SEMA moved to clarify Nevada’s new emissions enforcement law, SB 80, saying it will not impact the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, as it primarily targets emissions system tampering by “bad actors.”
The law was approved by Gov. Joe Lombardo on June 10 and is effective Oct. 1. The 2025 SEMA Show is scheduled for Nov. 4–7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SB 80 prohibits tampering with or removing a motor vehicle emissions control device and bans possession of an electronic device capable of such tampering. Violations are treated as a misdemeanor under Nevada’s air pollution statutes.
The law also expands inspection authority: in addition to existing roles for public safety and local police, certain DMV personnel whose primary responsibility is auto-theft investigations may conduct VIN/title inspections under NRS 480.610, clarifying processes that already existed.
“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,” SEMA said in a statement. “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.”
What Remains Legal for Builders
Engine swaps remain legal if the installed engine’s emissions controls are present and operational, and EV conversions are explicitly allowed. SB 80 states a person does not violate the tampering provision by exchanging the engine for an electric motor or a different engine with operational emissions controls.
SEMA’s member FAQ reiterates that point and notes aftermarket parts remain lawful when CARB-certified or EPA-compliant.
Under Nevada law, peace officers already enforce the state’s emissions statutes, and SB 80 ties tampering to the misdemeanor penalty scheme in Nevada’s statutes. Local news sources say the law is intended to improve air quality and curb unlawful street-racing modifications, reflecting DMV enforcement priorities as the Oct. 1 effective date approaches.
Nevada’s annual emissions testing program remains in place for specified classes and locations (e.g., Clark and Washoe counties), independent of SB 80. SB 80 does not change those inspection requirements; instead, it adds explicit prohibitions and enforcement tools against tampering, with narrow, spelled-out exceptions for EV swaps and compliant engine replacements.
