News Summary

California’s newly introduced Leno’s Law aims to expand smog check exemptions for classic cars by allowing vehicles over 35 years old to bypass stringent regulations. Senator Shannon Grove’s initiative is backed by enthusiasts and aims to preserve California’s rich automotive culture while stimulating economic growth in the aftermarket parts industry. While the bill faces some criticism regarding environmental impact, it has garnered bipartisan support as it heads for discussions in the Senate. The law represents a significant step towards alleviating the burdens faced by classic car collectors in the state.

Classic Cars Get a Break with California’s Leno’s Law

In the sunny state of California, a new piece of legislation is taking the automotive world by storm! Senator Shannon Grove from Bakersfield has rolled out Senate Bill 712, affectionately dubbed “Leno’s Law.” This bold initiative aims to sweep away some of the nagging smog check requirements that classic car enthusiasts have been grappling with for too long.

What’s the Big Deal?

The core of this bill revolves around the proposal to expand smog check exemptions for classic cars. As it stands now, vehicles manufactured before 1976 don’t have to undergo the rigorous biennial smog checks, which can be quite a headache. Leno’s Law seeks to take this a step further by exempting all vehicles that are at least 35 years old, as long as they’re insured as collector motor vehicles.

Why is this important, you ask? For many car lovers, classic cars are not just machines; they represent a rich history of automotive culture that California has nurtured for decades. From the glory days of the post-war hot rod boom to the vibrant car shows today, these vehicles are a core part of the state’s identity.

Freedom for Avid Collectors

With the current smog check laws being seen as unnecessarily burdensome, many collectors are feeling the heat – literally and figuratively. The onerous requirements have driven some enthusiasts and even businesses out of California. The hope is that by lightening the load of these regulations, it will encourage collectors to stay and keep the car culture thriving.

Senator Grove has voiced the importance of recognizing California’s automotive legacy and how it supports a blossoming aftermarket parts industry. Did you know that this industry brings in over $40 billion annually and creates more than 149,000 jobs? That’s a hefty impact!

California’s Unique Position

One of the notable sponsors of the bill is none other than comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno himself. He has been quite vocal about how California’s smog check laws are outdated, especially when you compare them to the more lenient regulations enforced in neighboring states like Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. While the present laws may seem equitable, they often lead to convoluted requirements, including passing emission standards that are only relevant to the specific model years. This complexity can be a real downer for classic car owners.

What’s Next for Leno’s Law?

The first hearing for this bill is expected to happen before the California Senate Transportation Committee in April. Interestingly, support for this measure is coming from both sides of the political aisle. Many lawmakers, regardless of their party, own classic cars themselves and understand the value these vehicles bring.

But Wait, There Are Critics!

Of course, not everyone is on board. Some environmental groups are voicing concerns about potential negative impacts on air quality. However, proponents of the bill are quick to counter that classic cars are typically driven sparingly, often during special events or shows, which means their environmental footprint is quite minimal.

If the bill makes it through the Senate and the Assembly, it will eventually land on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for final approval. With the combined enthusiasm for classic cars and the economic contributions of this community, there’s a good chance that “Leno’s Law” could be driving on California roads sooner rather than later.

The wheels are turning for classic car lovers in California, and if they’re lucky, they might just cruise past a few regulatory bumps along the way!

California Passes Leno’s Law to Ease Classic Car Regulations