It’s been over a year and a half since we first heard about Maine pulling Delica owners’ registrations on legally registered and imported vans. This was a story Crankshaft Culture broke and I’ve been working on for months. We’ve talked with the SEMA Action Network, been interviewed for numerous news articles, and even written about it for other publications. And finally, we have some positive news. Will Maine Reverse Course on Delica Deregistration? Well it’s one step closer.
Yesterday, January 16, 2023, my contact at the SEMA Action Network notified me that a bill has been introduced in the state’s legislature aimed at correcting this.
The language on the SEMA Action Network website specifically states:
At the SAN’s request, State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member Rep. Shelly Rudnicki has introduced a bill in Maine to allow on road registrations to be issued for imported vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. Under federal law, these vehicles are exempt from federal safety and emissions standards. Current Maine law prohibits vehicles that do not meet these standards from being driven on public roads. The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Committee on Transportation.
This is excellent news; definitely encouraging. It feels great to know that your hard work is paying off in some action and that people are listening. I’ve written a full update about it on GearJunkie with the title Save the Delica Vans! Maine Bill Looks to Reinstate Revoked Registrations.
What You Can Do
If you live in Maine, visit this SEMA Action Network link and email the representative to show your support. It will only take 1-2 minutes. You must be a Maine resident for this to work, as they’re looking to hear from their constituents.
While this may feel like a Maine-centric issue, it isn’t. While it only affected Delica owners in Maine, it could set precedence nationwide. Hopefully, this legislation will pass in Maine’s 131st legislature—the eyes of the U.S. automotive world will be watching. We’ll keep you in the loop.