Sacramento — Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 1392, also known as Jay Leno’s Law, providing significant relief for California’s classic car community by expanding smog check exemptions for certain collector vehicles.
The legislation, signed at auto aficionado Jay Leno’s Burbank garage, targets vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985 that are not used as a primary mode of transportation. These exemptions will be phased in, beginning January 1, 2028, for qualifying cars manufactured before the 1981 model year. Each subsequent year until 2033, eligibility will extend by another model year, ultimately including vehicles through the 1985 model year. Currently, cars manufactured before 1975 are already exempt from smog check requirements.
To qualify for the new exemption, owners must demonstrate that their collector car is not used for everyday travel. This can be achieved either by holding collector-car insurance or by documenting that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles annually. The exemption is specifically designed to apply to cars primarily used in shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions.
For years, auto lovers have advocated for reduced emissions regulations for collector cars, citing the practical challenges of passing smog checks for vintage vehicles. Decades-old emissions systems often deteriorate, and finding replacement parts can be difficult. Moreover, not all gas stations are equipped to provide the necessary testing. Jay Leno highlighted this issue, stating that the previous regulations were "making criminals out of people that want to do the right thing."
State Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San José), a co-author of the bill, emphasized that the legislation allows California to "protect clean air while also recognizing the historic and cultural value of collector vehicles." Supporters argued that the environmental impact would be limited, as the waivers apply to a small number of vehicles driven infrequently. Sen. Cortese noted that less than 1% of registered cars in California fall within the model-year range covered by the law. However, environmental and public health advocates opposed the waivers, citing concerns about increased exhaust emissions, such as nitrogen dioxide, which can be damaging to human health in a state already facing air pollution challenges.
Despite previous legislative attempts to loosen smog check requirements failing since 2016, including a similar bill championed by Leno, SB 1392 garnered notable bipartisan support, according to co-author State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). Sen. Grove credited the passage to the overwhelming support from car enthusiasts, mechanics, and families across the state.
In related news, Governor Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 2541 into law at Leno’s garage. Authored by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), this bill establishes a special license plate to honor California’s lowrider heritage. Assemblymember González remarked that lowriding is more than just a car; it represents culture, art, family, and a powerful expression of Chicano and Latino pride. This is considered a significant victory for the lowrider community, which submitted over 1,700 letters in support of the bill, recognizing the tradition's resurgence after decades of restrictions.
