Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), a coauthor of Senate Bill 1392, known as “Leno’s Law,” today celebrated Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the bipartisan measure to expand smog check exemptions for qualifying classic and collector vehicles.
“California’s classic cars are more than vehicles. They are pieces of history, family traditions, and a source of pride for communities across our state,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “I was proud to coauthor Leno’s Law and support a commonsense approach that recognizes the unique place these vehicles hold in California’s culture while maintaining responsible safeguards. I am grateful to everyone who worked across party lines to get this legislation signed into law.”
SB 1392, authored by Senators Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) and Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), builds on a multi-year effort to update California’s smog check requirements for classic and collectible vehicles. The legislation received bipartisan support from lawmakers and was championed by car enthusiasts, collectors, small businesses, Jay Leno, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
The new law creates a narrowly tailored, phased-in smog check exemption for qualifying collector vehicles manufactured between the 1976 and 1985 model years. Beginning January 1, 2028, qualifying collector vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year will become exempt from biennial smog certification requirements. The exemption will then expand by one additional model year annually until vehicles manufactured before the 1986 model year are included.
To qualify, vehicles must meet the law’s definition of a collector motor vehicle and either be insured as a collector vehicle or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles per calendar year.
Senator Ochoa Bogh thanked Senators Cortese and Grove for their leadership on the legislation, as well as Jay Leno, SEMA, classic car clubs, collectors, mechanics, small businesses, and advocates across California who supported the effort.
Governor Newsom signed SB 1392 at Jay Leno’s Garage on September 16.
Background
California’s existing law generally requires vehicles from the 1976 model year and newer to undergo smog inspections, subject to specified exemptions. SB 1392 creates a phased-in exemption specifically for qualifying collector vehicles, recognizing their limited use and historic and cultural significance.
SB 1392 was authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove and coauthored by Senator Ochoa Bogh and other members of the Legislature.