Newsom Signs 'Leno's Law' to Phase In Smog Exemptions for 1976-1985 Collector Cars
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1392, nicknamed 'Leno's Law,' at Jay Leno's Burbank garage on September 16, 2026. The bill creates a phased exemption from state smog checks for qualifying collector vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985. The exemption begins January 1, 2028, for 1976-1980 models, adding one model year annually until 1985 models are covered by 2033. To qualify, vehicles must have specific collector insurance or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. Newsom also signed AB 2541, establishing a specialized lowrider license plate to honor California's Latino cultural heritage, and SB 1069 to expedite the review of aftermarket parts.
Key points
- SB 1392 was jointly authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) after a previous, broader attempt failed in 2025.
- The smog exemption is strictly limited to vehicles with collector insurance or annual mileage under 1,000 miles, ensuring they are not used for daily commuting.
- The law does not affect vehicles manufactured before 1976, which were already exempt from smog testing.
- AB 2541 creates a new license plate design to celebrate lowrider culture, which Assemblymember Mark González described as a vital expression of Chicano and Latino pride.
- Newsom signed the bills during a private ceremony at Jay Leno's extensive car collection in Burbank, acknowledging Leno's years of lobbying for the change.
Background
This legislation follows a failed 2025 attempt to pass a broader rolling exemption for collector vehicles. The new bill is narrower, targeting specific model years and usage limits. It coincides with California's push for clean transportation, having reached 2.5 million electric car sales, while simultaneously recognizing the cultural significance of classic and lowrider vehicles in the state's history.
How outlets are covering it
ABC7 and CBS News focused on the political victory for Jay Leno and the specific mechanics of the smog exemption, noting that the bill passed both chambers after a previous version failed. The California State Portal emphasized the cultural preservation aspect, highlighting the simultaneous signing of the lowrider license plate bill (AB 2541) and framing the smog exemption as a balance between clean air goals and heritage. CBS News noted that the affected vehicles contribute minimally to statewide emissions compared to commuter cars, while the State Portal stressed that the exemption is 'narrowly tailored' to prevent misuse. All sources agreed on the phased timeline starting in 2028 and the 1,000-mile annual limit for eligibility.
Why it matters
The law provides a clear legal pathway for classic car owners to preserve their vehicles without the burden of modern emissions testing, provided they meet strict usage criteria. It also validates lowrider culture through official state recognition via the new license plate, potentially reducing previous conflicts between enthusiasts and local enforcement agencies.
What to watch
The first smog exemptions take effect on January 1, 2028. The lowrider license plate program will likely begin distribution in the coming months. The phased rollout will continue annually until 2033, when the 1985 model year is included.
- Gov. Newsom signs SB 1392, dubbed Leno's Law, exempting more classic cars from smog tests ABC7 Los Angeles
- Governor Newsom visits Jay Leno’s Garage to sign legislation celebrating and preserving California’s classic car and lowrider heritage California State Portal | CA.gov
- Newsom Signs Jay Leno’s Classic Car Bill Over Environmentalist Objections The New York Times
- California's "Leno's Law" signed, expanding classic car smog exemptions CBS News
- California Just Gave Classic Cars a Smog Exemption That Expires in 2033 — By Design Yahoo
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