More cruising ahead for classic cars thanks to Jay Leno's new smog check law
California has passed Senate Bill 1392, granting smog‑check exemptions to classic cars from 1976 to 1985 that are not used as daily transportation. The law, championed by Jay Leno and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, eases the burden on collectors and supports lowrider culture. The exemption will roll…
California’s long‑standing smog‑check requirement has long been a stumbling block for owners of classic cars. Vehicles built before 1975 already enjoy a blanket exemption, but those from the late 1970s and 1980s—think Impalas, Monte Caros and Trans Ams—have struggled to meet modern emissions standards. The new legislation, known as Senate Bill 1392 or “Jay Leno’s Law,” changes that landscape by granting a phased‑in exemption for cars from 1976 through 1985 that are not used as primary transportation.
What the Law Covers
Under the bill, owners of qualifying collector vehicles can avoid the biennial smog check that currently applies to all cars over 25 years old. The exemption will take effect on January 1, 2028, and will extend one model year each year until 2033, when the full range of 1976‑1985 cars will be covered. To qualify, owners must demonstrate that the vehicle is not used for everyday commuting. This can be shown by holding collector‑car insurance or by proving that the car travels fewer than 1,000 miles annually. The exemption is intended for vehicles used primarily at shows, parades, charitable events, or historical exhibitions.
Why It Matters to Classic Car Enthusiasts
Maintaining a vintage car is a labor of love, and the requirement to pass a smog test can be a logistical nightmare. Not all service stations are equipped to test old engines, and even when a test is possible, many classic cars struggle to meet current emissions standards due to deteriorated components and scarce replacement parts. By removing the smog‑check hurdle, Jay Leno’s Law allows collectors to keep their cars on the road for special occasions without risking fines or legal trouble.
Jay Leno, the famed comedian and automobile aficionado who owns more than 150 vehicles, has long advocated for relaxed regulations on collector cars. He testified at rallies and lobbied legislators, arguing that these vehicles are rarely driven and that the environmental impact of a handful of cars is negligible compared to the broader fleet. His persistence paid off when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law during a visit to Leno’s Burbank garage.
Impact on Lowrider Culture
The law is a boon for California’s lowrider community—a vibrant Chicano tradition that features heavily modified classic cars with lowered suspensions. Lowriders have historically faced fines, restrictions, and cruising bans, despite their cultural significance. The exemption means that lowriders can attend parades and celebrations without the fear of violating smog regulations. The same day the bill was signed, Newsom also approved Assembly Bill 2541, creating a special license plate to honor lowrider heritage, further acknowledging the cultural importance of these vehicles.
Opposition and Compromise
Environmental groups and public‑health advocates have expressed concerns that the exemption could increase emissions, particularly nitrogen dioxide, which is harmful to respiratory health. Critics argue that any relaxation of smog checks undermines California’s air‑quality goals. However, proponents point out that the exemption applies to a very small segment of the state’s vehicle population—less than 1% of registered cars fall within the 1976‑1985 model‑year window. The limited scope, combined with mileage restrictions, mitigates the potential environmental impact.
Senator Dave Cortese, a co‑author of the bill, emphasized that the exemption is “carefully limited” and that it protects both clean air and California’s automotive heritage. The bill also received bipartisan support, with Republican Sen. Shannon Grove joining as a co‑author and praising the collective effort of car enthusiasts, mechanics, and families who have passed these vehicles down through generations.
What Happens Next
From 2028 onward, owners of qualifying collector cars will need to keep records of mileage or maintain collector insurance to prove eligibility. The law will roll out incrementally, adding a new model year each year until 2033. For now, collectors can begin preparing by gathering documentation and ensuring their vehicles are maintained in a way that preserves their historical value. The legislation also encourages the lowrider community to continue celebrating their heritage through sanctioned events and cultural exhibitions, knowing they can do so without legal obstacles.
As California moves forward, the balance between preserving automotive history and protecting public health remains a dynamic conversation. Jay Leno’s Law represents a compromise that acknowledges the cultural significance of classic cars while maintaining a focus on environmental responsibility.
Why it matters
The law eases legal burdens for classic‑car owners and supports California’s rich lowrider heritage, allowing enthusiasts to showcase historic vehicles without risking smog‑check fines.
Key points
- Senate Bill 1392 grants smog‑check exemptions to 1976‑1985 collector cars
- Exemption applies to vehicles used sparingly, with <1,000 miles/year or collector insurance
- Rollout begins Jan. 1, 2028, adding a model year annually until 2033
- Lowrider community benefits from reduced regulatory pressure
- Opposition cites potential emissions increase, but impact is limited to <1% of vehicles
Frequently asked questions
What vehicles qualify for the smog‑check exemption?
Cars manufactured between 1976 and 1985 that are not used as primary transportation and meet mileage or insurance requirements.
How do I prove my car meets the eligibility criteria?
Provide collector‑car insurance or documentation showing the vehicle travels fewer than 1,000 miles per year.
Will the exemption apply to all classic cars?
No, only to cars built from 1976 to 1985; earlier models already have a blanket exemption.
What is the impact on lowrider culture?
Lowriders can participate in shows and parades without fear of smog‑check violations, supporting cultural expression.
