California’s iconic car culture took a hit this week when state lawmakers declined to move forward with a bill that would have eased smog-check requirements for classic cars.
Senate Bill 712, introduced by Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, sought to exempt vehicles built before 1981 from the state’s rigorous emissions inspections. The proposal, which quickly became known as “Leno’s Law” thanks to comedian and collector Jay Leno’s high-profile support, was designed to help owners of historically registered classics avoid the costly and cumbersome testing process.
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The bill cleared the state Senate earlier this year and even passed one Assembly committee, but it met its end in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Chaired by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, the committee placed the bill on its “suspense file,” where dozens of politically sensitive measures are often shelved without detailed explanation.
Leno, who owns nearly 200 collector cars, testified that finding equipment to test older engines is a growing challenge, and when available, costs are far higher than for modern vehicles. “It’s not impossible in an older car, but it’s tricky,” Leno said in Sacramento earlier this year, noting the added expense discourages enthusiasts.
Classic car clubs and automotive associations rallied behind the bill, arguing that collector vehicles are rarely driven and should not be subject to the same requirements as daily commuters. Opponents included environmental organizations and regulatory agencies, which warned that removing exemptions could undermine California’s emissions goals. Analysts also projected additional costs for the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the California Air Resources Board.
Sen. Grove criticized the outcome, saying the legislature missed an opportunity to support enthusiasts who keep California’s car culture alive. For now, owners of pre-1981 classics will remain subject to the same biennial smog test requirements as modern vehicles.
