California Governor signs Leno’s Law for classic car smog exemptions

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1392, colloquially known as ‘Leno’s Law,’ which expands smog check exemptions for certain collector vehicles. The legislation aims to ease regulatory burdens for classic car enthusiasts by providing exemptions for vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985.

The exemption is not immediate and will be implemented through a phased rollout. Starting January 1, 2028, vehicles from the 1976–1980 model years will qualify. The program will add one model year annually until 1985 models are included in 2033.

To qualify for the exemption, vehicles must meet specific criteria: they must be at least 35 model years old, used primarily for exhibitions, parades, or charitable events rather than as primary transportation, and must either be insured as collector vehicles or be driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The law seeks to balance the preservation of automotive culture with the state's air quality standards.