Full Breakdown
Governor Newsom Signs “Leno’s Law” and Lowrider License Plate Bill
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Classic-Car Smog Exemption Enacted
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392, “Leno’s Law,” at Jay Leno’s garage in Burbank. The law creates a phased exemption from California’s biennial smog-check program for qualifying collector vehicles built between 1976 and 1985. To qualify, owners must carry collector-car insurance or demonstrate fewer than 1,000 miles driven per year. The exemption begins January 1, 2028 for cars manufactured before 1981 and expands one model year annually until January 1, 2033, when cars built before 1986 are covered. The governor also signed Assembly Bill 2541, establishing a specialty license plate that honors California’s lowrider heritage.
Background & Context
California’s smog-check program, in effect since the 1970s, requires biennial emissions testing for gasoline-powered vehicles from the 1976 model year onward. Classic-car owners argued the requirement is costly and difficult for pre-OBD II vehicles that are driven only occasionally. After an earlier version stalled in 2025, Senators Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) and Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) re-filed the measure as SB 1392 on February 20, 2026. The bill received bipartisan support and lobbying from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and the classic-car community.
Legislative Details and Timeline
- February 20, 2026 – Senators Cortese and Grove introduce SB 1392.
- January 1, 2028 – Exemption takes effect for collector cars built before 1981.
- January 1, 2033 – Full exemption reaches cars built before 1986.
- Additional legislation signed: Senate Bill 1069, which streamlines state approval for aftermarket parts.
Data & Statistics
- The exemption applies to a “very small share” of California’s vehicle fleet, according to the governor’s office.
- Classic-car owners typically face smog-check costs of up to $200 and wait times of up to eight months.
- California now has 216,445 publicly available EV charging ports and more than 20,000 DC fast chargers.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Newsom said the measures balance cultural preservation with environmental goals, noting California can protect clean air while recognizing historic collector vehicles. Senator Cortese called the exemption “carefully limited” and praised its focus on low-use, preserved cars. Assemblymember Mark González highlighted the lowrider plate as recognition of Chicano and Latino cultural expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Governor stuck with this legislation through the last couple of years to preserve California’s classic car heritage, and that’s rare,” — Jay Leno
- “These bills protect a treasured part of California culture, giving car owners a way to preserve these pieces of history for generations to come,” — Governor Newsom
- “Lowriding is more than a car; it is cultura, it is art, it’s family, and it is a powerful expression of Chicano and Latino pride,” — Assemblymember González
Why It Matters
The legislation shows California’s effort to reconcile its zero-emission vehicle agenda with automotive heritage. By limiting the exemption to low-use collector cars, the state aims to maintain progress toward clean-transportation targets—evidenced by 2.5 million electric-vehicle sales and a growing charging network—while addressing a long-standing grievance from classic-car enthusiasts. The lowrider license plate further acknowledges the cultural significance of a vehicle style rooted in California’s Latino communities.
What’s Next
- The California DMV will oversee the phased exemption, verifying insurance and mileage documentation.
- The specialty lowrider plate will become available to eligible owners through standard registration.
- Ongoing monitoring will assess the exemption’s impact on emissions, with officials indicating the limited scope should keep overall trends on track.