"Leno's Law" Emissions Bill Is Back, And Might Even Pass This Time

Why It Matters

The exemption could preserve thousands of historic vehicles and lower owners' compliance costs, but its narrow scope means overall air‑quality benefits will be modest.

Key Takeaways

• SB 1392 exempts 35+ year collector cars from smog
• Exemption initially covers models up to 1981, rolling to 1986
• Projected 17,500 exemption applications if bill becomes law
• Only cars used for shows, parades, exhibitions qualify
• Law runs until 2032, aiding historic vehicle preservation

Pulse Analysis

California has long led the United States in vehicle emissions regulation, operating one of the nation’s toughest smog program. While gasoline cars built before 1976 and diesel models pre‑1998 already enjoy testing waivers, enthusiasts of older, historically significant automobiles have pressed for broader relief. The original “Leno’s Law” proposal, named after car‑collector Jay Leno, sought to extend exemptions to classic cars up to 1986 but stalled in the Senate last session. Its revival as SB 1392 reflects both lobbying pressure from collector clubs and the state’s desire to balance heritage preservation with air‑quality goals.

SB 1392 narrows the exemption to vehicles at least 35 years old that are registered, insured and used solely for car shows, parades, charitable events or historical exhibitions. The bill would initially cover models built through 1981, with a rolling provision that adds later‑year classics up to 1986, and remains effective until 2032. State estimates anticipate more than 17,500 applications, a figure that could stimulate a modest uptick in classic‑car sales and insurance activity. However, the law excludes heavily modified project cars, limiting its economic ripple to a niche collector segment.

While the exemption eases compliance costs for a small group of owners, its overall impact on California’s air quality is expected to be negligible, as classic cars represent a tiny fraction of total vehicle miles traveled. The measure does, however, signal the legislature’s willingness to accommodate cultural and economic interests tied to automotive heritage, potentially shaping future policy debates on vintage‑vehicle incentives. Stakeholders will watch the bill’s progress closely, as its passage could set a precedent for other states grappling with the balance between emissions targets and preservation of historic automobiles.