Senate Bill 712, also known as Leno’s Law, has successfully passed the Senate Transportation Committee with bipartisan approval, Senator Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) announced today. The bill aims to exempt classic vehicles—those 35 years or older—from smog check requirements, preserving California’s automotive history and culture on its roads.
“I’m thrilled to see SB 712 advance with the support of my colleagues,” said Senator Grove. “These classic cars aren’t just hobby vehicles—they represent generations of craftsmanship, culture, and community pride.”
Comedian and automotive collector Jay Leno, an advocate for revising smog regulations for collector vehicles, sponsors the bill. He emphasized the importance of maintaining California’s car culture, saying, “California helped invent car culture—from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell the story. SB 712 is about keeping that story alive.”
Senator Dave Cortese (D–San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and co-author of the bill, also expressed strong support. “These cars are rarely on the road, meticulously maintained, and represent a very small fraction of California’s total vehicle emissions. I fully support ‘Leno’s Law,’” he stated.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) indicates California’s specialty automotive aftermarket industry significantly contributes to the state’s economy, supporting over 149,000 jobs and paying over $6.16 billion in taxes.
Senator Grove concluded with optimism, stating, “This bill ensures California remains a welcoming home for car culture—whether you’re restoring a ‘76 Trans Am, cruising in a lowrider, or just visiting your local classic car show.”
SB 712 will proceed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further evaluation.
