California lawmaker, Jay Leno seek to exempt classic cars from smog check requirements

Yahoo

16-03-2025

A California lawmaker is teaming with comedian and renowned automotive enthusiast Jay Leno to seek an expansion of smog check exemptions for classic cars.
State Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, introduced Senate Bill 712, all known as "Leno's Law," earlier this month. The bill, sponsored by its namesake celebrity, seeks to get rid of "unnecessary and burdensome smog check requirements for classic vehicles, ensuring they remain a celebrated part of California's culture and economy," according to statement from Grove's office.
'California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state, the senator said. 'These rolling pieces of history are more than just vehicles—they have strong cultural ties in our communities and supply thousands of jobs in the aftermarket parts industry."
SB 712 would expand California's smog check exemptions to cover more classic cars.
Under current law, vehicles manufactured before 1976 are exempt from biennial smog checks. Cars that are at least 35 years old may also be exempted, provided that they are s insured as collector motor vehicles, comply with emissions standards for their time and pass a functional inspection of the fuel cap and a visual inspection for liquid fuel leaks.
The proposed legislation would expand the exemption to all vehicles at least 35 years old, so long as they are insured as collector motor vehicles.
"Senate Bill 712 will update the current law to include all classic cars that are 35 years or older, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without burdensome restrictions that are driving some collectors and industry businesses out of the state," the statement said.
As a lifelong car collector with a collection at Burbank Airport encompassing more than 180 cars and 160 motorcycles, Leno said the changes makes sense.
'California's rich classic car culture, sparked by the post-war hot rod boom and boosted by Hollywood's love for chrome and horsepower, has made it a paradise for enthusiasts like me," he said. "From the start, California has been a driving force in shaping car culture, with deep ties to classic cars and a global reputation as a hub for these timeless machines."
But as time has passed, the state's regulations of classic cars have fallen behind, Leno said.
"California's smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated—they vary too much from state to state, and California's rules don't match up with neighboring ones," he said. "Our classic cars are only driven for special occasions, weekend drives and car shows. I am excited to work with Senator Grove on SB 712 to make it simpler for us to preserve these pieces of history."
Beyond keeping icons of California's automotive history on the road, SB 712 would also provide support to the state's massive specialty automotive industry, according to Grove's office.
The state's aftermarket automotive parts industry generates billions of dollars each year while supporting small businesses, according to the statement. "SB 712 aims to safeguard this economic engine while honoring the state's pioneering role in car culture."
It's estimates that the aftermarket automotive industry results in more than $40 billion in economic impact annually, including more than 149,000 jobs and more than $6 billion in taxes paid, representatives of Grove's office added.
"From car shows to weekend cruises, classic cars bring people together and keep our history vibrant," Grove said. "With Jay Leno's support, we're sending a clear message: California values its automotive roots and the communities that keep them running."
The first hearing on the bill is expected to take place before the Senate Transportation Committee in April.
The text of the bill can be found online at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Jay Leno pushes for smog check exemptions for classic cars in California