Automotive trade shows

Exhibitor rules

Display vehicle rules at automotive shows

Fuel, batteries, space and fire marshal permits decide how a vehicle goes into a booth. From the SEMA and AAPEX 2026 rules and the NADA Show 2027 vehicle guidance.

• Display vehicle fuel tanks may be no more than 1/4 full or 5 gallons, whichever is less, with filler caps locked and/or sealed; fueling or de-fueling on the facility premises is prohibited. SEMA Show 2026 Rules & Regulations, 2026
• Both battery cables must be disconnected and taped (a vehicle with a battery cutoff switch may instead keep the switch off for the whole show), alarms must be deactivated, and no battery charging is permitted inside the building; auxiliary batteries not connected to the starting system may stay connected. SEMA Show 2026 Rules & Regulations, Section 3, 2026
• Display vehicles may occupy no more than 80% of the contracted exhibit space, must be set back 10 inches from the aisle, and once placed cannot be started or moved without the approval and direction of Show Management. SEMA Show 2026 Rules & Regulations, Section 3, 2026
• Any exhibitor displaying a vehicle in its booth must obtain a vehicle display permit from the Clark County Fire Marshal, applying no later than three weeks before move-in; vehicles need at least 36 inches of clear access around them and must sit a minimum of 20 feet from an exit door or exit pathway, with no leaks underneath. AAPEX 2026 Exhibitor Regulations, 2026
• At the Orange County Convention Center, fuel is limited to one-quarter of the tank or ten gallons, whichever is less, with tank openings locked or sealed; at least one starting-battery cable must be removed and taped, converters may not replace a battery to power the ignition, battery charging is not permitted in the hall, and vehicles may not be moved during expo hours. NADA Show 2027 Display Vehicle Reporting Information, 2027