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The RPM Act is common-sense, bi-partisan legislation to protect Americans' right to convert street vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles) into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry's ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. The bill clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a racecar used exclusively in competition. It also confirms that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment.
The RPM Act reverses the EPA's interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned for nearly 50 years until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways. Although the EPA did not finalize the proposed rule, the agency still maintains the practice of modifying the emission system of a motor vehicle for the purpose of converting it for racing is illegal. Manufacturing, selling and installing race parts for the converted vehicle would also be a violation. The EPA has also announced that enforcement against high performance parts—including superchargers, tuners, and exhaust systems—is a top priority.
Converting street vehicles into dedicated race vehicles is an American tradition dating back decades and has negligible environmental impact. While California is known for having the strictest emissions laws, the state exempts racing vehicles from regulation.
Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.
The RPM Act does not interfere with the EPA's authority to enforce against individuals who illegally install race parts on vehicles driven on public roads and highways and the companies that market such products. Tampering with the emissions system of a motor vehicle used on public roads is a clear violation of the Clean Air Act.
The RPM Act will provide the racing community with certainty and confidence in the face of an EPA interpretation of the Clean Air Act that threatens to devastate an American pastime and eliminate jobs in our communities.
Tell Your Elected Officials to Protect Motorsports and Pass the RPM Act
Republican and Democrat members of Congress have expressed a desire to provide certainty to racers and the motorsports parts industry. However, there is much more to be done before the RPM Act becomes law.
Use our Action Center to send a message to your Senators and Representative to ask them to support the RPM Act.
SEMA members can help spread the word by including links on their websites, social media platforms, storefronts and garages. Members can also rally their customers, employees, followers and friends to act. Use the assets found in SEMA's digital toolkit: www.sema.org/rpmtools. And don't forget to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SaveOurRacecars.
