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Change could be coming with a new bill for Californians with classic cars.
A proposed bill aims to simplify life for thousands of enthusiasts in California by updating the state’s strict smog regulations, which currently require smog checks for vehicles manufactured in 1976 or later.
California Senate Bill 712, if passed, would completely exempt any vehicle manufactured at least 35 years ago, if insured as a collector vehicle, Hagerty said.
Jay Leno, California’s most famous classic-car fan, according to Hagerty, said he supports this change and has agreed to promote the bill. It has now been nicknamed “Leno’s Law,” they said.
“California’s smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated—they vary too much from state to state, and California’s rules don’t match up with neighboring ones,” Leno said to NBC Los Angeles.
When it comes to smog checks on classic cars, many states differ in requirements. For example, Nevada only requires emission testing in urban areas of Las Vegas and Reno, letting pre-1968 model-year vehicles off the hook.
Meanwhile, Arizona only mandates smog checks in the areas of Phoenix and Tucson, although pre-1967 vehicles and those registered as “collectibles” with appropriate insurance are not included in the policy, according to Hagerty.
Shannon Grove, a Republican California state senator representing Bakersfield, is the bill’s sponsor. She spoke to NBC about California’s rich automotive heritage, Hagerty said.
Grove and Leno both said that classic cars support the aftermarket industry that is represented by the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a trade association made up of about 7000 small businesses, according to Hagerty.
Mike Spagnola, the president and CEO of SEMA mentioned his support of the bill.
“These vehicles are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road. By exempting collector vehicles from smog checks, we can ensure that these historical treasures are preserved for future generations,” Spagnola said.
The first hearing for “Leno’s Law” will take place in April before the California Senate Transportation Committee, Hagerty said.
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