California Senate Bill SB-712, introduced by Senator Shannon Grove and known as the “Jay Leno bill,” aims to relax smog laws for classic cars, allowing exemptions for vehicles 35 years and older. Historically, California’s stringent emissions laws have posed challenges for classic car enthusiasts, requiring annual inspections and adherence to specific performance part regulations. While previous legislation exempted cars built in 1975 and earlier from smog checks, efforts to create a rolling exemption similar to other states have not succeeded until now.

The new bill proposes that older vehicles can be exempt from smog inspections if they carry classic car insurance, typically more affordable than regular. The implications are significant, allowing for exemptions for cars from the 1990s and older, with an incremental increase in eligible vehicles each year.

This bill not only provides relief to classic car owners facing high compliance costs but is also seen as a potential rallying point, bolstered by Jay Leno’s influence, which may help garner support for its passage among legislators. Owners and enthusiasts in California are encouraged to contact their State Senators to advocate for SB-712 when it is put to a vote, highlighting the importance of preserving classic car culture in the state.



Source: bangshift.com