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

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – SEMA (Specialty Products Market Association) applauds Kansas lawmakers for passing H.B. 2594, “Exempting selected modifications on antique autos from auto identification quantity offense seizures and inclinations,” as a critical phase forward in protecting the rights of restorers and entrepreneurs of vintage vehicles in the condition.

The catalyst for the legislation arrived from an automotive fanatic in Kansas who bought his aspiration automobile in 2017 – a 1959 Corvette convertible – from a dealership across condition strains in Indiana. When he experimented with to register the automobile back household in Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol seized it as “contraband.” In accordance to Kansas point out regulation at the time, the Corvette need to be crushed and has been sitting down in a Topeka impound lot ever considering that, whilst the owner pleads his situation in the condition court system.

Below the earlier Kansas law, police ended up needed to seize and damage any vehicle on which the vehicle identification variety (VIN) “has been destroyed, taken out, altered or defaced.” There was no exception for a vehicle lawfully acquired by a person who experienced no reason to be mindful of its VIN troubles. In the case of this 1959 Corvette, the dashboard VIN plate experienced been eliminated several years ago all through the car’s restoration and reapplied with new rivets.

Upon discovering of the scenario in late 2021, SEMA worked with Kansas Rep. Leo Delperdang to introduce H.B. 2594 and avoid this from happening all over again. The new legislation guards restorers and house owners of basic vehicles though not impeding law enforcement from carrying out their responsibilities. It clarifies that a VIN may be taken off from an antique car or truck “if the removal and reinstallation are reasonably important for fix or restoration unless the man or woman is familiar with or has motive to know that the antique automobile is stolen.”

The bill cleared the two the Kansas Household and Senate unanimously and has now been signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly. It can be considered in its entirety below.

While an severe circumstance, the Kansas enthusiast’s experience prompted SEMA to get started evaluating other states’ language to assist assure this serious incident remains an isolated prevalence. The course of action seeks to include clarification to similar present legislation to protect common auto restorers and proprietors.

In Arizona, SEMA-supported legislation (H.B. 2480) has been launched to permit finish restoration of pre-1981 automobiles, like short-term removing of the VIN when important. H.B. 2480 alterations present legislation to make it possible for the removal and reinstallation of a VIN on pre-1981 autos if moderately important for repair service or restoration. Prior to the new monthly bill, fanatics who deliberately eliminated or altered a VIN, regardless of rationale or car model yr, had been responsible of a felony.

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

These bills are just two illustrations of the perform SEMA undertakes each day to protect the automotive interest and our independence to pursue them. To study far more about SEMA’s legislative actions, visit www.semasan.com.