The Return of a Gearhead Favorite
“Leno’s Law” is being revived in California as a proposal to preserve car culture by allowing certain classic cars to skip smog checks. Previously filed as California Senate Bill 712, the proposal was shelved in September 2025, but supporters believe it now has a better chance of passing.
Now dubbed California Senate Bill 1392, the proposal – sponsored by Senator Dave Cortese, Senator Shannon Grove, and car enthusiast Jay Leno – seeks to redefine a “collector motor vehicle” to include classic and historic cars intended for limited use, typically for shows and exhibitions, and not as the owner’s primary mode of transportation. Exempting these vehicles that are at least 35 years old from smog checks would make it easier to keep them on the road, as passing emissions tests can be difficult and testing centers are limited.
The Administrative Hurdle
A report from Road & Track states that the earlier proposal was dropped last year due to cost concerns about updates to the DMV.
Classic cars generally produce more emissions because they lack the advanced emissions-control technology found in modern vehicles, particularly older V8-powered American models with large-displacement engines, such as the Ford Mustang. That is one reason environmental groups may oppose the bill.
Still, these vehicles have a loyal following and helped shape a distinct automotive culture – including hot rods and muscle cars – which supporters argue is worth preserving, in part because it supports car shows and other events that generate local spending.
With the Trump administration moving to roll back federal vehicle-emissions rules in the name of regulatory uniformity, this could improve the bill’s prospects.
Chevrolet
How the Exemption Would Roll Out
If California Senate Bill 1392 passes, it would exempt qualifying collector vehicles built before the 1981 model year from California’s smog-check requirement starting January 1, 2027. The bill would then expand that exemption by one model year each year, beginning January 1, 2028, and continuing until January 1, 2032, when it would cover qualifying collector vehicles built before the 1986 model year. The bill also would not require specialty license plates.
Jay Leno, who owns more than 180 cars, including a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, said in a press release, “I am very excited about it. We came very close last time. A lot of bills don’t pass on the first go-around. I am hopeful it will pass this time.”
Car clubs, enthusiasts, and other supporters are encouraged to reach out to their legislators to back the bill.
YouTube @ Jay Leno’s Garage
