A new bill moving through the California Legislature could exempt vintage vehicles from traditional smog check requirements, a shift that supporters say would benefit small businesses and protect car culture.
Senate Bill 712 -- dubbed "Leno's Law" after comedian and classic car enthusiast Jay Leno – recently passed the Senate Transportation Committee with bipartisan support. The bill, authored by Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield), would exempt vehicles that are 35 model years or older from emissions testing requirements.
“These classic cars aren’t just hobby vehicles -- they represent generations of craftsmanship, culture and community pride,” Grove said in the release. “With this bill, we’re protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts, and preserving a vital piece of California’s heritage.”
Leno, who is sponsoring the bill, said collector cars are typically driven infrequently and thus should be treated differently under state emissions regulations.
“These vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and it just makes sense to treat them differently,” said Leno. “SB 712 is about keeping that story alive.”
The bill has received notable support from the local classic car community and restoration businesses. Tanya Inglis, co-owner of Inglis Classics in Hesperia, called SB 712 “a step in the right direction” for automotive restorers, but said more must be done to ease parts restrictions that still hinder repairs.
“If we no longer have the smog issue, we would still be faced with the challenge of getting parts, like the exhaust headers needed for them,” Inglis said, citing state-imposed limitations on chemicals, exhaust systems and performance parts.
California’s specialty automotive aftermarket industry generates $40 billion in economic output and supports more than 149,000 jobs, according to SEMA.
Local vintage car owners also voiced their support. Eddie Gutierrez, president of Whosoevers Car Club in Apple Valley, said his 1984 Buick Regal remains subject to costly smog checks every two years, adding, “Leno’s Law would be a good thing.”
Sylvia Romo, president of the High Desert Chapter of Rockabilly Mafia Dolls, said the exemption would help preserve vehicles that are “rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road.”
The bill now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
