ILLINOIS BILL TO EXPAND ANTIQUE VEHICLE USAGE SIGNED INTO LAW

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Congrats to SEMA Action Network on the passage of expanded Antique Vehicle usage in Illinois! Our friends at “SAN” (Sema Action Network) are our most powerful ally in our mission to advocate for and protect our ability to continue driving the cars we love long into the future!

From the SAN Blog:

Success in Illinois! Governor JB Pritzker signed into law SAN-supported legislation (H.B. 2548) to allow “Antique Expanded Use” vehicles to be driven without limitation for two additional months. Expanded-use antique vehicles are defined as being more than 25 years old or a “bona fide replica” and were previously limited to traveling to and from auto shows, exhibitions, service stations, and demonstrations during the colder months (November 1 through March 31), but could be driven without limitation during the warmer months (April 1 through October 31). The new law expands the months without driving limitations to March 1 through November 30. The law went into effect on August 20, 2021.

 

Thank you to Representative Andrew Chesney for sponsoring this bill and to those who supported this effort—congratulations!

I have been long putting off some writing discussing SAN and will make it a priority, but for now you can learn more here, and support SAN by participating in their efforts in your state!

WHAT IS TMGPS.ORG?

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What is TMGPS.org?

As we trend toward an increasingly automated driving experience, it’s vital we preserve and celebrate our bond with the automobile and protect our right to the open road. The car is an expression of liberty and freedom like no other. Its significance to our culture is profound.

The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society started as a t-shirt, a sort of satirical statement about the state of the automobile, and an opportunity for driving enthusiasts to express their love for driving manuals. Over the past five years, that t-shirt has started thousands of conversations between strangers and can be found at pretty much any car show in the world. Over 100,000 people have joined the movement on Facebook. The dialog and enthusiasm from such a passionate group of people is both amazing and humbling.

TMGPS.org is the next logical step in our progression as an organization. TMGPS.org serves as a hub where we can organize our thoughts and ideas, as well as share our love for cars and driving. We understand that the evolution of the automobile to an autonomous battery electric vehicle is inevitable. The current business models and economies of scale are less and less sustainable, and the potential autonomous electric product offerings will make the concept of car ownership ridiculous to a majority of people. It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities and potential for cars of the future, but we believe it’s vital that we retain a place for those of us who love cars for what we’ve always known them as, in all their glory.

It seems likely that the internal combustion engine and traditional automobile will continue to be a useful and practical solution in some context, but as future alternatives erode market share, the already failing economies of scale will face increasing pressure. Elements which we consider essential to motoring will be relegated to a handful of niche options, likely in utilitarian models flanked by a few recreational and sports offerings. Whether this happens over the next decade or 50 years is irrelevant. It is crucial that we act now to protect our ability to own and operate soulful machines despite increasing hostility toward their ability to thrive.

To be continued…