Stand up for your rights

The SAN is a partnership between enthusiasts, vehicle clubs, and members of the specialty automotive parts industry in the United States and Canada who have joined forces to promote hobby-friendly legislation and oppose unfair laws. With nearly 40,000 members, 3 million contacts, and an ability to reach 30 million enthusiasts through print and press, the SAN is the premier organization defending the rights of the vehicle hobby.

In its efforts to promote and protect the specialty equipment industry and the automotive hobby in the states, SEMA partners with state lawmakers from across the country through the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Formed in 2005 to supplement the work of its grassroots hobbyist network (SAN), the Caucus is a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles, and over the past several years, their efforts have achieved a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community and specialty equipment industry on issues including equipment standards, registration and titling classifications, emissions test exemptions, as well as the rights of hobbyists to engage in backyard restorations.

Keep in mind that this topic is not limited to Washington, though. While the federal government issues national rules dictating vehicle safety and emissions equipment, most other issues are handled at the state and local levels. By speaking out on issues that concern the automotive hobby, contacting our representatives, and working constructively with government officials, we have the power to protect our passion and keep it safe for future generations of auto hobbyists and enthusiasts.

When legislatures are out of session, representatives are in their home districts and typically have more time to meet casually with their constituents. Contacting them can have a tremendous impact by raising their awareness of issues that could impact our hobby during the next session.

The future of our hobby depends on you. The ballot box is one venue for making your views known. We also urge you to work collectively with your fellow enthusiasts. How? You can join the SEMA Action Network (It's Free), which keeps you informed about pending legislation and regulations--both good and bad--that will impact your state or the entire country. It also provides you with action alerts, speaking points, and lawmaker contact information if you want to support or oppose a bill. Just visit www.semasan.com for more information.