URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Legislation to Allow Reasonable Exhaust System Modifications

Introduced in Virginia

Legislation (H.B. 2895) that would allow Virginia’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit under a fair and predictable test standard has been introduced in the Virginia State Legislature by Delegate William Fralin (Del_Fralin@house.state.va.us)



We Urge You to Contact Your Virginia State Legislators Immediately to Support H.B. 2895

· H.B. 2895 would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard. Under the standard, exhaust noise could not exceed a sound reading of 95-decibels under a fair and predictable test (Society of Automotive Engineers J1169 - May 1998).

· H.B. 2895 would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.

· H.B. 2895 would remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust systems not of a type installed as standard factory equipment are considered illegal - even where noise levels are not excessive or unusual. This policy leaves enthusiasts, exhaust system manufacturers and dealers without recourse.

· H.B. 2895 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.

· H.B. 2895 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased durability and performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.

· H.B. 2895 challenges the erroneous assumption that enthusiasts who equip their vehicles with modified exhaust systems are involved in illegal street racing.

Contact Delegate Fralin (Del_Fralin@house.state.va.us)to thank him. Contact your own state legislators in Richmond immediately by phone, fax or e-mail to request their support for this legislation. If you need assistance in determining who your legislators are and their contact information, please contact the Virginia Legislature’s General Information Line at (804) 698-1500. This information can also be obtained by calling the SEMA Washington, D.C. office at 202/783-6007, ext. 38 or via the Internet at http://www.semasan.com/ContactYourLegislator.aspx Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org or fax to 202/783-6024 or mail to:

SEMA Washington Office

1317 F Street, NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20004

Attention: Steve McDonald