UPDATE: Virginia Bill to Protect Enthusiasts From Unfair Citations Passes Committee; Receives New Assignment

DON’T DELAY!  Please contact the members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary to request their support for S.B. 5029:

You may use the following points in your message:
 

  • S.B. 5029 would change certain traffic infractions from primary offenses to secondary offenses, including suspected exhaust noise and excess window tint violations. If enacted, police may only issue these citations if they have stopped a motorist for another offense.
     
  • S.B. 5029 endorses the fact that that the current system unfairly targets car enthusiasts for minor infractions. 
     
  • S.B. 5029 recognizes the need for an improved enforcement standard for suspected exhaust noise violations, including an objective measure of a vehicle’s muffler sound.
     

Overview: SAN-supported legislation (S.B. 5029) has been introduced in Virginia which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary offenses to secondary offenses. Current law includes the following traffic infractions as primary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate, with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films, and with certain objects suspended in the vehicle. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another, separate offense. The bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Transportation and has been sent to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for consideration.
 

 

Dear SEMA Action Network (SAN): Recent world events have impacted us all. Rest assured, the SAN will continue to be the voice of auto enthusiasts in state capitols and Washington, DC.  With your help, we’ve already achieved several triumphs this year—thank you!  Meantime, SEMA is working to safeguard our hobby so we can continue to pursue our passion.  For updates, news and resources, please visit SEMA.org/coronavirus.  Ignited We Stand!