Policy Position

For years, automakers and dealerships have threatened to deny warranties to consumers who have modified their vehicles with aftermarket parts. However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for car manufacturers to void consumer warranties or deny coverage because an individual installed an aftermarket product versus an original equipment part or service.

There is a push from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and dealers to deem that the installation of certain aftermarket products makes them non-compliant and not ineligible under Magnuson-Moss. This ambiguity also allows dealers to deny warranties without written explanation.

Ensuring this law is upheld and protecting against unjust warranty denial is a top priority of SEMA. Congress should direct the FTC to update its regulations and require dealers and automakers to provide customers with a written explanation when they deny warranties and allow consumers to question the finding.

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SEMA Action Network Warranty Issues Resource

Policy Position

SEMA works closely with the California Air Resources Board in an ongoing effort to ensure emissions related aftermarket parts meet applicable clean-air standards after parts have been installed in a vehicle.

Specifically, SEMA works with CARB to issue Executive Orders (EO), written documentations certifying aftermarket parts are emission compliant with CARB regulations. EOs effectively allow the legal sale and use of the product in all 50 states. Located in Diamond Bar, California, the SEMA Garage's Emissions Compliance Center is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. Integral to SEMA's work with CARB, it is a complete product development resource for manufacturers, providing SEMA members with assistance in all aspects of securing CARB and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed. SEMA opened a second garage in Detroit, Michigan in 2022 to support emissions compliance and product development.  

Over the last five years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 600 CARB EO applications for members. SEMA has invested over $25 million to help member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions compliant products.

SEMA has worked with the California State Legislature to secure additional funding for CARB to hire the staff necessary to expedite the processing of EOs, allowing emissions compliant products to be brought to market faster.

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Emissions Compliance Resources

SEMA Garage

Emissions Compliance One-Pager

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Policy Position

Advanced Drivers Assistance Systems (ADAS) are active and passive safety performance technologies that assist drivers and automate vehicle systems. Consumer demand for safety-performance systems, products, and technologies is growing rapidly. Automakers are integrating active and passive ADAS technologies into new cars, and these systems are bringing significant real-world benefits by reducing automotive injuries and accidents. ADAS is a necessary and life-saving technology that brings significant opportunity for aftermarket retrofitting and vehicle upgrades with advanced technology. 

It is essential that ADAS technology maintains full functionality after vehicles are modified. The SEMA Garage Detroit, a state-of-the-art facility, features an ADAS research and development center. The center helps manufacturers obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras) to troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles easily.

SEMA members are committed to making products that modify vehicles with ADAS equipment, ensuring they are interoperable with OE driver assistance technology. While SEMA supports advancements that make vehicles safer, ADAS should not be used as a mechanism to prevent aftermarket businesses from producing and installing products that modify vehicles. Congress and state lawmakers must consider the aftermarket when pursuing ADAS legislation to ensure the safety of all car enthusiasts who want to modify their vehicles. 

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SEMA ADAS Technology Center

ADAS and the Art of Vehicle Modification

SEMA Show Panel Discussion: John Bean ADAS

SEMA Show Panel Discussion: 1-I-CAR SCRS ADAS

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