A California bill nicknamed Leno’s Law, which once offered classic car owners hope for an end to smog checks, has taken a frustrating turn.
Recent changes made by state lawmakers have added new rules that create a major catch for most hobbyists, making the proposed exemption almost impossible to use.
The original idea behind the bill, which is backed by Jay Leno, was simple: any car 35 years or older would no longer need to pass California’s biennial smog test. Many saw this as a practical change since most classic cars are driven far less than modern vehicles.
But a state senate committee recently added two big strings to that deal. Now, to get the exemption, a car must have official California historical license plates and be covered by a collector car insurance policy.
The big problem for enthusiasts is the historical plate rule. According to California law, cars with those plates are meant to be used almost exclusively for car shows and club parades, not for just going on a simple weekend drive.
This creates a difficult situation where to get the smog exemption, an owner would basically have to agree not to enjoy their car on the road.
The changes have disappointed many in the car community. Christian Robinson of Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) said that while they are disappointed, the legislative process is a “marathon, not a sprint,” and they will continue to work on refining the bill.
However, some lawmakers remain opposed to the idea altogether. “Clean air is a necessity. Collecting cars is a hobby. I do not support rolling back progress on a public health issue we have spent decades trying to improve,” stated State Senator Aisha Wahab, who does not support easing the rules.
Proponents argue that keeping a well-maintained classic car on the road avoids the large environmental footprint of building a brand-new vehicle.
Even so, if Leno’s Law passes with these new rules, it won’t help the average person who just wants to enjoy their classic car. For now, it seems most California car enthusiasts will still have to follow the same old smog check requirements.
