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Newsom Signs Bill Expanding California Classic Car Smog Exemptions

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 2:53 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Newsom Signs Smog Exemptions

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392, expanding California smog exemptions for classic cars.
The exemption starts Jan. 1 2028 for collector vehicles from model years 1976-1980.
Each year adds the next model year, reaching 1985 models by 2033.
Republican Sen. Shannon Grove introduced the bill, gaining later support from Democrat Dave Cortese.
Car collector Jay Leno lobbied legislators and is credited with persuading the governor to sign the law.

Summary

Gonzalez Introduces Lowrider Plate

Environmental groups condemned the smog exemption, saying early-1980s cars emit over 100 times more pollutants than modern vehicles.
Will Barrett of the American Lung Association warned the law could worsen asthma rates in low-income neighborhoods.
Assembly Bill 2541 creates a specialty lowrider license plate honoring Latino artistry and cultural identity.
Assembly Member Mark González authored AB 2541, calling lowriding “cultura, art, family, and Chicano pride.”

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Newsom Signs Smog Exemptions

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392, expanding California smog exemptions for classic cars.
The exemption starts Jan. 1 2028 for collector vehicles from model years 1976-1980.
Each year adds the next model year, reaching 1985 models by 2033.
Republican Sen. Shannon Grove introduced the bill, gaining later support from Democrat Dave Cortese.
Car collector Jay Leno lobbied legislators and is credited with persuading the governor to sign the law.

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