Lawmakers Reject “Leno’s Law”; Classic Cars in California Still Required to Pass Smog Tests
Jay Leno (Courtesy Wikipedia)Sacramento (Times Media Service) — Classic car owners in California will still need smog checks after lawmakers rejected Senate Bill 712, known as “Leno’s Law,” which sought a rolling 35‑year exemption for collector vehicles amid air quality concerns and public health.
- SB 712 failed: The rolling 35‑year collector exemption proposed in Senate Bill 712 did not become law and classic cars newer than 1975 remain subject to smog inspections.
- Current rule: Gasoline and hybrid vehicles model year 1976 and newer must continue periodic smog checks; only vehicles 1975 or older are automatically exempt (California Bureau of Automotive Repair).
- Debate centered on air quality: Lawmakers and environmental groups opposed the bill over public‑health and enforcement concerns despite support from collectors and celebrity backers.
Background: What SB 712 proposed
Senate Bill 712, widely called “Leno’s Law”, sought to reintroduce a rolling exemption so that a vehicle would be exempt from smog checks once it reached 35 years of age and carried collector vehicle insurance. Supporters argued the change would reduce costs for hobbyists and small restoration shops and restore a version of an earlier policy that once exempted older vehicles (a rolling exemption that ended in 2006). Coverage and analysis of the bill’s proposal appeared in industry and enthusiast outlets such as Japanese Nostalgic Car and AutoBody News.
Supporters’ arguments
Who backed it: Enthusiasts, restoration businesses, classic car clubs and celebrity collector Jay Leno publicly supported SB 712. Their core claims included:
- Low mileage, low emissions: Classic cars are often driven rarely for shows or events, so supporters said their aggregate emissions are small compared with daily drivers (supporters’ remarks).
- Cost and technical barriers: Smog testing older vehicles can be expensive and some stations lack the proper equipment or expertise, increasing fees for owners and shops (testimony).
- Tiny share of the fleet: Advocates estimate classic cars represent fewer than 1% of vehicles, arguing limited statewide air‑quality impact (estimates cited).
Opponents’ concerns and air quality arguments
Why critics opposed SB 712: Environmental groups and some lawmakers warned a rolling exemption could undermine California’s aggressive clean‑air goals. Their main concerns included:
- Public health and air quality: Even a small increase in unchecked emissions could compound in already polluted regions and conflict with statewide standards (analysis).
- Perverse incentives: The exemption might encourage owners to keep older, higher‑polluting cars on the road instead of retiring or retrofitting them.
- Enforcement and loopholes: Critics raised questions about policing collector status and insurance requirements, warning that carve‑outs can create regulatory gaps (local reporting).
“Weakening inspections would conflict with California’s push to reduce emissions and protect public health.”
Legislative path and why SB 712 failed
SB 712 received some bipartisan support and passed the Senate Transportation Committee, signaling momentum. However, sustained opposition from environmental groups and lawmakers focused on air‑quality and enforcement concerns prevented the measure from becoming law. The debate highlighted the tension between protecting public health and addressing the economic burdens on hobbyists and small businesses that serve the classic‑car market (KMPH coverage).
Current law and what vehicle owners need to know
Rules today: Under existing California rules, gasoline and hybrid vehicles model year 1976 and newer must pass periodic smog checks to be registered. The only automatic exemption remains for vehicles model year 1975 or older. Owners can find official testing schedules, locations and fee guidance from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Practical effects on owners and businesses
Costs and access: Owners of older classics may continue to face higher testing costs and difficulty finding qualified stations; some independent restoration shops say the gap is a burden and a niche business driver.
Market impact: The classic‑car economy — repair shops, parts suppliers, club events and shows — remains active. While the bill might have eased one regulatory cost, other expenses and labor dominate business concerns (industry reporting).
Collector insurance: Many owners carry collector vehicle insurance that restricts use and mileage; supporters argued such policies inherently limit emissions by reducing driving frequency (background).
Implications for San Diego, California
Local restoration shops and parts sellers in San Diego could feel continued pressure from smog testing requirements. Higher test costs and limited local testing facilities for older vehicles can raise ownership and operating costs for hobbyists and small businesses that serve them.
San Diego car shows, swap meets and club events remain permitted, but sustained testing requirements may affect participation by casual hobbyists or those on tight budgets (event coverage).
Officials prioritizing air quality are likely to welcome the decision, while representatives from enthusiast communities may pursue targeted relief measures that do not weaken statewide emissions protections.
What owners in San Diego can do now
- Know your model year: Vehicles 1975 or older are exempt; otherwise plan for regular smog checks (official guidance).
- Shop around: Some stations specialize in older vehicles — ask local shops and clubs for recommendations and group testing options to lower cost.
- Stay engaged: Work with local legislators on targeted relief such as testing subsidies or certification programs for shops without rolling back statewide emissions protections (recent reporting).
Reporting and sources
This article draws on coverage of SB 712’s status and debate, official state smog‑check requirements, and reporting on the classic car community. Key sources include:
