Latest news with #SenateBill712
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Brings Fight to Keep Classic Cars on the Road to California Capitol
Nothing comes between Jay Leno and his massive collection of vintage cars—not even a little thing like the law. As we previously reported, the former Tonight Show host's massive vintage car collection is no joking matter to the comedian. In order to make sure that he can keep trucking along in any one of the estimated 181 cars and 160 motorcycles he owns, he announced in early March that he was partnering with California State Senator Shannon Grove to help pass what has become known as 'Leno's Law.'Officially introduced to the California State Senate as Senate Bill 712, the legislation would allow classic car enthusiasts like Leno to skip the biennial smog check inspection that the state currently requires of all collector vehicles that were manufactured after 1975. On Tuesday, Leno headed to the California State Capitol in Sacramento to help plead the case on behalf of all classic car aficionados, and pull on some nostalgia-specific heartstrings—all with his trademark sense of humor. 'I know there's nothing more annoying than Hollywood people involved in politics,' joked Leno by way of introduction. He went on to explain that because of the age of the vehicles, there are few facilities that are equipped to even perform a smog check on his many, many cars—which only leads to more headaches. 'I put more miles on it looking for smog stations than I do driving the thing,' said Leno. Though it was meant to be said in jest, there is a truth behind what he's saying. While older cars such as the ones Leno loves so much do have a tendency to produce more smog, Leno and his fellow car collectors argue that their vehicles are more like works of art and spend most of their time parked in a garage on display versus being driven. They're also lamenting the huge loss it would be to the history of the state to see the hot rods and other classic cars that have long been part of its culture disappear. While the bill did pass, it's just the first step in what will likely prove to be a long road ahead. But for tonight at least, Leno can take his favorite tank for a spin around the neighborhood and rest easy.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno shows support for bill that would exempt classic cars from smog checks
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Former 'Tonight Show' host Jay Leno went to Sacramento on Tuesday to support a bill that would exempt classic cars from smog check rules in California. Senate Bill 712, also known as Leno's Law, would remove California's biennial smog check requirements for vehicles that are 35 model years or older. The bill was introduced by State Sen. Shannon Grove and supported by Sen. Dave Cortese. 'It's nice to try to keep the auto-enthusiast market in California. Hot-rodding began in Southern California,' Leno said. 'To watch them close and move to Texas, it's kind of depressing, so that's all.' State Sen. Shannon Grove introduces bill to remove smog check requirement on classic cars Will Barrett, senior director of the American Lung Association, said these classic cars are some of the highest polluting vehicles on the road. 'This bill would let them out. It's a real jailbreak for our air quality problems in California,' Barrett said. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee. It will next go to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno, Sen. Shannon Grove cruise CA Capitol for classic car smog exemption
Comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno drove state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, in a 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am past the state Capitol on Tuesday, rallying support for legislation that would ease restrictions on classic cars. Grove's proposal, Senate Bill 712 — dubbed Leno's Law — would exempt vehicles 35 years or older from California's smog check program. The bill has attracted bipartisan support, including from Senate Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, who co-authored the measure. Grove and Leno were joined by dozens of classic car enthusiasts, who displayed their vehicles along 10th Street, to highlight the proposed exemption ahead of the bill's hearing. 'I try to be the typical California enthusiast during the week,' Leno said during a news conference on the Capitol steps. 'We try to do things the right way, but it's just hard when you have a vehicle that's not modified in any way. I hope you get behind us on this bill and at least make us equal to our neighboring states.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Backs California Bill to Exempt Classic Cars From Smog Checks
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Comedian and automotive icon Jay Leno has teamed up with California State Sen. Shannon Grove to introduce legislation aimed at expanding smog check exemptions for classic cars, a move designed to protect the state's rich automotive heritage. Senate Bill 712, dubbed "Leno's Law," seeks to eliminate what supporters call "unnecessary and burdensome" emissions testing requirements for vintage vehicles. Under current California law, only cars built before 1976 are exempt from regular smog inspections. The proposed bill would extend exemptions to newer classic models, ensuring they remain roadworthy without regulatory hurdles. 'California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state,' Grove, R-Bakersfield, said in a statement. '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.' Leno, a longtime classic car collector and host of Jay Leno's Garage, has been a vocal advocate for preserving vintage automobiles. He argues that classic cars make up a fraction of the vehicles on the road and contribute minimally to air pollution compared to modern transportation emissions. Critics of the bill warn that relaxing smog regulations could weaken California's strict environmental policies. However, supporters counter that most classic car owners drive their vehicles sparingly, often for special events or exhibitions, rather than daily commutes. If passed, SB 712 could provide relief for classic car enthusiasts and collectors, further cementing California's role as a hub for automotive preservation and innovation. The bill is currently under review by the state legislature.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
California lawmaker, Jay Leno seek to exempt classic cars from smog check requirements
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 This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Jay Leno pushes for smog check exemptions for classic cars in California
