California is relaxing emissions-testing rules for some classic cars after Governor Gavin Newsom signed the enthusiast-backed “Jay Leno’s Law” at the comedian and noted car collector’s garage in Burbank.

Senate Bill 1392 introduces a phased exemption from California’s regular smog checks for qualifying collector vehicles built between 1976 and 1985, extending concessions that have historically applied to pre-1976 vehicles.

The exemption is deliberately narrow. Eligible cars must have collector status and either be insured as collector vehicles or travel fewer than 1000 miles – around 1600km – annually. The legislation is intended for cars used primarily for shows, parades, exhibitions, charitable events and other limited purposes rather than everyday transport.

Four men in business attire stand around a signing desk in a vintage car showroom, with a pink coupe and an orange SUV in the background.
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According to Road & Track, the changes will be introduced progressively from January 1, 2028, initially covering qualifying vehicles at least 35 years old. By January 1, 2033, eligible collector vehicles manufactured before 1986 will be covered.

The legislation follows an earlier attempt to change California’s classic-car emissions rules. Senate Bill 712 stalled in 2025 after reaching the Assembly Appropriations Committee, prompting supporters to return with a more tightly defined proposal. The revised bill added restrictions intended to ensure exemptions were confined to genuine collector vehicles driven sparingly.

Leno, whose extensive collection and television programs have made him one of America’s most recognisable automotive enthusiasts, has been a prominent supporter of the campaign alongside the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

California says the changes seek to acknowledge the historic value of older vehicles without broadly dismantling the state’s emissions requirements.

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Newsom also used the Burbank event to sign two other pieces of automotive legislation. Assembly Bill 2541 establishes a specialised licence plate recognising California’s lowrider culture, with proceeds supporting youth engagement and related arts and cultural programs.

Senate Bill 1069, meanwhile, is intended to accelerate California’s approval process for manufacturers seeking permission to sell aftermarket vehicle components.

For California’s classic-car community, however, SB 1392 represents the biggest change. Rather than shifting to a rolling exemption for all older cars, it creates a limited pathway for lightly used collector vehicles from an era that previously remained subject to regular emissions inspections.