driving-force-online-february-2015-issue-2

LICENSE TO CHILL

Single Plate Bills are Easy to Get Behind

Let’s face it: license plates are a necessary evil. In the earliest days of motoring, law enforcement used them to uniquely identify the growing number of horseless carriages sharing the nation’s roads. In 1903, Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to introduce government-produced registration tags. By the end of World War I, nearly every other state had its own program in place. Throughout their history, plates have come in a wide array of shapes, colors and styles. Various materials have also been used to create these tags, including leather, rubber, porcelain, iron and other metals. Today’s standardized size (6 inches by 12 inches) for most passenger vehicles in North America was implemented in 1956.

Loyal readers will know that the SEMA Action Network (SAN) supports legislation that provides special license plates for a host of hobby cars, including street rods, customs and antiques. The SAN also actively promotes the use of “year of manufacture” plates on classics. However, no plate bills issued by the states receive greater enthusiasm from our forces than single plate proposals.

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Legislative Front Lines

View complete list of Legislative Action Alerts

• Wyoming State Legislature Approves Bill to Provide Single License Plate; Moves to Governor
   
• Virginia Bills to Exempt Some Antique Vehicles from Exhaust System Restrictions Approved by Legislature; Move to Governor
   
• Maryland Bill to Allow Single License Plate for Hobby Cars to be Considered on Feb. 26, 2015
   
• Federal Legislation Would Require Study of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Rule
   
• Pennsylvania Proposes Elimination of Ethanol Requirement in Gasoline
   
• Legislation Would Limit President's Power to Designate National Monuments
   
• West Virginia Bill to Allow Uncovered Aftermarket Light Bars Approved by Committee; Moves to Judiciary
   
• New Hampshire Bill to Include Older Trucks as Antiques Approved by Committee; Moves to House Floor
   
• Kentucky Bill to Assess Motor Vehicles for Property Tax Approved by House; Moves to Senate
   
• North Dakota Bill to Further Restrict Vehicle Modifications Approved by Senate; Moves to House
   
• West Virginia Introduces Resolution Designating West Virginia "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY"
   
• New Hampshire Introduces Legislation to Exempt Older/Historically Significant Cars From Emissions Test Requirements

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Rick and Linda Davidson pose against a scenic backdrop with their supercharged 2013 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe. It has won the “Best Modern GM” award at the Muscle and Chrome Car Show in Seaside, Oregon.

“I’ve been a car guy ever since I can remember,” explains Rick Davidson. The young gearhead was inspired by his older brother and friends in San Diego, California. During his formative years, Rick spent time racing in the Soap Box Derby and wrenching on bikes. Then along came his first car at age 16, a 1950 Chevy 2-door. Complete with dual pipes, twin carbs and a ‘raked’ stance, Davidson blew up the car’s engine within months. After a couple of subsequent Oldsmobile projects, his fun with cars was temporarily suspended by an Army draft card. However, he bought a red 1966 Mercury Cyclone a few months before being discharged from service in Vietnam. A 1964 Corvette Stingray Coupe was purchased after marrying wife Linda. “We owned the Corvette for 18 years,” Davidson says. “I drove it throughout college, back-and-forth to work and while raising a family.” It was sold to help them purchase a house.

Now residents of Camas, Washington, the couple currently own a pro street-styled 1950 Chevy 2-door Sport Coupe and a supercharged 2013 Corvette Grand Sport Coupe (shown above). Both see plenty of time at local car shows. In addition to the SEMA Action Network (SAN), they are proud members of the Northwest Corvette Association and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. This year, Rick has been advocating for his state’s proposed requirement of a single, rear-mounted license plate. “I would like to have that choice for all my cars, not just those considered collector cars.” He is hoping that all of the enthusiasts and clubs in the state become energized as well. “Calling and e-mailing your lawmakers’ offices in support of the bill is a good first step,” Davidson suggests.

Good advice, Rick! The SAN stands with you in this effort.

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