project car will be inspected and registered against (blank) regulations. Allowing these "off road" vehicles to be driven as specialty cars. Similar to Vintage tag or Show Car. Am I wrong?

I feel like I'm getting the politician run around here. Sorry. Not to cause any offense it just seemed like I was being echoed.

SEMA Action Network

The bill exempts street rods and customs from emissions and safety inspections, but requires an initial safety inspection to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Automagically

Perfect, that's what I wanted to know.

I will support this. Thanks for the heads up!

SEMA Action Network

The bill has been scheduled for a hearing on Weds., March 16. Please be sure to stand-up and make your voice heard in support of HB890!

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62928

SEMA Action Network

In order to provide maximum impact at the Texas House Transportation Committee hearing, it is important that enthusiasts pack the room with supporters of HB890 for Wednesday’s committee hearing. HB890 is based on SEMA model legislation and creates a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and custom vehicles.








If you are accessible to the state capitol or have a strong interest in seeing this bill approved by the legislature, please make plans to attend.