New York moves to ban spinners

New York state is considering legislation to ban the use of "spinner" wheels and hubcaps. S.B. 1640 was reintroduced in the New York State Legislature by State Senator John Sabini. The law would subject vehicle owners to fines of up to $750 for a third or subsequent violation. The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.





The SEMA Action Network is calling on citizens to pressure lawmakers to reject the bill. The car customization advocacy group says:

• S.B. 1640 ignores the fact that custom wheels are not prohibited by Federal law and should not be restricted in New York.


• S.B. 1640 ignores the fact that the Federal government rescinded the entire hub cap standard in 1996 when it was concluded that there was no safety problem relating to hub caps and that the standard was overly design-restrictive.


• S.B. 1640 ignores the fact that manufacturers are required to notify the federal government of a safety problem or defect related to motor vehicle equipment within five days of becoming aware of such issue.


• S.B. 1640 ignores the fact that spinner hubcaps have no proven detrimental effect on motor vehicle safety.