California Passes "Leno's Law" Smog Exemption Bill for Classic Cars

A historic bill aimed at easing California's strict emissions regulations for older collector cars has officially passed the state legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Titled "Leno’s Law" (Senate Bill 1392), the measure passed both chambers in a 49-4 vote. Sponsored by comedian and car collector Jay Leno alongside the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the bill now moves to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk to be signed into law.

The legislation represents the most significant progress for California collector-vehicle smog reform in over two decades.

A Phased-In Path to Smog Exemption

Since 2005, California's rolling smog exemption has been frozen, automatically requiring all gasoline-powered vehicles built in 1976 or later to pass biannual emissions inspections. Leno's Law seeks to break that 1975 wall by establishing a narrow, phased exemption for vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985.

Rather than granting an immediate pass for all older cars, the bill rolls out the exemption gradually over several years:

Starting January 1, 2028, vehicles manufactured before model-year 1981 become exempt from routine smog checks. The exemption window then expands by one model year annually until 2033, when it caps out to include all vehicles built prior to model-year 1986.

Existing smog exemptions for pre-1976 vehicles remain entirely unchanged.

Qualification Rules and Mileage Limits

To prevent drivers from using the exemption for dirty daily commuters, the bill sets strict eligibility criteria.

Vehicles must meet official collector-use definitions. Owners must either maintain specialized collector-car insurance or prove through service records that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per calendar year.

"A classic car that spends most of its life in a garage and comes out for a parade, car show, or charity event is not the same as a daily commuter, and our laws should recognize that," said State Senator Dave Cortese, the bill's primary author. "SB 1392 brings common sense back to the smog-check system, protects a treasured part of California culture, and gives classic car owners a fair shot at preserving these pieces of history."

Cultural Unity Across California's Car Community

The bill garnered broad backing across political lines and cultural factions. Support poured in from local car clubs, historic preservationists, international historic motoring organizations, and California's lowrider community, which submitted over 1,700 letters of support to state legislators.

Economic factors played a significant role as well. According to SEMA data, California's automotive aftermarket industry supports nearly 150,000 jobs and generates over $40 billion in economic impact annually. Easing smog requirements on 1970s and 1980s vehicles allows owners to purchase restoration parts, hire specialized mechanics, and keep classic builds legally registered in the state.

If Governor Newsom signs the bill, Leno's Law will officially take effect on January 1, 2028.

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