Jay Leno’s Law Signed into Law, Providing Smog Check Exemptions for Qualifying Classic Cars Manufactured Between 1976 and 1985

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) announced that Governor Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1392, also known as “Jay Leno’s Law,” into law. The measure will now protect classic car owners and collector vehicles from unnecessary smog inspections while preserving California’s commitment to clean air. 

SB 1392 applies to qualifying collector vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985 that are preserved and operated primarily for purposes such as car shows, parades, exhibitions, charitable events, and other limited uses rather than everyday transportation.

“California can protect clean air while also recognizing the historic and cultural value of collector vehicles,” said Senator Cortese. “SB 1392 establishes a carefully limited exemption for cars that are preserved, driven sparingly, and maintained as part of California’s automotive heritage. I appreciate Governor Newsom signing this balanced measure into law.”

“With Governor Newsom’s signature on SB 1392, Leno’s Law, we are sending a clear message: classic car culture is encouraged and welcome in our state,” said co-author, Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakerfield). “We have worked for two years to get this law to the finish line. It was only made possible by the overwhelming support of car enthusiasts, mechanics, and families across the state who have passed these vehicles down from generation to generation.”

SB 1392, sponsored by car collector Jay Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), advances a bipartisan effort to preserve California’s automotive heritage by allowing qualifying collector vehicles to continue to be enjoyed at special events and community gatherings. The law recognizes the cultural and historic value of these vehicles and helps ensure that future generations can continue to experience an important part of California’s car culture.

“The best part about this is we didn’t just get a bill passed. It’s Republicans and Democrats working together,” said sponsor and car collector Jay Leno. “Senators Cortese and Grove both worked tirelessly to get this passed, and Governor Newsom gave us support by signing it into law.” 

“SEMA applauds Governor Newsom for putting his signature on a historic win for California’s automotive community and for every family, enthusiast, and small business working to keep this culture alive,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “Leno’s Law shows that California can protect clean air while also showing the appropriate reverence for the vehicles that connect generations and tell an important part of our state’s story. We are grateful to Senators Cortese and Grove, Jay Leno, our member companies, and the thousands of advocates whose energy fueled this effort with an unrelenting passion for our shared automotive heritage.”

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

Contact:

Sunshine Borelli

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-391-8834 | Email: Sunshine.Borelli@sen.ca.gov 

For Scheduling Interviews

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Email: natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

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