Kansas passes SEMA-supported legislation protecting rights of car owners and restorers

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – SEMA (Specialty Tools Marketplace Association) applauds Kansas lawmakers for passing H.B. 2594, “Exempting specific modifications on antique motor vehicles from automobile identification amount offense seizures and dispositions,” as a significant stage ahead in protecting the rights of restorers and entrepreneurs of typical autos in the state.

The catalyst for the laws arrived from an automotive enthusiast in Kansas who bought his dream vehicle in 2017 – a 1959 Corvette convertible – from a dealership across point out traces in Indiana. When he attempted to sign-up the automobile back house in Kansas, the Kansas Freeway Patrol seized it as “contraband.” In accordance to Kansas condition legislation at the time, the Corvette ought to be crushed and has been sitting in a Topeka impound good deal ever since, although the owner pleads his case in the point out court docket program.

Under the earlier Kansas regulation, law enforcement were demanded to seize and wipe out any auto on which the automobile identification amount (VIN) “has been destroyed, eliminated, altered or defaced.” There was no exception for a car or truck lawfully obtained by somebody who had no reason to be aware of its VIN issues. In the situation of this 1959 Corvette, the dashboard VIN plate experienced been removed yrs back all through the car’s restoration and reapplied with new rivets.

On understanding of the scenario in late 2021, SEMA worked with Kansas Rep. Leo Delperdang to introduce H.B. 2594 and protect against this from occurring again. The new law safeguards restorers and homeowners of traditional autos though not impeding law enforcement from carrying out their duties. It clarifies that a VIN may well be eradicated from an antique vehicle “if the removal and reinstallation are fairly needed for maintenance or restoration unless the man or woman is familiar with or has reason to know that the antique auto is stolen.”

The invoice cleared both equally the Kansas Household and Senate unanimously and has now been signed into regulation by Gov. Laura Kelly. It can be seen in its entirety right here.

Though an extreme scenario, the Kansas enthusiast’s knowledge prompted SEMA to start out evaluating other states’ language to help guarantee this severe incident stays an isolated event. The system seeks to incorporate clarification to equivalent present legal guidelines to safeguard classic auto restorers and house owners.

In Arizona, SEMA-supported legislation (H.B. 2480) has been released to let comprehensive restoration of pre-1981 autos, such as momentary removal of the VIN when vital. H.B. 2480 improvements current legislation to make it possible for the removal and reinstallation of a VIN on pre-1981 motor vehicles if moderately essential for maintenance or restoration. Prior to the new monthly bill, lovers who deliberately taken off or altered a VIN, irrespective of explanation or car or truck model 12 months, have been guilty of a felony.

The Arizona monthly bill passed the legislature and awaits approval or veto by Gov. Doug Ducey. The invoice can be viewed here.

These payments are just two illustrations of the operate SEMA undertakes each working day to shield the automotive pastime and our liberty to go after them. To find out extra about SEMA’s legislative functions, take a look at www.semasan.com.