New Exemptions for Vintage Vehicles
In an exciting development for car enthusiasts, California has officially broadened its smog-check exemptions to honor a new generation of classic vehicles. This initiative, known as “Leno’s Law,” recently received the green light from Governor Gavin Newsom, who made the announcement at an event in Burbank alongside renowned comedian and classic car collector Jay Leno.
This legislation, formally titled Senate Bill 1392, will exempt vehicles constructed before the 1981 model year, provided they are registered as historical vehicles with a special plate. Not only does this move preserve California’s rich automotive history, but it also paves the way for vintage car lovers to breathe easier.
Details of Leno’s Law
Authored by Senators Cortese and Shannon Grove, this bipartisan bill introduces a phased exemption from smog checks for collector cars manufactured between 1976 and 1985. The aim is to encourage the preservation of these vehicles, which hold cultural and historical significance.
Currently, the law applies only to cars made before 1976. However, to ensure that daily drivers don’t exploit this exemption, qualifying vehicles must be preserved for shows, parades, and other limited uses instead of regular commuting. Moreover, they need to have collector car insurance or prove they’re driven less than 1,000 miles per year.
Governor Newsom also signed into law Assembly Bill 2541, which establishes a lowrider license plate program designed to assist youth engagement and cultural initiatives. Additionally, he approved Senate Bill 1069, streamlining the review process for aftermarket vehicle parts by allowing manufacturers to submit emissions data from recognized laboratories.
Starting January 1, 2028, vehicles from 1976 to 1980 will be exempt from smog checks, with one additional model year being added each subsequent year until 1985 vehicles are fully included by 2033.
Voices from the Community
Jay Leno commended the bipartisan effort that led to the successful passage of this legislation, noting the governor’s commitment to preserving California’s automotive legacy. “The car community has been waiting on this for a long time, and they notice when someone follows through,” Leno expressed, thanking Newsom for his support.
Senator Cortese emphasized the bill’s balance between environmental sustainability and the preservation of automotive history: “California can protect clean air while also recognizing the historic and cultural value of collector vehicles.” Senator Grove noted that the passage of this law reflects community support and solidarity among car enthusiasts throughout the state, saying, “Classic car culture is encouraged and welcome in our state.”
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola lauded the new legislation as a monumental success for California’s automotive community, affirming that the state can maintain clean air while honoring vehicles that connect generations and narrate important segments of the state’s story. In framing this trio of bills, Governor Newsom remarked, “These bills protect a treasured part of California culture.”
As California gears up for these changes, classic car owners are advised to keep meticulous driving logs, secure appropriate insurance, and document limited usage to ensure eligibility for the upcoming exemption.
