California expands smog-check exemption for classic cars
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a California law that will phase in a smog-check exemption for qualifying collector cars from the 1976 through 1985 model years.
The measure, known as Senate Bill 1392 or “Jay Leno’s Law,” was signed Wednesday in Burbank. California law now exempts only vehicles built before the 1976 model year. Under the new schedule, qualifying 1976 through 1980 vehicles become exempt on Jan. 1, 2028, with one additional model year added each year until 1985 models are included in 2033.
The exemption applies only to collector vehicles preserved mainly for car shows, parades, exhibitions, charitable events and other limited uses, rather than daily driving. To qualify, a vehicle must also carry collector-car insurance or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles a year.
Newsom also signed two related measures: Assembly Bill 2541, creating a California lowrider license plate program, and Senate Bill 1069, which is meant to speed state review of aftermarket vehicle parts by allowing emissions-testing data from qualified independent laboratories.
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