Jay Leno Pushes for Classic Car Smog Exemptions in California
- Eva Longoria, Jay Leno and jessica Alba were all seen volunteering to help with wildfire recovery.
- A california lawmaker and Jay Leno are collaborating to broaden smog check exemptions for classic cars.
- State Sen.Shannon Grove, representing Bakersfield, introduced Senate Bill 712, also known as "Leno's Law," earlier in March 2025.This bill, championed by Leno, seeks to eliminate "unneeded and burdensome...
California Considers Smog Check Exemptions for Classic Cars
Table of Contents
- California Considers Smog Check Exemptions for Classic Cars
- What would Senate Bill 712 do?
- Jay Leno: ‘Love for chrome and horsepower’
- Supporting the
California Smog check Exemptions for Classic Cars: Answering Your QuestionsCalifornia is considering changes to its smog check requirements for classic cars, possibly easing regulations for vintage vehicle owners. State Senator Shannon Grove and car enthusiast Jay Leno are collaborating on this initiative. HereS what you need to know.
What is California Senate Bill 712 (Leno’s Law)?
- Why is California Considering Changes to Smog Check Exemptions for Classic cars?
- What are the Potential Benefits of SB 712 for Classic Car Owners?
- What are the Current Smog Check Exemption Rules in California?
- How Would SB 712 Change the Existing Smog Check exemption Rules?
- When was Senate Bill 712 Introduced?
- What Does Jay Leno Think about the Proposed Changes?
- where Does Jay Leno Keep His Car Collection?
- What are the Arguments in Favor of SB 712?
- Key Takeaways
Celebrities help Southern Californians recover from wildfires
Eva Longoria, Jay Leno and jessica Alba were all seen volunteering to help with wildfire recovery.
A california lawmaker and Jay Leno are collaborating to broaden smog check exemptions for classic cars. This initiative aims to ease regulations on these vintage vehicles.
State Sen.Shannon Grove, representing Bakersfield, introduced Senate Bill 712, also known as “Leno’s Law,” earlier in March 2025.This bill, championed by Leno, seeks to eliminate “unneeded and burdensome smog check requirements for classic vehicles, ensuring they remain a celebrated part of California’s culture and economy,” according to a statement from grove’s office.
Grove emphasized the importance of classic cars to California’s heritage: “California has a rich automotive heritage, with some of the first classic cars rolling off assembly lines right here in our state.These rolling pieces of history are more than just vehicles—they have strong cultural ties in our communities and supply thousands of jobs in the aftermarket parts industry.”
What would Senate Bill 712 do?
SB 712 aims to broaden California’s existing smog check exemptions to include a wider range of classic cars, potentially impacting the market for classic cars for sale in the state.
The proposed legislation seeks to extend this exemption to all vehicles 35 years or older, provided they are insured as collector motor vehicles. This could substantially affect owners of vintage cars.
Jay Leno: ‘Love for chrome and horsepower’
Leno, a dedicated car collector with a collection of over 180 cars and 160 motorcycles at Burbank Airport, believes these changes are logical and beneficial for the classic car community.
“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,” Leno stated. “From the start, California has been a driving force in shaping car culture, with deep ties to classic cars and a global reputation as a hub for these timeless machines.”
Leno also pointed out that California’s regulations on classic cars have not kept pace with other states.
He explained, “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. Our classic cars are only driven for special occasions, weekend drives and car shows. I am excited to work with senator Grove on SB 712 to make it simpler for us to preserve these pieces of history.”
Supporting the
California Smog check Exemptions for Classic Cars: Answering Your Questions
California is considering changes to its smog check requirements for classic cars, possibly easing regulations for vintage vehicle owners. State Senator Shannon Grove and car enthusiast Jay Leno are collaborating on this initiative. HereS what you need to know.
What is California Senate Bill 712 (Leno’s Law)?
Senate Bill 712,also known as “Leno’s Law,” is a proposed bill in California that aims to broaden smog check exemptions for classic cars. Championed by State Senator Shannon Grove and Jay Leno, it seeks to eliminate what they consider ”unneeded and burdensome” smog check requirements for these vehicles.
Why is California Considering Changes to Smog Check Exemptions for Classic cars?
the initiative is driven by the belief that current regulations are too restrictive and fail to recognize the limited use and cultural importance of classic cars. Proponents argue that these vehicles contribute to california’s automotive heritage and support jobs in the aftermarket parts industry.
What are the Potential Benefits of SB 712 for Classic Car Owners?
- reduced Burden: Eliminates the need for frequent smog checks for eligible classic cars.
- Preservation of Heritage: Allows enthusiasts to maintain and enjoy their vehicles without excessive regulatory hurdles.
- Economic Impact: Keeps classic car collectors and related businesses in california, supporting the local economy.
What are the Current Smog Check Exemption Rules in California?
Currently, California exempts vehicles manufactured before 1976 from biennial smog checks. Additionally, cars at least 35 years old can be exempted if insured as collector motor vehicles, compliant with their original emissions standards, and pass inspections for fuel cap functionality and liquid fuel leaks.
How Would SB 712 Change the Existing Smog Check exemption Rules?
SB 712 proposes extending the smog check exemption to all vehicles 35 years or older, provided they are insured as collector motor vehicles. This would simplify the process and broaden eligibility for classic car owners.
When was Senate Bill 712 Introduced?
State Senator Shannon Grove introduced Senate Bill 712 in March 2025.
What Does Jay Leno Think about the Proposed Changes?
Jay Leno, a well-known car collector, supports the proposed changes. He believes that California’s regulations on classic cars haven’t kept pace with other states and that the updated rules would be more logical and beneficial for the classic car community.
where Does Jay Leno Keep His Car Collection?
Jay Leno keeps his extensive collection of over 180 cars and 160 motorcycles at Burbank Airport.
What are the Arguments in Favor of SB 712?
- Cultural Significance: Classic cars are a vital part of California’s automotive heritage.
- Limited Usage: these vehicles are typically driven for special occasions, weekend drives, and car shows, resulting in minimal emissions.
- Economic Benefits: The classic car industry supports numerous jobs and businesses in the state.
- Consistency: The bill aims to align California’s regulations with those of neighboring states.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a summary of the key points regarding California’s potential smog check exemptions for classic cars:
aspect
Current Rule
Proposed Rule (SB 712)
Vehicle Age for Exemption
Manufactured before 1976,or 35+ years with specific conditions
35 years or older
Requirements
Vary based on age,including collector vehicle insurance,emissions compliance,and inspections
Must be insured as a collector motor vehicle
Impact
Limited exemption based on specific criteria
broader exemption for vehicles 35 years or older
This bill,if passed,could significantly impact the way classic cars are regulated in California,making it easier for enthusiasts to preserve and enjoy these pieces of automotive history.
California Smog check Exemptions for Classic Cars: Answering Your Questions
California is considering changes to its smog check requirements for classic cars, possibly easing regulations for vintage vehicle owners. State Senator Shannon Grove and car enthusiast Jay Leno are collaborating on this initiative. HereS what you need to know.
What is California Senate Bill 712 (Leno’s Law)?
Senate Bill 712,also known as “Leno’s Law,” is a proposed bill in California that aims to broaden smog check exemptions for classic cars. Championed by State Senator Shannon Grove and Jay Leno, it seeks to eliminate what they consider ”unneeded and burdensome” smog check requirements for these vehicles.
Why is California Considering Changes to Smog Check Exemptions for Classic cars?
the initiative is driven by the belief that current regulations are too restrictive and fail to recognize the limited use and cultural importance of classic cars. Proponents argue that these vehicles contribute to california’s automotive heritage and support jobs in the aftermarket parts industry.
What are the Potential Benefits of SB 712 for Classic Car Owners?
- reduced Burden: Eliminates the need for frequent smog checks for eligible classic cars.
- Preservation of Heritage: Allows enthusiasts to maintain and enjoy their vehicles without excessive regulatory hurdles.
- Economic Impact: Keeps classic car collectors and related businesses in california, supporting the local economy.
What are the Current Smog Check Exemption Rules in California?
Currently, California exempts vehicles manufactured before 1976 from biennial smog checks. Additionally, cars at least 35 years old can be exempted if insured as collector motor vehicles, compliant with their original emissions standards, and pass inspections for fuel cap functionality and liquid fuel leaks.
How Would SB 712 Change the Existing Smog Check exemption Rules?
SB 712 proposes extending the smog check exemption to all vehicles 35 years or older, provided they are insured as collector motor vehicles. This would simplify the process and broaden eligibility for classic car owners.
When was Senate Bill 712 Introduced?
State Senator Shannon Grove introduced Senate Bill 712 in March 2025.
What Does Jay Leno Think about the Proposed Changes?
Jay Leno, a well-known car collector, supports the proposed changes. He believes that California’s regulations on classic cars haven’t kept pace with other states and that the updated rules would be more logical and beneficial for the classic car community.
where Does Jay Leno Keep His Car Collection?
Jay Leno keeps his extensive collection of over 180 cars and 160 motorcycles at Burbank Airport.
What are the Arguments in Favor of SB 712?
- Cultural Significance: Classic cars are a vital part of California’s automotive heritage.
- Limited Usage: these vehicles are typically driven for special occasions, weekend drives, and car shows, resulting in minimal emissions.
- Economic Benefits: The classic car industry supports numerous jobs and businesses in the state.
- Consistency: The bill aims to align California’s regulations with those of neighboring states.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a summary of the key points regarding California’s potential smog check exemptions for classic cars:
| aspect | Current Rule | Proposed Rule (SB 712) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Age for Exemption | Manufactured before 1976,or 35+ years with specific conditions | 35 years or older |
| Requirements | Vary based on age,including collector vehicle insurance,emissions compliance,and inspections | Must be insured as a collector motor vehicle |
| Impact | Limited exemption based on specific criteria | broader exemption for vehicles 35 years or older |
This bill,if passed,could significantly impact the way classic cars are regulated in California,making it easier for enthusiasts to preserve and enjoy these pieces of automotive history.