California enthusiasts hoping for an expansion of the state’s classic-car smog exemptions have made it through the biggest legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 1392, better known as Jay Leno’s Law, has cleared both chambers of the California Legislature and is now almost at the finish line.
The proposal could make owning certain late-1970s and early-1980s collector cars considerably easier in a state famous for its strict emissions requirements. It wouldn’t simply make every old car exempt, however, as the legislation includes age and usage requirements intended to keep the exemption focused on genuine collector vehicles.
According to California Legislative Information, SB 1392 passed both the Assembly and Senate on August 31 and was officially enrolled on September 4. The bill was introduced by Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove and has attracted support from Jay Leno, SEMA, and numerous members of California’s enthusiast community.
Only one major step remains: Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. If he signs it, California’s smog-check exemption will begin expanding to a carefully defined group of newer classics starting in 2028.
The Exemption Would Expand Gradually
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California currently exempts vehicles manufactured before the 1976 model year from its regular smog-check requirement. Leno’s Law wouldn’t immediately move that cutoff forward by a decade for every vehicle on the road.
Starting January 1, 2028, qualifying collector vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year would become exempt. The cutoff would then advance one model year annually until January 1, 2033, when qualifying vehicles manufactured before the 1986 model year would be covered.
There Are Restrictions
The exemption is specifically aimed at collector vehicles rather than old daily drivers. The bill defines qualifying vehicles as being used primarily for activities such as shows, parades, charitable functions, historical exhibitions, preservation, and maintenance, while explicitly stating that they cannot be the owner’s primary transportation.
Collector insurance provides one pathway to exemption beginning in 2028. A mileage-based route also arrives in 2030 for eligible vehicles driven fewer than 1,000 miles per calendar year, subject to the bill’s phased model-year requirements.
Newsom’s Signature Is All That’s Left
The change could be particularly beneficial for enthusiasts interested in cars from an awkward period under California’s current rules. Late C3 Corvettes, early Fox-body Mustangs, Porsche 928s, and numerous Japanese and European classics fall into an era that has historically remained subject to emissions testing despite their increasing collector status.
SB 1392 is now officially enrolled, meaning the legislative debate has run its course. The final decision belongs to Governor Newsom. After an earlier attempt at similar reform failed, California’s classic-car community is now one signature away from seeing Jay Leno’s Law become reality.