SEMA Spring Expo or SEMA Offroad exhibitors still have time to participate in the shows' feature-vehicle program. Limited space for featured vehicles is available and is $75 per vehicle. For details, visit www.semaspringexpo.com or www.semaoffroad.com.

SEMA-model 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. If enacted into law, 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 SAE test standard J1169.

The measure was introduced at SEMA's request as a remedy to 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. More information is available at www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?ID=33736 . For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org

SEMA members have the opportunity to participate in two project vehicles for Street Magazine, a publication based in Germany. The magazine is looking for various engine parts and a transmission for its 'restomod' '67 Mustang convertible. The other project is a Ford Stroker engine build-up. For that project, the magazine plans to go from a bare block to a complete engine. Both projects will be covered in the magazine as part of its 'How To' series. For complete details including the specific parts needed, contact Kai Liebig at k.liebig@street-magazine.com.

A bill (H.B. 25) has been reintroduced in Illinois that would further restrict the ability of Illinois vehicle hobbyists from maintaining inoperable vehicles on private property. The legislation removes historic vehicles over 25 years of age from a list of vehicles exempt from county inoperable vehicle ordinances if they are not kept within a building. Under current law, a county board may declare all inoperable vehicles a nuisance and order their disposal. This bill, if enacted, would subject ungaraged historic hobby cars to disposal and possible fines and would give local authorities an inordinate amount of power in determining the disposition of historic project cars.

The measure would make it virtually impossible for Illinois hobbyists to maintain inoperable collector vehicles on private property. More information is available on www.enjoythedrive.com/content?ID=33734.ÊFor details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA members interested in building a DaimlerChrysler project vehicle for SEMA Show 2005 are encouraged to begin working on proposals now. The deadline to request a vehicle and submit a proposal for the automaker's Image Vehicle Program is Wednesday, June 1. Details on what should be included in the proposal are available online at www.sema.org/oem. Questions? Contact Rachel Moreen at rmoreen@jrthompson.com.

Ford Motor Co. is currently accepting applications from manufacturers, designers and restylers to obtain a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury project vehicle for SEMA Show 2005. Members must submit project-vehicle proposals to Ford by Tuesday, March 1. Criteria for the written proposal is available online at www.sema.org/oem. Information on the vehicles available is located at www.ford.com. The 2005 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is set for Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 1-4.

Consumer demand for wheels and tires comes in all shapes and sizes. Companies within the aftermarket wheel and tire industry continue to thrive in what is considered a dynamic and innovative marketplace. For an inside look at the trends and challenges facing wheel and tire companies, SEMA News interviewed some major players in the industry and asked them to identify things to look for within a specific industry niche. To see their responses, read 'The Wheel Thing' article in the January issue of SEMA News by visiting www.sema.org/images/pdf/sn0501_wheeltrends.pdf. For a free subscription to SEMA News, visit www.semanews.com.

SEMA-supported legislation has been reintroduced in the Mississippi House of Representatives for consideration in the 2005 legislative session that would create a new titling and registration classification for replica motor vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles.

The bill defines replica vehicles to include kit cars and vehicles assembled in whole or in part from new, used or remanufactured parts or components and vehicles that have undergone major modernization. Upon application, a replica vehicle will be issued a new title certificate assigning an appropriate vehicle identification number and make and model that such vehicle replicates. The bill exempts replica vehicles from the highway privilege tax and value added property tax and provides for a one-time license fee of $50. More information is available on www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?ID=33709.

A separate SEMA-supported measure that would allow antique vehicles and street rods to display a blue, violet or purple light as part of the vehicle's rear stop lamps was also reintroduced in Mississippi. The state defines antique motor vehicles as those manufactured more than 25 years ago and street rods as modified vehicles produced by an American manufacturer in 1948 or earlier and used as a safe, nonracing vehicle. More information is available on www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?ID=33707. For details on both bills, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship applications for 2005 are now available online at www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=50433. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund was founded in 1984 to support educational goals for students interested in careers in the specialty-equipment industry. Since the fund's inception, SEMA Scholarships have supported more than 400 students with more than $500,000 in scholarship awards. Also, current employees of SEMA-member companies still paying off student loans may apply for the newest addition to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund the SEMA loan Forgiveness Program. The program offers qualifying members the opportunity to receive additional money to pay off outstanding student loans. For more information, contact education@sema.org or visit www.sema.org/scholarship.