04-19-06 TMN Staff: Buyers of new 2005 and 2006 Roush Stage 1,2 and 3 Mustangs in Virginia can sleep well at night knowing that their car maker is looking out for them.
It's no secret that the ROUSH Performance Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 Ford Mustangs have several cosmetic improvements, including a new front spoiler with an additional pair of fog lamps. Combined with those from the Ford factory in the grille, this car is sold with four fog lamps which ran afoul of the Virginia state law.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Virginia Delegate G. Glenn Oder (R-Newport News), the Virginia State Police and ROUSH Performance Products, all vehicle owners in the state of Virginia will see a new law taking effect on July 1, 2006 which allows the installation of multiple fog lamps. While the new law will give all motorists in the state new freedoms, Roush had its own customers in mind.
The existing Virginia law prohibited a vehicle from having the installation of more than one set of fog lamps, but due to the diligent efforts of the ROUSH staff, working in tandem with the Virginia State Police safety division, all concerns were resolved and the matter was taken to the legislature.
Delegate Oder filed HB 917, allowing for an unlimited number of auxiliary, or fog lamps, on a vehicle as long as no more than two of the lights can be illuminated at any time.
After passing on a 22-0 vote in the House Committee on Transportation, it made it through the full House of Delegates and the bill was passed with a unanimous 40-0 Virginia Senate vote on February 28. On March 31, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine approved the measure and signed it into law.
"The ROUSH Performance (accessories) on the ROUSH Mustang were ahead of their time for current Virginia law," said Delegate Oder, sponsor of House Bill 917. "However, the legislature quickly saw the value they add to this exciting vehicle and these modifications will be permitted on July 1, 2006 when this bill become law."
In the meantime, the Virginia State Police have issued an advisory to all safety inspection stations in the Commonwealth to clarify that the ROUSH Mustang is not in violation of current safety standards.
"Certainly we are thrilled to have helped play a role in changing this law so that owners of the ROUSH Performance Mustangs, and of course any vehicle, will no longer run afoul of the law simply by having multiple fog lights," stated Joe Thompson, ROUSH Performance's general manager. "Now, whether these lights are installed for performance or styling, you can enjoy having multiple fog lamps on your car or truck. The leadership of Delegate Oder and the cooperation from the Virginia State Police were the big reason for this common sense reform and ROUSH appreciates their efforts."
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