Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and Senator Dave Cortese (D–San Jose), today announced the introduction of Senate Bill (SB) 1392, also known as “Leno’s Law” supported by Jay Leno and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturing Association (SEMA). SB 1392 would exempt classic and collectible vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year from smog checks, with one additional model year added each year thereafter reaching the 1986 model year by 2032.
The proposal recognizes the unique status of classic cars as limited-use, historically significant vehicles that represent less than 1% of all cars on California’s roads while contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy through cultural celebrations, tourism, and small business activity.
“We are thrilled to reintroduce Leno’s Law with a new twist that will make it easier for enthusiasts to receive a smog check exemption,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “We listened to the feedback of collectors and heard them loud and clear that the original license plates are an important piece of the vehicle’s authenticity, and it’s important to not give those up. Leno’s Law 2.0 will not require specialty license plates and instead will define a collector motor vehicle, ensuring exemptions apply only to true preservation vehicles that represent less than 1% of California’s vehicles. We are excited to be bringing this effort back for the enthusiast, now all we need is your support to get Leno’s Law to the finish line.”
“Classic car owners are not daily commuters — they are preservationists,” said Senator Dave Cortese, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “These vehicles are driven sparingly, carefully maintained, and celebrated as part of California’s automotive heritage. This bill strikes a thoughtful balance between protecting our environment and supporting a $40.44 billion small business economy.”
“I am very excited about it. We came very close last time. A lot of bills don’t pass on the first go around. I am hopeful this time it will pass,” said Jay Leno, former host of The Tonight Show, and sponsor of the bill.
“Few things in our divided nation unite us in the way our love of cars and trucks do. Our vehicles are a bridge between generations, a driver of economic empowerment, and the source of a rich culture and heritage that transcends demographics. Leno’s Law is an important cultivator for our shared car culture, an update to existing law that empowers the next generation to enjoy for decades to come the vehicles that are most meaningful to them, while providing Californians with the assurances that existing laws and policies regarding smog emissions are appropriately updated to best serve all communities,” said Victor Munoz, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “SEMA strongly urges passage of Leno’s Law, and thanks Senators Cortese and Grove for their bipartisan work to unite Californians under our love of motor vehicles.”
“For communities like ours, classic cars and lowriders are "Art on Wheels" and symbols of pride, family tradition, and cultural expression. Supporting the preservation of these vehicles ensures future generations can continue to learn from, appreciate, and celebrate California’s rich automotive legacy,” said Francine Mata, President & Co-Founder, Sacramento Lowrider Commission. “We thank Senator Shannon Grove, Senator Dave Cortese, Jay Leno, and SEMA for their leadership in advancing this legislation and recognizing the importance of California’s collector vehicle community.”
In addition, this bill defines a “collector motor vehicle,” under Vehicle Code 259 to ensure only classic vehicles, not daily drivers, are receiving the smog check exemption. The vehicles are also required to have collector insurance and be at least 35 model years old.