Leno’s Law Bill That Removes Smog Check Requirements For Classic Cars Passes Senate

A bill that would remove all smog check requirements for cars that are 35 years or older was passed by the Senate this week following several amendments being tacked onto the bill.

Senate Bill 712, authored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), would specifically exempt a collector motor vehicle from the smog check requirement if the vehicle is at least 35 model years old. However, concern over the environmental impact of SB 712, also known as “Leno’s Law“, brought forth several amendments to the bill. These included mandating classic car insurance instead of just insuring the vehicle as a collector motor vehicle and requiring historical license plates.

In addition to Grove’s backing, SB 712 received celebrity support from former talk show host and classic car enthusiast Jay Leno, giving the bill more clout. Both are pushing for the bill because current smog check requirements hinder classic car owners, and the strict regulations force many owners to look outside of California to more classic car friendly states. Currently there is only a partial smog check ban in place for cars made before 1976, which limits how much Californians can drive some cars. According to the bill, there is a severe shortage of smog test equipment that can test older vehicles as well, with owners of cars built before year 2000 struggling to find appropriate shops. In addition, the aftermarket parts industry has struggled in California in recent years, with much of their business going toward making and supplying parts for older cars.

Wanting to curb this and stop classic car owners from leaving the state, keep California’s reputation as a classic car state, and help keep the huge aftermarket parts industry worth billions, Grove brought SB 712 to the Senate earlier this year. While the bill sailed through Committees with minimal opposition, the big Senate floor vote proved to be an issue, with many Senators coming forward raising concerns about the bill. However, after the amendments were put into place, opposition dropped and SB 712 ultimately passed on Wednesday during a floor vote 32-3 with 5 not voting.

Leno’s Law Passes Senate

While Senator Grove praised the passage of the bill on Thursday, she also lamented the added amendments stressing that they were needed for the bill to move forward.

“I’m thrilled to see Leno’s Law clear the Senate Floor, marking a significant step for car enthusiasts across California,” said Senator Grove. “Leno’s Law would give collectors the option to have a smog check exemption and that is a win for many enthusiasts!”

“Unfortunately, there were duplicative requirements added by the last committee, such as mandating classic car insurance and historical license plates. These provisions could create barriers for collectors, including the need to own a locked garage in order to qualify for the smog check exemption. I will continue to amplify the voices of collectors who simply want to enjoy restoring and driving their vehicles on special occasions, ensuring it’s a reasonable process to preserve California’s iconic automotive heritage.”

“California helped invent car culture, from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell our story,” stressed Leno last month during Committee passage. “SB 712 is about keeping that story alive. These vehicles are only driven occasionally, not daily, and it makes sense to treat them differently. I’m proud to work with Senator Grove for supporting our automotive legacy.”

The bill is now set to move on to the Assembly Transportation Committee. With the new amendments in place, opposition is expected to be minimal, with only Governor Gavin Newsom’s ultimate decision being an unknown thanks to him being a primary supporter of California environmental laws and supporting the phase out of gas-powered vehicles.