Senator Dave Cortese Introduces Legislation to Provide Smog Exemptions for Pre-1981 Classic and Collector Vehicles

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D–San José), acting as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has introduced Senate Bill 1392 (SB 1392)- otherwise referred to as “Jay Leno’s Law” - that would provide smog check exemptions for classic and collectible vehicles manufactured  before the 1981 model year, and then adding one additional model year each year, through 1986 by 2032. The bill would also create a new definition for “collector motor vehicle.” Senate Bill 1392 is co-authored by Senator Shannon Grove (District 12) giving SB 1392 bipartisan support. Senator Cortese and Grove visited Jay Leno’s garage to announce the introduction of SB 1392. You may view the video announcement here.

The proposal recognizes the unique status of classic cars as limited-use, historically significant vehicles that represent less than 1% of all cars on California’s roads while contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy through cultural celebrations, tourism, and small business activity.

“Classic car owners are not daily commuters — they are preservationists,” said Senator Dave Cortese. “These vehicles are driven sparingly, carefully maintained, and celebrated as part of California’s automotive heritage. This bill strikes a thoughtful balance between protecting our environment and supporting a $40.44 billion small business economy.”

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Leno’s Law with a new twist that will make it easier for enthusiasts to receive a smog check exemption,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “We listened to the feedback of collectors and heard them loud and clear that the original license plates are an important piece of the vehicle’s authenticity, and it’s important to not give those up. Leno’s Law 2.0 will not require specialty license plates and instead will define a collector motor vehicle, ensuring exemptions apply only to true preservation vehicles that represent less than 1% of California’s vehicles. We are excited to be bringing this effort back for the enthusiast, now all we need is your support to get Leno’s Law to the finish line.”

“I am very excited about it. We came very close last time. A lot of bills don’t pass on the first go around. I am hopeful this time it will pass,” said Jay Leno, former host of The Tonight Show, and sponsor of the bill. 

“Few things in our divided nation unite us in the way our love of cars and trucks do. Our vehicles are a bridge between generations, a driver of economic empowerment, and the source of a rich culture and heritage that transcends demographics. Leno’s Law is an important cultivator for our shared car culture, an update to existing law that empowers the next generation to enjoy for decades to come the vehicles that are most meaningful to them, while providing Californians with the assurances that existing laws and policies regarding smog emissions are appropriately updated to best serve all communities,” said Mike Spagnola, Chief Executive Officer for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).  “SEMA strongly urges passage of Leno’s Law, and thanks Senators Cortese and Grove for their bipartisan work to unite Californians under our love of motor vehicles.”

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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