State Senator Shannon Grove has introduced Senate Bill 712, also known as Leno’s Law, aimed at exempting classic vehicles from California’s biennial smog check program. The bill, sponsored by car enthusiast and television personality Jay Leno, targets collector motor vehicles that are at least 35 model years old and insured as collector vehicles.
Senator Grove emphasized the cultural and economic significance of classic cars in California. “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,” she stated.
Jay Leno expressed his support for the legislation, highlighting California’s pivotal role in automotive culture. He remarked on the need to update smog check laws that vary across states, noting that classic cars are typically driven only on special occasions.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has endorsed SB 712. Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA, commented on the practicality of the bill for collectors who maintain their vehicles meticulously. “By exempting collector vehicles from smog checks, we can ensure that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations,” he said.
SEMA represents a $52 billion specialty automotive aftermarket industry with significant contributions to California’s economy. The sector supports over 149,000 jobs and generates billions in wages and taxes.
Senator Grove added that with Jay Leno’s backing, they aim to emphasize California’s commitment to its automotive heritage. The bill is set to proceed through legislative discussions soon, with an initial hearing scheduled for April in the Senate Transportation Committee.
