California Bids Farewell to Leno's Law
California's Classic Car Smog Check Bill Fails
A bill proposed by Republican Senator Shannon Grove and comedian-turned-car enthusiast Jay Leno, aiming to permanently exempt vehicles aged 35 years and older from California's biennial smog check, has met its end in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The bill, known as "Leno's Law," faced opposition from critics who argued it could harm the environment, reduce smog check revenue, and incur millions in state costs. Opponents also saw the risk of California compromising its strict climate goals.
The debate between environmental protection and car culture has been a long-standing issue in California. The proposed law would have exempted classic cars from smog checks upon a change of ownership, provided the cars were insured as "collector vehicles" and displayed a special "historical vehicle" license plate.
Supporters of the bill, including numerous car clubs and the California Automotive Wholesalers' Association, saw it as a means to preserve "rolling pieces of history." They viewed the rejection of the bill as a missed opportunity.
Since 2005, only vehicles up to the 1975 model year are exempt from smog tests in California due to the state's desire to ensure the long-term functionality of emission control devices like catalytic converters. Classic cars, although rarely driven, do not meet modern emission standards.
Critics also cited potential additional personnel needs for the California Air Resources Board. They argued that the law could lead to increased costs for the state, outweighing any potential benefits.
The failure of the bill does not change the state's existing rule regarding smog checks for classic cars. Therefore, anyone driving a classic car from the 1976 model year and newer must get a biennial smog check.
As of now, there is no current information about an active initiative to repeal smog inspections for vehicles from 1976 and earlier in California. Jay Leno's bid to relax smog check regulations for classic cars has failed, maintaining the status quo in California's emission control policies for these vehicles.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
