‘Leno’s Law’ for classic cars advances in California senate

California’s Classic Car Debate: What “Leno’s Law” Is All About

A proposed California bill, nicknamed “Leno’s Law”, is gaining traction, promising to ease emissions regulations for vintage vehicles. Backed by comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno, the bill would allow cars 35 years or older to skip smog testing. 

Supporters say it honors automotive history, while critics raise environmental red flags. The law is stirring passionate opinions across the state and beyond.

Why the Law Is Named After Jay Leno

Jay Leno, former “Tonight Show” host and legendary gearhead, has become the public face of SB-712. Though he’s not the bill’s author, his support brought mainstream attention. 

Leno argues that collector cars are rarely driven and shouldn’t be held to the same emissions standards as daily vehicles. His influence helped the proposal earn the nickname “Leno’s Law.”

The Technical Goal: Expand Smog Exemptions to 35-Year-Old Cars

At the heart of SB-712 is a simple change: shift California’s static 1975 smog exemption cutoff to a rolling 35-year threshold. That means in 2025, cars from 1990 or earlier would qualify. 

Each year, newer classics are added. Owners wouldn’t have to pay for biennial emissions tests, saving money and time, especially for those who only drive their classics occasionally.

Bill Origins: Sponsored by Sen. Shannon Grove

The bill was introduced by Republican State Senator Shannon Grove from Bakersfield. Grove represents a large number of constituents who own and restore older cars. 

Her pitch is simple: the state should support hobbyists and car culture, not penalize them. With support from enthusiasts and aftermarket businesses, Grove positioned the bill as both pro-consumer and pro-small business.

What the Current Law Says and Why It’s Outdated

As it stands, only vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier are exempt from smog checks in California. That cutoff hasn’t moved since 2005. Critics say the rule unfairly excludes newer vintage cars that are often better maintained and less polluting than people assume. 

SB-712 would modernize the exemption timeline and bring California more in line with other states’ rolling classic car policies.

What Changed Since the Bill Was First Introduced

The bill initially required vehicles to be insured as “collector cars” to qualify for the exemption. However, that condition was removed after pushback from insurance and car advocacy groups. 

The exemption would apply to vehicles 35 years or older that are insured as collector vehicles. This change made the bill more accessible to everyday enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Who Benefits Most from “Leno’s Law”

California residents who own older, well-maintained vehicles would benefit most from the new law. Many owners use their classic cars only on weekends or at car shows.

They’ll save hundreds of dollars annually without the need for smog checks or related fees. Small auto businesses specializing in classic car parts and restoration also benefit from increased interest and demand.

Where the Bill Stands Now in the Legislative Process

After passing the California Senate in early June 2025, SB-712 is now under review by the Assembly Transportation Committee. It’ll move to the Assembly for a vote if it passes there. 

Should the Assembly approve it, the final step is a signature, or veto, from Governor Gavin Newsom. Supporters are optimistic, given the bill’s bipartisan backing.

What Governor Newsom Might Do

While Governor Newsom hasn’t officially commented on SB-712, insiders say he’s weighing its environmental trade-offs against its cultural value. His administration has historically supported aggressive emissions rules, but with bipartisan support and public popularity for the bill, a veto might not be politically advantageous. 

Newsom could request modifications, or he may let the law pass as a gesture to car-loving Californians.

SEMA’s Backing: The Business Angle

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), representing thousands of aftermarket automotive businesses, has thrown its weight behind “Leno’s Law.” 

SEMA argues that the bill would boost interest in restoring and maintaining older vehicles, supporting thousands of Californian jobs. They say emissions testing for low-mileage collector vehicles wastes public resources and burdens a struggling sector.

Environmental Pushback: Not Everyone’s on Board

Not all Californians are thrilled about SB-712. The American Lung Association and local air quality districts warn that older cars emit far more pollutants, even when driven sparingly. 

A 1980s car, for example, might release as much nitrogen oxide in 3,000 miles as a modern vehicle does in 300,000 miles. Environmental groups fear this bill could undermine decades of clean air progress.

How Big Is the Impact on Air Quality?

According to experts, classic cars make up a tiny fraction of vehicles on the road. However, their emissions are disproportionately high. 

While “Leno’s Law” might affect a relatively small number of vehicles, the cumulative impact could still be measurable, especially in densely populated or smog-prone areas. Supporters argue that the effect is negligible, but the science is still being debated.

How Other States Handle Classic Car Emissions

Most U.S. states already use rolling smog exemptions for vintage cars, typically 25 to 35 years old. California remains one of the strictest, with a hard cutoff at 1975. 

Proponents of SB-712 argue that California is simply catching up to the norm. They point out that no other state punishes low-mileage classic cars as harshly when it comes to emissions.

Car Culture vs. Climate Goals: The Broader Tension

“Leno’s Law” spotlights a growing clash in California: preserving automotive heritage versus pushing aggressive climate action. Supporters say there’s room for both, while critics worry this bill could set a precedent for rolling back environmental standards. 

It raises a key question for the state: Can California support sustainability without marginalizing cultural traditions like car restoration?

What Car Enthusiasts Are Saying Online

Online forums and social media pages are buzzing with support for SB-712. Many classic car owners see the bill as a long-overdue correction to an outdated law. 

Enthusiasts argue their cars are part of history, not daily commuters, and should be treated accordingly. Some skeptics exist, but the community consensus is clear: “Leno’s Law” could be a win for vintage car lovers.

Want to see more cars that shaped the golden age of American driving? Don’t miss these Timeless American Cars.

Timeline to Watch in 2025

The Assembly Transportation Committee is expected to vote on SB-712 this summer. If it passes, it could head to the Assembly floor by fall. 

Assuming approval there, Governor Newsom will have until October to sign it into law. If he does, “Leno’s Law” would take effect in 2026, marking a significant shift in how California treats its automotive past.

Curious what other Chevys from the ’50s still turn heads today? Check out these timeless classics.

Love classic cars as much as we do? Drop a like and tell us your favorite model in the comments.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.