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April 15, 2025 – California’s legislature has approved ‘Leno’s Law’ (Senate Bill 1392) in a decisive 49-4 vote, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to classic car emissions. The bipartisan bill, championed by comedian and collector Jay Leno, now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for final approval.
If signed, the law would extend the existing smog-check exemption from pre-1976 vehicles to include all cars manufactured before the 1981 model year. Proponents argue the change protects automotive heritage without undermining California’s environmental goals, as exempted vehicles must either carry specialized collector-car insurance or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles annually.
Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove, the bill’s co-authors, assembled a rare coalition of Democrats, Republicans, car clubs, and lowrider enthusiasts. “This legislation is about preserving history while respecting the road,” Cortese said in a statement. “Classic cars are not daily drivers—they are rolling art.”
The passage represents the most significant reform to California’s classic car regulations in over two decades, according to automotive publication Hemmings. Industry analysts predict that a signature from Newsom could immediately increase the market value and desirability of late-1970s and early-1980s models in the state.
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola praised the vote, calling it “a bipartisan victory born from California’s automotive community uniting to remind lawmakers of the cultural significance of our cars and trucks.” His organization, which represents specialty equipment manufacturers, had lobbied heavily for the bill.
Exclusive added context: While the primary focus is on pre-1981 vehicles, insiders say the bill’s framework could serve as a template for future expansions. “We’re already hearing from owners of 1982–1985 models who want inclusion,” said a source close to the bill’s drafting. “This is a first step, not the last.”
Environmental groups, however, remain cautious. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has not taken an official position, but some analysts note that the low-mileage and specialized insurance requirements effectively limit the environmental impact. “These cars are hobbyist vehicles, not commuters,” said Dr. Elena Torres, a transportation policy researcher at UC Davis. “The actual emissions at stake are negligible compared to the state’s overall fleet.”
Supporters are now focused on Newsom’s signature. The governor has until May 1 to act on the bill. His office declined to comment, but political observers note that Newsom has historically supported both environmental protection and cultural preservation. “He’s a car guy himself,” said a lobbyist familiar with the administration. “But he also has to balance the climate agenda.”
If signed, the law would take effect on January 1, 2026. Classic car enthusiasts across the state are already planning celebratory rallies, and dealerships report a surge in inquiries for late-1970s and early-1980s models. “We’ve seen a 30% increase in calls about 1979 Mustangs and 1980 Corvettes this week alone,” said a Los Angeles classic car dealer.
The bill’s passage underscores a broader national trend: as states tighten emissions rules, they are also carving out exemptions for historically significant vehicles. Similar laws exist in Texas, Florida, and Arizona, but California’s influence means ‘Leno’s Law’ could set a precedent for other states considering updates to their own classic car regulations.
For now, all eyes are on Governor Newsom. The decision will determine whether California’s automotive culture enters a new era—or stays stuck in the 1970s.
