west virginia

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West Virginia Bill Would Provide Special Plates for Collector Vehicles

Legislation (H.B. 4265) to provide for the issuance of special plates for use on collector vehicles and allow for the transfer of the special plates temporarily between the collector motor vehicles owned by the collector was introduced in West Virginia. Delegate Gary Howell, the sponsor of the bill, indicates that most cars 25-years old and older will qualify for the collector plates. The bill will be considered by the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

We Urge You to Contact All Members of the House Roads and Transportation Committee (Contact Info Below) Immediately To Request Their Support for H.B. 4265
• H.B. 4265 defines a “Collector motor vehicle” as a motor vehicle that is a restricted and limited use vehicle which is a unique commodity having a current monetary value in excess of similar make and model vehicles. Collector vehicles may not be driven in excess of the maximum mileage permitted by the terms of a valid limited use motor vehicle insurance policy.

• H.B. 4265 provides that motor vehicle collectors may not offer for sale more than four motor vehicles at any specific time.

• H.B. 4265 provides that collector plates may be used by the motor vehicle collector for the sole purpose of transporting or moving motor vehicles either titled or purchased by the collector.

• H.B. 4265 provides that a collector may operate collector vehicles on the streets and highways without registering each collector motor vehicle if the vehicle displays the special plate.

• H.B. 4265 provides that special collector plates shall be valid for a period of one year or portion of one year and that the annual fee is $100 for the first plate and $50 for each additional special plate issued, not to exceed a total of five plates.

DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the West Virginia House Roads and Transportation Committee immediately to request their support of H.B. 4265.

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West Virginia Bill Amends Law to Permit Remote Starters

Legislation (H.B. 4233) to provide that a motor vehicle that has been started by use of a remote starter when the vehicle is locked is not an unattended vehicle and not in violation of the law has been introduced in West Virginia. The bill will be considered by the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

We Urge You to Contact All Members of the House Roads and Transportation Committee (Contact Info Below) Immediately To Request Their Support for H.B. 4233
• Under current West Virginia law, no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle may permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key, and effectively setting the brake.

• H.B. 4233 would ensure that a motor vehicle that has been started by use of a remote starter when the vehicle is locked is not an unattended vehicle and owners would not be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine.

DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the West Virginia House Roads and Transportation Committee immediately to request their support of H.B. 4233.

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Legislation (H.B. 2127) that would allow West Virginia’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was reintroduced in the West Virginia State Legislature by Delegate Gary Howell (gary.howell@wvhouse.gov). Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent.

Contact members of the West Virginia House Roads and Transportation Committee (List Below) to request their support for H.B. 2127
• H.B. 2127 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.

• H.B. 2127 would benefit consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.

• H.B. 2127 would remedy the enforcement policy currently used by police officers in which nearly all exhaust system modifications 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. 2127 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems are more durable, are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions and offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.

• H.B. 2127 challenges the erroneous assumption that enthusiasts who equip their vehicles with modified exhaust systems are involved in illegal street racing.

DON’T DELAY! Please contact members of the House Roads and Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to urge their support for H.B. 2127. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.

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West Virginia Exhaust Noise: The SAN is supporting reintroduced legislation that would allow West Virginia’s vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit. Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent. The bill 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.

West Virginia Property Taxes: The SAN is supporting Senate legislation to exempt motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, airplanes, trucks and tractors that are older than twenty-five years from personal property taxes. Under the bill, these automobiles and motorcycles would need to display valid current antique licenses and could not be used for daily transportation.

West Virginia Remote Starters: The SAN is supporting legislation that would provide that a motor vehicle that has been started by use of a remote starter when the vehicle is locked is not an unattended vehicle and not in violation of the law. Under current law, no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle may permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key, and effectively setting the brake.

West Virginia Collector Vehicle Plates: The SAN is supporting legislation to provide for the issuance of special plates for use on collector vehicles and allow for the transfer of the special plates temporarily between the collector motor vehicles owned by the collector. Delegate Gary Howell, the sponsor of the bill, indicates that most cars 25-years old and older will qualify for the collector plates.