DIAMOND BAR, CA – July 24, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is dispelling misinformation surrounding a forthcoming law in Nevada pertaining to local enforcement of state and federal vehicle emissions laws. The organization specifically wants to reaffirm that the new law, which takes effect on Oct. 1, will not impact the 2025 SEMA Show, Las Vegas’s largest annual trade show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo on June 10 signed into law SB 80, legislation that provides a new framework for local law enforcement to utilize, in tandem with existing inspection authority, to enforce against bad actors who are breaking existing state and federal emissions laws, establishing new penalties for illegal behavior.
STATEMENT
“SEMA has always been aware of Nevada’s SB 80 and provided feedback on the bill on behalf of the automotive community as it was developed. SB 80 is common-sense legislation that maintains the status quo as it pertains to existing state and federal law. SEMA was, and is, comfortable with this bill, which reinforces existing state and federal bans on emissions system tampering. The law is still the law as it pertains to emissions systems.
“SEMA is once again proud to welcome our exhibitors, members, partners, and industry stakeholders to Las Vegas this November for the industry’s most anticipated annual gathering. For 58 years, the SEMA Show has remained a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the automotive aftermarket industry. This year will be no different. Whether you’re exhibiting your brand, debuting a custom build, or exploring the latest products and trends, the SEMA Show continues to deliver the trusted platform that drives business and fuels industry growth.”
BACKGROUND
SB 80 amends existing Nevada state law (NRS 480.610) to identify the following unlawful activities:
(e) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, tamper with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle or remove such a device from a motor vehicle, including, without limitation, exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for a different engine; or
(f) Possess an electronic device capable of tampering with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle.
Additionally, SB 80 provides the following clarification on legality:
2. A person does not violate paragraph (e) of subsection 1 by exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for:
(a) An electric motor; or
(b) A different engine if any device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle that is included with the engine being inserted into the motor vehicle is operational.
RESOURCE
To educate SEMA members, SEMA Show attendees, and the public at large, SEMA released a FAQ document that explains what SB 80 does and does not do.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.
Source: Specialty Equipment Market Association
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