From Road & Track · Emmet White · · 1m 50s
California Classic Cars Secure Smog Exemption
California passes law exempting pre-1981 classic cars from smog checks.
In brief
California passes law exempting pre-1981 classic cars from smog checks. California's Leno's Law exempts qualifying pre-1981 classic cars from smog checks, effective January 2028, to preserve automotive heritage. Originally reported by Road & Track.
California passes Leno's Law
California officially passed its first new classic car smog exemption since 1997, when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392 into law on September 16.
SEMA focuses on car enthusiasts
SEMA representatives emphasized highlighting diverse classic car owners to show how the law helps people who grew up with new classics.
Carmen Vera's story
Pasadena Classic Cars owner Carmen Vera restored a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass and faced challenges explaining the law to her young daughter.
“The main reason that I am such a hard die-hard of that law is that I own a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and I purchased that car five years ago, and that is my favorite car since I can remember”
Vera's advocacy impact
Vera's customers now feel empowered to rebuild vehicles owned by their late relatives without fear of expensive smog checks.
August 12 event
Classic car owners drove vehicles to Sacramento on August 12 to showcase the law's community impact.
“One of the things that really showcased the passion behind this bill was the press conference and car show on August 12, where we invited vehicles to the Capitol and held a press conference in front of the state Capitol building”
Law details
The law exempts pre-1981 classic cars from smog checks until January 2033, with a 1,000-mile yearly limit for vehicles without collector car insurance.
Historical context
California last updated classic car smog rules in 1997, and Leno's Law marks the first real change in over 20 years.
Implementation timeline
The law goes into effect on January 1, 2028, with smog exemptions extended by one model year each year until January 1, 2033.
1000-mile rule
By 2030, vehicles driven fewer than 1,000 miles per calendar year can skip smog checks without collector car insurance.
Bar's role
The Bureau of Automotive Repair will determine vehicle exemptions and establish the process for making those determinations through regulation.
Symbolic win
The law preserves automotive heritage for classic car owners but won't revolutionize smog exemptions for most enthusiasts.
“These cars are not metal. These cars are history. These cars come with a story. These cars need to be acknowledged.”
Here's the gist
California's Leno's Law exempts qualifying pre-1981 classic cars from smog checks, effective January 2028, to preserve automotive heritage.
