More cruising ahead for classic cars thanks to Jay Leno's new smog check law
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Set us as preferred Whether it’s a sleek, low-slung Impala, a candy apple red Monte Carlo or a roaring T-top Trans Am — the classic cars of the late 1970s and the ’80s are an iconic part of California’s automotive heritage.But many of these vehicles have been relegated to driveways and garages due to the challenge of passing a smog check.
Auto lovers have pushed for years to lessen emissions regulations for collector cars, arguing that these vintage vehicles are only driven short distances to parades and meet-ups where they deserve to be seen and cherished.Enthusiasts found a powerful champion in famed comedian and auto aficionado Jay Leno, who boasts more than 150 vehicles in his personal collection.On Wednesday, he secured a big win for the classic car community when Gov.
Gavin Newsom paid a visit to his Burbank garage to sign Senate Bill 1392, also known as Jay Leno’s Law, legislation that expands smog check exemptions for certain collector cars.Over the next few years, Jay Leno’s Law will phase in smog check exemptions for collector cars built from model years 1976 through 1985 that are not used as a primary mode of transportation.Under current law, cars manufactured before the 1975 model year are already exempt from smog check requirements.
The new exemptions will take effect beginning Jan.1, 2028, and apply to qualifying cars manufactured before the 1981 model year.
Each year, eligibility extends by another model year until 2033, when vehicles manufactured through the 1985 model year will be included.In order to be eligible, owners must prove that their collector car isn’t used for everyday transport either by holding collector-car insurance or documenting that the car is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year.The exemption is designed to apply to cars used primarily in shows, parades, charitable functio...