Policy Position

For decades, recreationists and off-roaders have enjoyed riding motorized vehicles, from trucks and SUVs to dune buggies and quads, at California's Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. However, the California Coastal Commission plans to abolish off-highway vehicle (OHV) access by 2024.

SEMA is fighting this lawsuit and reaffirms its support for off-roaders to have continued access to California's only OHV park.

Modernized recreation at Oceano Dunes is a significant economic driver for the local economy, generating over $200 million yearly from money spent at stores, hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. These restrictions will put an unfair burden on the residents and small business owners who rely on this industry for their livelihood.

The Commission's opposition cites environmental and health arguments against the airborne particulate matter (dust) kicked up by modernized recreation vehicles. SEMA challenges the scientific basis for the claims with a recent study finding that no toxic compounds are associated with the particulate matter at Oceano Dunes.

The move to phase out motorized recreation is also unlawful as the Commission is locked in a jurisdiction debate over the Dunes with the California Department of State Parks and Recreation. SEMA supports the state legislature mandate that California State Parks have the authority to manage the area for OHV use, giving the Commission no authority to make this ruling.

Litigation Update

SEMA's joint lawsuit with EcoLogic Partners—a legal collaboration between the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association, and American Motorcyclist Association District 37—is scheduled for a June 15, 2023 court hearing and it will be a key moment in the fight to protect motorized recreational access around the country.

Learn More

The Battle to Save Oceano Dunes Continues

California employee reports misspending and malfeasance at Oceano Dunes

OHV One-Pager

Articles

Policy Position

The United States has a 50-state patchwork of exhaust noise laws, with every state having its own metric for determining whether a car is too loud. Many states have subjective laws that say a car is too loud if it makes "excessive noise" without defining what that means. When states enact overly vague or poorly worded laws pertaining to vehicle noise, it can have a chilling impact on the ability of SEMA members that produce aftermarket exhaust products to sell and install their products. On the other hand, California has implemented SEMA's model legislation, which sets a limit of 95 decibels using an objective testing method to determine if a car is too loud. SEMA supports this model and advocates that other states adopt similar laws regarding noise ordinances.

Noise cameras are an emerging technology that's increasingly used to determine whether a vehicle is in compliance. SEMA has raised concerns about this technology and does not support its premature implementation for two reasons. First, like a red light camera, these noise cameras take photos when a vehicle is above the specified decibel level. However, if multiple cars are simultaneously on the road, there is no definitive way to determine which car is in violation. This can result in unfair ticketing of drivers. Secondly, when implemented in urban areas, tall buildings can reflect and amplify the sound, making it even more challenging to determine if a vehicle is in violation.

SEMA supports further research into this technology and believes that it should only be introduced once all the concerns associated with the pilot are addressed.  

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Exhaust Laws by State

SEMA Op-Ed: COVID-19's Unexpected Automotive Consequences

California Lawmakers Amend Exhaust Noise Camera Bill

SEMA's Model Legislation

Policy Position

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), better known as "cash for clunkers," was a 2009 Federal program that provided financial incentivizes for people to trade in older cars and purchase new vehicles.

SEMA wants to ensure that no similar incentives would compel people to destroy or trade in their old. The aftermarket, restoration market, auto enthusiasts, and millions of Americans rely on older vehicles for their professions, recreation, and affordable transportation. While there are no introduced bills that currently provide similar incentives, SEMA will proactively fight for this to remain the case and for older vehicles to be kept on the road.

Conversely, SEMA supports legislation that incentivizes preserving old cars or upcycling. SEMA is sponsoring a California bill that provides a rebate of up to $4,000 for those who convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV. This rebate allows older vehicles to stay on the road while ensuring technological advancements.

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California bill proposes $4,000 for converting gas vehicles to EVs

Take Action

For California residents, click here to send a letter to your local lawmaker to let them know you support the $4,000 rebate for those who convert an existing internal-combustion car or truck to an EV.