(Image Credit: IMAGN) Portraits of Jay Leno who uses his Apple Watch to monitor his health in 2019. Entertainment Jay Leno
SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Shannon Grove and former “The Tonight Show” host Jay Leno have joined forces to push for legislation that would ease smog check requirements for classic cars. Senate Bill 712, also known as “Leno’s Law,” proposes to exempt classic cars 35 model years or older from biennial smog checks, provided they are insured as collector vehicles.
Grove (R-Bakersfield) and Leno argue that current smog check regulations place undue burdens on classic car enthusiasts and the $52 billion aftermarket industry.
“California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state,” said Sen. Grove. “Senate Bill 712 will update the current law to include all classic cars that are 35 years or older, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without burdensome restrictions that are driving some collectors and industry businesses out of the state.”
Leno, a well-known classic car enthusiast, is a sponsor of the bill. He emphasized the need to update California’s smog check laws, noting the inconsistencies between state regulations.
“California’s rich classic car culture, sparked by the post-war hot rod boom and boosted by Hollywood’s love for chrome and horsepower, has made it a paradise for enthusiasts like me,” said Leno. “California’s smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated – they vary too much from state to state, and California’s rules don’t match up with neighboring ones.”
Currently, only vehicles built before 1976 are exempt from smog checks in California. The proposed bill would extend this exemption to vehicles 35 years or older.
The bill is supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which represents numerous automotive aftermarket businesses.
NBCLA has reached out to the California Air Resources Board for comment.
The bill is scheduled for its first hearing with the Senate Transportation Committee in April and will proceed through the legislative process in the coming months.
