Legislative Progress for Historic Vehicles

California’s automotive landscape may be on the verge of a significant shift for vintage vehicle owners. A bipartisan proposal, California Senate Bill 712—frequently referred to as “Leno’s Law”—has successfully cleared the state legislature. This bill represents a major victory for classic car advocates, including television personality Jay Leno, who has long campaigned against the state's stringent biennial smog inspection requirements for older collector vehicles.

Currently, most gasoline and alternative-fuel vehicles manufactured since 1976, as well as diesel models dating back to 1998, are subjected to mandatory smog testing during registration renewal. This policy encompasses everything from standard passenger cars to recreational vehicles and high-value collectibles.

The Proposed Exemptions

Under the terms of the new bill, vehicles manufactured prior to the 1981 model year would be permanently exempt from smog checks, provided they meet specific criteria:

  • The vehicle must be registered as a historical vehicle with specialized license plates.
  • The owner must maintain collector car insurance.
  • Alternatively, the owner must document that the vehicle is driven for fewer than 1,000 miles per calendar year.

Leno contends that because these collector cars are rarely on the road—typically reserved for weekend events and car shows—they do not necessitate the same rigorous oversight as daily drivers.

Implementation and Future Outlook

If enacted, the bill is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. It includes a rolling update mechanism through 2032, gradually extending the exemption to include vehicles built before 1982, 1983, and so on, until the cutoff reaches models built before 1986. For the law to become official, Governor Gavin Newsom is required to sign the legislation by September 30, 2026.

Environmental Concerns and Opposition

Despite the bill's momentum, it faces stiff opposition from environmental organizations. Critics argue that the legislation contradicts the state's climate objectives and could lead to increased air pollution and public health complications.

«Older vehicles can produce up to 20 times more pollution than modern cars,» stated Professor Michael Kleeman, a researcher specializing in urban and regional air quality.

Additional criticism comes from organizations such as the Coalition for Clean Air. Policy director Bill Magavern expressed concerns regarding social equity, noting that the environmental impact of relaxed emissions standards could disproportionately affect lower-income communities.

Broader Context: Classic Car Regulations

California is not the only state re-evaluating its approach to historic vehicles. Similar legislative discussions are taking place across the country. In March 2026, Minnesota introduced House Bill HF 3865, which proposes restricting the operation of collector and classic vehicles exclusively to weekends. This measure would effectively prohibit the use of such vehicles during weekdays and evenings, limiting them to parades and club-sanctioned events.