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California lawmakers have passed 'Leno's Law,' a bipartisan bill aimed at easing emissions regulations for classic car owners. The legislation, officially known as Senate Bill 1392, received overwhelming support with a 49-4 vote and now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
'Leno's Law' seeks to exempt certain vehicles made before the 1981 model year from the state's stringent smog check requirements. Currently, only cars manufactured before 1976 are exempt. The bill, backed by comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno, aims to protect the cultural significance of classic cars while addressing environmental concerns.
The bill's authors, Sen. Dave Cortese and Sen. Shannon Grove, successfully united a diverse coalition of supporters, including Democrats, Republicans, local car clubs, and the lowrider community. The legislation requires that exempted vehicles carry specialized collector-car insurance or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles annually to prevent misuse.
According to Hemmings, the bill's passage marks the most significant progress in California's classic car laws in over two decades. If signed, it could increase the market value and desirability of late-1970s and early-1980s cars in California.
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola expressed gratitude for the bill's passage, stating, "This bipartisan victory is a product of California’s automotive community uniting to remind the state’s lawmakers of the cultural significance of our cars and trucks."
Governor Newsom's decision will determine the future of California's classic car culture.