California Passes 'Leno's Law' to Exempt Collector Vehicles from Smog Checks

The new SB 1392 bill provides relief for classic car owners and enthusiasts in the state.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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California has passed a new law, known as 'Leno's Law' or SB 1392, that exempts certain collector vehicles from the state's biennial smog check requirements. The bill, backed by legendary car enthusiast Jay Leno and supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), offers a limited pathway for qualifying collector vehicles to receive this relief. The law is designed to address the challenges classic car owners face in finding smog stations equipped to test older vehicles, as well as the high costs associated with keeping these vehicles compliant.

Why it matters

This new law is a win for California's car enthusiast community, as it recognizes that classic and collector vehicles are typically driven sparingly and are well-maintained, minimizing their environmental impact compared to daily-driven vehicles. The exemption helps preserve the state's rich automotive culture and heritage by making it more feasible for owners to keep their prized possessions on the road.

The details

SB 1392 applies only to collector vehicles, requires collector-vehicle insurance with proof at registration, and phases in eligibility in a controlled way, starting with certain older model years and expanding gradually over time. Currently, only 7% of California smog checks are performed on pre-OBD-II vehicles, and many STAR-certified stations test fewer than one of these vehicles per day, making it difficult and expensive for classic car owners to keep their vehicles compliant.

  • SB 1392 was introduced in the California legislature in 2026.
  • The bill was authored by Sen. Dave Cortese, with Sen. Shannon Grove as the main coauthor.

The players

Jay Leno

A legendary car enthusiast who has backed the new 'Leno's Law' legislation.

SEMA

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade group representing nearly 1,100 member businesses in California and strongly supporting the passage of SB 1392.

Sen. Dave Cortese

The California state senator who authored SB 1392.

Sen. Shannon Grove

The California state senator who served as the main coauthor of SB 1392.

Mike Spagnola

The CEO of SEMA, who praised the bipartisan effort behind 'Leno's Law' and urged its passage.

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What they’re saying

“Few things in our divided nation unite us in the way our love of cars and trucks do. Our vehicles are a bridge between generations, a driver of economic empowerment and the source of a rich culture and heritage that transcends demographics.”

— Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO (sema.org)

“Leno's Law is an important cultivator for our shared car culture, an update to existing law that empowers the next generation to enjoy for decades to come the vehicles that are most meaningful to them, while providing Californians with the assurances that existing laws and policies regarding smog emissions are appropriately updated to best serve all communities.”

— Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO (sema.org)

What’s next

The bill will now move through the California legislative process, and SEMA is urging car enthusiasts and small businesses in the state to speak up and help support its passage.

The takeaway

This new 'Leno's Law' legislation represents a pragmatic update to California's smog check requirements, recognizing the unique nature of classic and collector vehicles and helping to preserve the state's rich automotive culture and heritage.