Senator Shannon Grove is revved up to announce that Senate Bill 712, also known as Leno’s Law, passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee yesterday. Sponsored by legendary comedian and automotive collector Jay Leno, this legislation would exempt more classic vehicles from outdated smog check requirements, preserving California’s rich automotive culture for future generations.
With the new amendments from the Assembly Transportation Committee, the bill will provide a gradual expansion of the biennial smog check exemption, by adding an additional 10 vehicle model years from 1976 to 1986 over a 5-year period. To qualify for the full exemption, the vehicles must also have a historical license plate and hold collector motor vehicle insurance. The program created by Leno's Law is entirely optional.
“For over two decades, classic car enthusiasts have worked alongside legislators to try and expand the number of classic vehicles eligible for a full smog check exemption, but every effort has stalled before making it through the legislature” said Senator Shannon Grove. “If Leno’s Law is passed and signed, even if it is not exactly what we originally wanted, it provides 10 additional vehicle model years and is a step towards protecting classic cars as a part of our history.”
“I will continue to amplify the voices of collectors who simply want to enjoy restoring and driving their vehicles on special occasions, ensuring it’s a reasonable process to preserve California’s iconic automotive heritage,” added Senator Grove.
“In California, change usually happens slowly, and this bill is real progress toward protecting classic cars as part of our history,” concluded Senator Grove.
The committee amendments for the bill will be in print later this week here.