Lawmakers Reject “Leno’s Law” — Classic Car Smog Test Rules Remain in Place in California
Sacramento, California (High Desert News Online) – Classic car owners in California will still face biennial smog checks after lawmakers placed Senate Bill 712—“Leno’s Law”—on the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s suspense file, leaving the state’s 1976-and-newer smog testing rule intact and preserving statewide emissions enforcement.
- What changed: Senate Bill 712 was placed on the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s suspense file and also cited by committee coverage, effectively blocking a full Assembly vote.
- Who backed it: Authored by Sen. Shannon Grove and publicly supported by collector Jay Leno (Sen. Grove summary; press coverage).
- Result: Current law stands — gasoline vehicles 1976 and newer still require biennial smog checks; only 1975 and older gasoline vehicles are fully exempt (Bureau of Automotive Repair).
Key information
Senate Bill 712, widely called “Leno’s Law,” would have exempted gasoline vehicles 35 years old or older from biennial smog checks if they were registered on historical plates and insured as collector vehicles. The exemption was designed as a rolling cutoff so each year new models turning 35 would become exempt (SB 712 summary; background analysis).
Supporters’ case
Car clubs, collector groups and owners argued the bill was practical and fair. They noted that many classic cars are:
- Driven rarely and used for weekend shows, parades and cruises.
- Maintained in near-showroom condition and have a relatively small overall pollution impact compared with daily drivers.
- Hard to test on modern smog machines, creating administrative burden and higher costs for owners (Sen. Grove summary; testimony coverage).
“These cars are often used for weekend drives, parades and shows, not daily commutes,” supporters said, highlighting testimony from Jay Leno and collector groups.
Opponents’ concerns
Environmental groups and state agencies warned the exemption could impede air quality goals and complicate emissions modeling. The California Air Resources Board estimated it would cost about $1.2 million to update pollution models if the exemption were adopted. Agencies such as the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the DMV also stood to lose fee revenue tied to testing and registration (coverage of agency concerns).
Legislative path and why it failed
SB 712 cleared the State Senate and received support in an Assembly committee, but the Assembly Appropriations Committee placed the bill on its “suspense file,” a procedural step that halts measures pending budget or policy review. Committee chair Assemblymember Buffy Wicks cited competing budget priorities and social safety net needs when the bill was stalled; detailed public testimony did not fully enumerate all reasons for the action (reporting; committee coverage).
Historically, California once allowed a rolling 20-year emissions exemption for older cars; that rule was repealed in 2006, and requirements tightened for classic-car owners. SB 712 represented the most significant push in nearly two decades to restore a broad exemption (historical context).
Reactions from stakeholders
Sen. Shannon Grove and supporters expressed disappointment, saying the committee’s action let down classic-car enthusiasts across California (Sen. Grove statement). Jay Leno and collector groups pledged to continue advocacy. Environmental advocates hailed the move as a win for clean air and public health (advocate responses).
What this means now
With SB 712 blocked, the current smog check regime stands: gasoline vehicles from 1976 onward must continue the required biennial smog inspection administered through the Bureau of Automotive Repair; only 1975 and older gasoline vehicles remain exempt, as do electric vehicles and motorcycles (BAR smog check information).
The defeat keeps California among the strictest states for vehicle emissions checks; owners of late-1970s through modern-model cars should plan for the time and cost of smog testing when registering or selling vehicles.
Implications for the High Desert, California
Economic impact
- Local smog test stations and small auto shops will retain steady biennial-check revenue.
- Classic car owners will continue to pay for testing and potential repairs, supporting mechanics and parts retailers in the region.
Political consequences
- Voters prioritizing clean air may welcome the decision; officials who backed collector relief could face constituent pressure.
- Supporters of the committee’s action point to CARB’s cost estimate and competing budget demands as justification.
Social and community effects
- Car clubs and hobbyists will likely continue advocacy and local events, though owners may feel the financial pinch of required testing.
- Maintaining strict smog checks aligns with public-health concerns in inland regions where ozone can be seasonal and harmful to vulnerable residents.
Cultural relevance
The High Desert’s car culture — shows, cruises and regional heritage — remains intact, but the decision prioritizes public health over a formal exemption for most collector cars.
Practical applications for drivers
- Owners of 1976 or newer vehicles: Continue to budget for smog tests every two years and for repairs if vehicles fail.
- Owners of 1975 and older vehicles: Remain exempt but should keep documentation for historical plates and registration (BAR guidance).
- Collectors seeking savings: Consider careful maintenance, car-club resources, or mechanics experienced with older engines to reduce testing-related costs.
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