California Gov. Gavin Newsom has officially signed SB 1392, widely known as Leno’s Law, into effect, initiating a significant reform in how the state categorizes and regulates classic and collector vehicles. The signing ceremony took place inside Jay Leno’s famed garage in Los Angeles, a symbolic venue for a bill crafted with the dual purpose of preserving automotive history while maintaining environmental responsibility.
The legislative effort for Leno’s Law began as a targeted reform initiative led by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), with Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) playing a key role as principal coauthor. The bill garnered substantial support through its sponsorship by Jay Leno himself and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which was instrumental in mobilizing industry backing across California.
A central component of this new law provides a phased approach to smog-check exemptions, offering practical relief for many Orange County residents who are classic car enthusiasts and owners. Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, collector-use vehicles manufactured before 1981 will become eligible for a smog-check exemption. This eligibility will expand annually by one model year until 2033, at which point the exemption will cover collector vehicles manufactured before 1986. This carefully structured framework is specifically designed to ensure that only "true collector vehicles—not daily drivers—" qualify for the exemption, targeting a distinct segment of the automotive community.
Jay Leno’s involvement in the advocacy for this legislation was not merely symbolic; it was described as instrumental. As one of America’s most recognizable entertainers and a globally respected automotive enthusiast, Leno is widely regarded as a crucial link between the specialized world of automotive culture and broader mainstream audiences. His unique position enabled him to advocate effectively for the collector-car legislation, helping to navigate it through the legislative process.
California is notably one of the nation’s largest hubs for classic-car ownership and a vibrant center for automotive culture. These robust numbers underscore why smog-check reform for collector vehicles has long been a priority for enthusiasts across the state, including Orange County. The new law directly addresses this long-standing concern, acknowledging the practical considerations for a central constituency of vehicle owners and taxpayers.
