SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Comedian Jay Leno made an appearance at the California State Capitol in Sacramento Tuesday in support of “Leno’s Law”.
The bill aims to eliminate smog check requirements for classic vehicles that are at least 35 model years old.
Leno is well known for his love and collection of classic vehicles often featured on his YouTube channel, Jay Leno’s Garage.
As a sponsor of “Leno’s Law”, the retired late night talk show host addressed the Senate Transportation Committee at its hearing on the matter Tuesday afternoon.
“California helped invent car culture—from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell the story,” stated Leno. “SB 712 is about keeping that story alive. These vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and it just makes sense to treat them differently.”
The bill, currently known as Senate Bill 712, amends a section of the state code on vehicular air pollution. State law currently has two exemptions to its smog checks: a hard cap exempting vehicles model year 1976 or older and those that are insured as collector vehicles that are at least 35 years old and comply with the emissions standards of its class and model year through a partial smog check.
It will also rename that section of the code to “Leno’s Law”.
Supporters of the measure said it will help promote the state’s car culture by making it easier and cheaper to own and maintain a classic car collection. They said many shops that do smog checks don’t have the equipment to inspect an old vehicle due, in part, to the cost and availability of such tools.
Opponents said these older vehicles are far more polluting than modern vehicles, negatively impacting the state’s ability to meet federal air quality standards.
“It’s amazing the amount of pollution they belch out,” WWJ Radio automotive reporter Jeff Gilbert told KCBS Radio. “We forget how dirty cars used to be.”
The measure would open the door to collectors of vehicles you may not immediately think of as classics.
“There are a ton of people who collect very odd classic cars, so there would be a number of vehicles in that later time frame,” Gilbert explained. “Maybe some special Camaros, maybe some of the Z cars from Nissan or something like that.”
Lawmakers attending the hearing stated their support for the measure, but an official vote could not be taken since quorum had not been reached.
“I’m thrilled to see SB 712 advance with the support of my colleagues,” state senator Shannon Grove, a Republican from Bakersfield who wrote the bill, said in a statement after “Leno’s Law” was presented at the hearing. A spokesperson for the senator told KCBS Radio they had enough votes for the measure to advance, despite not meeting a quorum.
“These classic cars aren’t just hobby vehicles—they represent generations of craftsmanship, culture, and community pride,” Sen. Grove continued. “With this bill, we’re protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts, and preserving a vital piece of California’s heritage.”
The bill has bipartisan support.
“These cars are rarely on the road, meticulously maintained, and represent a very small fraction of California's total vehicle emissions,” state senator Dave Cortese, a San Jose Democrat and co-author of the bill. “This is a long-overdue, common-sense law that both protects hobbyists and collectors and continues to safeguard our environment. I fully support 'Leno’s Law.’”
It is not immediately clear when an official vote will be held.
Additional reporting by KCBS' Steve Scott and Bret Burkhart.