California Legislature approves Leno's Law, awaiting signature
California Legislature approves Leno's Law, awaiting signature
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s International Historical Commission endorsed Leno’s Law, praising its balance between preserving automotive heritage and environmental goals.
2
California’s automotive sector is sizable, with more than 1,500 SEMA member businesses and about 150,000 jobs, generating over $40 billion in revenue and roughly $6 billion in tax revenue.
3
The measure cleared both chambers with broad bipartisan margins, passing Assembly 49-4 and Senate 30-4, before being sent to Governor Newsom.
4
The exemption targets genuine collector vehicles used for exhibitions, parades, car shows and charitable events rather than all older cars.
5
Environmental groups warn that relaxing emissions rules could erode air pollution protections and negatively impact public health.
California's legislature has approved 'Leno's Law,' a bipartisan bill that would exempt certain classic cars from smog-check requirements, sending the measure to Governor Newsom's desk for signature. iHeart Radio reported that Senate Bill 1392 passed with overwhelming support in both chambers — the Assembly voted 49-4 and the Senate 30-4. The law, backed by car collector Jay Leno and the automotive aftermarket industry, would gradually phase in exemptions starting in 2028 for vehicles built before 1981.
To qualify for the exemption, owners must carry collector-car insurance or prove their vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The law targets genuine collector vehicles used for exhibitions, parades, and car shows rather than daily drivers. If Newsom signs, California would see a staged relaxation of emissions testing for thousands of late-1970s and early-1980s classics — a move that has drawn both passionate support from collectors and warnings from environmental groups.
How the Exemption Will Roll Out in Stages
The law takes a cautious approach, phasing in protections over five years. Starting in 2028, classic cars built before 1981 would qualify for smog-check exemptions. By 2033, the exemption expands to include vehicles built before 1986. This staged rollout gives state air-quality regulators time to monitor impacts while letting collectors breathe easier about maintaining their vintage machines.
Industry Groups and International Bodies Line Up Support
The automotive industry has rallied behind Leno's Law. California's automotive sector employs roughly 150,000 people across more than 1,500 SEMA member businesses, generating over $40 billion in annual revenue and about $6 billion in tax revenue. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile's International Historical Commission endorsed the law, praising its balance between preserving automotive heritage and protecting the environment.
Environmental Advocates Worry About Air Quality Erosion
Not everyone celebrates the measure. Environmental groups warn that relaxing emissions rules could erode pollution protections and harm public health. They worry that exempting thousands of older vehicles — even if driven infrequently — adds pollutants to California's air. The debate reflects a broader tension: heritage preservation versus the state's aggressive clean-air goals.
What Happens If Newsom Signs the Bill
If Governor Newsom approves Leno's Law, California will become friendlier to classic-car collectors overnight. Thousands of owners will save money and hassle by skipping annual smog checks. Automotive shops specializing in vintage restoration could see increased business from collectors more comfortable owning pre-1986 models. The move also signals California is willing to bend on emissions rules when heritage and economics align.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
12
Articles
82
Reach
94
A
AnonymousAuthor
