Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392 on September 16, 2026, extending the smog‑check exemptions for classic automobiles across California. The legislation, dubbed Leno's Law, was enacted to broaden the class of vintage vehicles that are not required to undergo the state's periodic emissions testing.
SB 1392, identified by its bill number, modifies the existing vehicle emissions program by expanding the definition of cars that qualify for an exemption. Under current policy, most vehicles must undergo regular smog inspections, but the new law widens the category of classic cars that can bypass these checks.
The measure reflects the advocacy efforts of classic‑car collector and television personality Jay Leno, whose involvement prompted the governor to act. Leno's participation in the legislative process is noted as a key factor in the bill's passage.
California's emissions enforcement framework mandates routine smog checks for the majority of motor vehicles operating on state roads. By increasing the range of classic automobiles exempt from testing, SB 1392 alters the scope of the program without eliminating the requirement for newer or non‑exempt vehicles.
Owners of classic cars that now meet the expanded exemption criteria will no longer need to schedule or pay for periodic smog inspections. The change is expected to reduce compliance costs for collectors and enthusiasts who maintain older vehicles in compliance with other state regulations.
The signing of Leno's Law marks a shift in California's approach to vehicle emissions oversight, aligning policy with the interests of the classic‑car community while maintaining the broader objectives of the state's air‑quality program.