Sen. Shannon Grove with Comedian Jay Leno at her 'Classic Car' Parade for her original Leno's Law in 2025. Click here to download the photo; no attribution for media necessary.
Today, Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1392, known as Leno’s Law, into law.
“Today marks a historic victory for California’s vibrant automotive culture,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “With Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 1392, Leno’s Law, we are sending a clear message: classic car culture is encouraged and welcome in our state.
Last year, Senator Grove authored SB 712, the original Leno’s Law, to create an ongoing smog check exemption for collector vehicles 35 model years or older, building the statewide support that helped carry this effort to the finish line. The bill failed, but Sen. Grove continued her efforts this year with cooperative and bipartisan support.
"Today we are taking a very big step by adding 10 additional model years of classic cars that will now be smog-exempt. We have worked for two years to get this law to the finish line. It was only made possible by the overwhelming support of car enthusiasts, mechanics, and families across the state who have passed these vehicles down from generation to generation.
"I want to thank Governor Newsom for supporting the effort to keep classic cars in California, Jay Leno for lending his name and reputation to present and future enthusiasts who want these vehicles to stay here, Senator Dave Cortese for his bipartisan leadership, and Mike Spagnola of SEMA for his consistent support.
"This is not just a hobby," Sen. Grove concluded. "It is a lifestyle that brings people together, preserves history, and encourages culture in our state.”
Leno’s Law will extend full smog check exemptions to qualifying classic and collectible vehicles, beginning on January 1, 2028, with collector motor vehicles manufactured from 1976 to 1980 and then adding one model year annually, until reaching 1985 models. Qualifying vehicles must either carry collector insurance or be limited to 1,000 miles per year.
Jay Leno: “The best part about this is that we didn’t just get a bill passed — Republicans and Democrats worked together. Senator Dave Cortese and Senator Shannon Grove both worked tirelessly to get this passed, and Governor Newsom supported that effort by signing it into law.” Media can view and download Leno's support video for the bill, HERE.
Senator Cortese: “California can protect clean air while also recognizing the historic and cultural value of collector vehicles. “SB 1392 establishes a carefully limited exemption for cars that are preserved, driven sparingly, and maintained as part of California’s automotive heritage. I appreciate Governor Newsom signing this balanced measure into law.”
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola: “SEMA applauds Governor Newsom for putting his signature on a historic win for California’s automotive community and for every family, enthusiast, and small business working to keep this culture alive. Leno’s Law shows that California can protect clean air while also showing the appropriate reverence for the vehicles that connect generations and tell an important part of our state’s story. We are grateful to Senators Cortese and Grove, Jay Leno, our member companies, and the thousands of advocates whose energy fueled this effort with an unrelenting passion for our shared automotive heritage.”