A bill that would have eased emissions-testing requirements for California’s classic-car owners has failed to advance, leaving thousands of enthusiasts frustrated and many older vehicles still subject to the state’s stringent smog rules.
The proposal, known informally as “Leno’s Law,” sought to create a rolling exemption for cars that are at least 35 years old, provided they are covered by collector insurance and registered as historical vehicles. Had it passed, the measure would have extended relief beyond the current cutoff, which exempts only vehicles built before 1976. Supporters argued the change was long overdue, saying these cars are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and represent an important part of automotive history.
Instead, the measure was held in committee and will not advance further this session. That decision effectively ends the effort, at least for now, and keeps in place the state’s existing rules that require most 1976-and-newer cars to undergo biennial smog inspections or prove compliance at the time of sale.
For owners of vehicles built in the late 1970s through the 1980s and beyond, that means continued headaches. Many of these cars use outdated or obsolete emissions systems, making parts scarce and testing increasingly difficult. In some cases, owners say the cost and hassle of bringing an older car into compliance outweighs its value, forcing them to either park it permanently or sell it out of state.
The proposal had drawn strong support from car clubs, restoration shops, and collectors who viewed it as a commonsense recognition of the limited environmental impact of older, low-mileage vehicles. Enthusiasts argued that preserving historic cars should be seen as part of the state’s cultural identity, not as a threat to clean air.
Opponents, however, warned that broadening exemptions risked undermining California’s progress on air quality. They pointed out that the state still struggles with some of the nation’s worst smog and ozone levels, particularly in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. Expanding exemptions, they argued, could create a slippery slope and weaken the enforcement system that ensures compliance from millions of daily-driven cars.
Budget concerns also played a role. Legislative analysts estimated that moving the exemption cutoff forward would reduce fee revenue collected from smog inspections. Additional costs were expected for updating the state’s air-quality models, which are tied to federal reporting requirements. Those added expenses, combined with environmental objections, made the bill a difficult sell in Sacramento.
The defeat is a disappointment for the state’s classic-car community, which has long sought relief from rules they say are outdated. Many enthusiasts point to other states with rolling exemptions that automatically extend to vehicles once they reach a certain age. In those states, regulators have recognized that older, collector-status vehicles represent only a tiny fraction of cars on the road and therefore contribute minimally to overall emissions.
In California, though, the bar remains firmly in place. That leaves owners of 1980s and early 1990s cars stuck in the same cycle: locating specialty shops equipped to test older technology, paying for repairs that may require rare or discontinued parts, and repeating the process every two years. For some, the ordeal has become a deciding factor in whether they keep or sell their vehicles.
The end of “Leno’s Law” underscores the tension between California’s leadership in environmental policy and its status as the epicenter of American car culture. On one hand, the state has positioned itself at the forefront of emissions reduction and electric vehicle adoption. On the other, it is home to countless collectors, hobbyists, and historic-car events that celebrate the internal combustion past.
While this year’s effort has been halted, supporters are already hinting at trying again in future sessions. Some are exploring narrower proposals that could focus on very low-mileage vehicles or pilot programs to test alternative compliance options. For now, however, the message from Sacramento is clear: California’s classic-car owners will continue to face the same smog-testing requirements, with no relief on the immediate horizon.
For enthusiasts, that means the road ahead remains the same — keeping their beloved vehicles alive while navigating a regulatory environment that shows little interest in making exceptions.