A new bill, Senate Bill 712, is making waves in California as it proposes to ease smog test requirements for classic cars. The bill, introduced by State Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, aims to exempt vehicles that are at least 35 years old from smog checks if they are insured as collector vehicles. Currently, only cars made in 1975 or earlier are exempt from these tests.
Comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno is backing the bill, which has been nicknamed “Leno’s Law.” Leno, a well-known figure in the classic car community, is using his influence to promote the bill. He argues that California’s smog check laws for classic cars are outdated and inconsistent with those of neighboring states like Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona, which have more lenient requirements for classic vehicles.
Senator Grove emphasizes that the bill would only affect a small percentage of cars on the road, which are driven infrequently. She highlights the economic impact of the classic car industry, which supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to California’s economy. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a trade association representing the $52 billion specialty automotive aftermarket industry, supports the bill. SEMA President Mike Spagnola stated, “These vehicles are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road.”
The bill will be discussed by the Senate Transportation Committee in April. If it passes, it will proceed to the full Senate and Assembly before potentially reaching Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval.
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