California Moves Closer To Letting More Classic Cars Skip Smog Checks

A New Lane for Classics

After being shelved and later revived, “Leno’s Law” is now closer to becoming law. Filed as California Senate Bill 1392, the proposal passed both legislative chambers on August 31 and has advanced to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.

If approved, the bill would exempt more classic cars from smog checks, which help curb harmful emissions but can make ownership more of a hassle and more costly. To be more specific, the bill aims to qualify vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985 for the exemption; vehicles from before 1976 are already exempt. It would be good news for many classic car owners, including Jay Leno, who reportedly owns around 180 cars.

The Catch for Collectors

However, there are several limitations tied to the legislation. For one, owners would need specialized collector-car insurance. Beginning in 2030, vehicles driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year could also qualify through a verification process set by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. This would ensure the vehicles are not used as daily drivers, which could otherwise upset environmental groups advocating for cleaner air, especially in California, where EV adoption is higher than in any other U.S. state. The rules would limit the vehicles to being used primarily for shows, parades, charitable events, historical exhibitions, maintenance, and preservation.

Another thing is that the exemption would have a gradual rollout over five years. Starting January 1, 2028, eligible model years would include 1976 through 1980. On January 1, 2029, 1981 model-year vehicles would be exempted. The cutoff would increase by one model year each year until January 1, 2033, when it would add 1985 models.

The added exemption years would largely cover cars sold during the Malaise Era, a period in the U.S. when oil crises and strict new government rules pushed automakers toward engine downsizing, often trading performance for efficiency. Still, it produced some interesting cars, including the Buick Grand National and the polarizing Fox-body Ford Mustang.

One Signature Away

The SB 1392 is now with Newsom, who has until the end of September to either sign or veto it. While it would support certain car owners and, by extension, car events featuring classics like Monterey Car Week, the governor also has to take into consideration critics saying the exemption would increase air pollution in California.

The state is so committed to EV adoption that it offers up to $3,500 in rebates for eligible first-time EV buyers, so it will be interesting to see how the story of “Leno’s Law” unfolds.