Jay Leno's Backing Another Bill To Exempt Classic Cars From Smog Checks

Why It Matters

The exemption reduces financial and logistical burdens for classic‑car owners and could set a regulatory precedent that other states may follow, influencing the balance between heritage preservation and emission controls.

Key Takeaways

• SB 1392 targets cars 1986 or older for exemption.
• Exemption applies only if vehicle isn’t primary transportation.
• Jay Leno publicly supports the revised bill.
• Potential California precedent could inspire similar laws elsewhere.
• Specialty smog tests can exceed $200, burden owners.

Pulse Analysis

California has long led the United States in vehicle emissions enforcement, requiring biennial smog inspections for virtually every gasoline‑powered car. While the program cuts tailpipe pollutants, owners of pre‑1986 automobiles often face logistical hurdles: few testing stations accept vintage models, wait times can stretch months, and specialty inspections routinely cost more than $200. For collectors, these expenses add up and can deter preservation efforts, especially when the vehicles are driven only occasionally for shows or exhibitions. The tension between environmental goals and historic‑vehicle stewardship has therefore become a recurring policy debate.

Senate Bill 1392, introduced by Senators Shannon Grove and Dave Cortese, revises the earlier SB 712 proposal by extending the exemption window to model years 1986 and older and by explicitly barring primary‑use operation. The bill requires owners to register the vehicle as a collector car and to limit its use to shows, parades, charitable events, or preservation activities. Celebrity collector Jay Leno has championed the measure, citing eight‑month smog‑test backlogs and specialty fees exceeding $200 as unreasonable burdens. If enacted on Jan. 1 2027, the law would relieve owners of routine testing while preserving California’s emissions agenda for newer fleets.

The bill’s progress could reshape how other states treat historic vehicles, given California’s reputation as a regulatory bellwether. Auto‑industry groups such as SEMA have signaled openness to a compromise that balances preservation with climate targets, while environmental advocates warn that any exemption must be tightly scoped to avoid loopholes. Economically, reduced testing costs may encourage more collectors to maintain and display classic cars, potentially boosting ancillary markets like restoration services and specialty insurance. Ultimately, SB 1392 tests whether targeted relief can coexist with broader state‑wide emissions objectives.