With the exception of states...
With the exception of states like Kentucky, vehicle storage laws are written and enforced at the local level. They might even be outlined in the HOA deed restriction packet you signed when you purchased your house. The SEMA Action Network is working hard to convince states to adopt its model legislation for inoperable vehicles or project cars. As ugly as weeds growing out the hood of a car may be, the model states that no one can touch your property as long as it's stored out of public view. Let's hope it catches on.
Florida
Even all the old-timers can't keep Florida down. If you can put up with the humidity and sporadic and frequent rainstorms, the Sunshine State has a lot going for it. Thanks in part to its long, skinny shape and ocean breeze that helps diffuse concentrated pollution, Florida has no emissions testing for any cars, regardless of age. This opens the door for all kinds of engine swaps. Big-block in a Prius, anyone? The state signed SEMA's model legislation for enthusiast vehicles into law in 2007, which makes registering, titling, and obtaining VINs for kit cars and reproduction muscle cars extremely easy. On the motorsports front, Florida is home to nearly a dozen dragstrips, a boatload of paved and dirt ovals, and more than a fair share of road courses, including the legendary Sebring International Raceway circuit. As far as big races go, Florida hosts the Daytona 500, the NASCAR season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the two biggest endurance races in the country, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Maybe that's why all the old people move there?
Number 4
Kentucky
If there's a sleeper on this list, it has to be Kentucky. It's not the first state that comes to mind when it comes to muscle cars, but it sure makes things easy on enthusiasts. Most laws governing vehicle storage are enforced by local governments, and can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood based on Home Owner's Association restrictions. In 2005, Kentucky became the first state to sign SEMA's model bill for inoperable vehicle storage into law. The law states that hot rodders are free to store project vehicles or parts cars on their property-without fear of violating local nuisance violations-as long as they're stored outside of public view, such as in a garage, or behind a fence or shrubbery. This applies to residents in city, county, and unincorporated areas. Many local governments have similar laws to protect enthusiasts, but Kentucky is the first and only state to implement it statewide. Adding to the state's appeal to hot rodders, Kentucky has no emissions laws, and kit car builders can simply apply for a new VIN once an initial safety inspection has been performed. For racers, the state has nearly a dozen dragstrips, and since Kentucky is located in the heart of NASCAR country, it boasts more ovals (paved and dirt) and go-kart tracks than you can count.