Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno swung through Sacramento on Tuesday to stump for a law that would exempt certain classic cars from smog check requirements.
Leno, a noted classic car enthusiast, teamed up with Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) on SB 712, also known as Leno’s Law.
Driving the news: Leno’s Law would exempt cars that are at least 35 years old and are considered to be collector vehicles from smog check requirements.
- Under state law, a collector motor vehicle is defined as a vehicle owned by a collector that is primarily used in shows, parades, charitable functions and historical exhibitions for display, maintenance and preservation. Collector vehicles are not used primarily for transportation.
- Cars that are model years 1975 and older are already exempt from smog inspections under California law.
The big picture: Leno joined Grove on Wednesday during a hearing in front of the Senate Transportation Committee to consider SB 712.
- SB 712 passed through the committee with bipartisan support, with some Democrats siding with Grove despite others raising concerns about pollution, fearing some people would abuse the law.
- One of the Democrats who supported SB 712 was Sen. Dave Cortese (D–San Jose), who is the Chair of the transportation Committee and co-authored the bill.
- Grove’s office said the vehicles that would be covered under SB 712 would only be around 1% of all vehicles in the state.
What we’re watching: SB 712 heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
- If it passes through that committee, it will go in front of the full Senate for a floor vote.
What they’re saying: “I’m thrilled to see SB 712 advance with the support of my colleagues,” Grove said. “These classic cars aren’t just hobby vehicles – they represent generations of craftsmanship, culture, and community pride. With this bill, we’re protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts, and preserving a vital piece of California’s heritage.”
- “California helped invent car culture – from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell the story,” Leno said. “SB 712 is about keeping that story alive. These vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and it just makes sense to treat them differently. I’m proud to be working with Senator Grove, and I thank the committee for recognizing the importance of preserving our automotive legacy.”
