Why Did California Reject the Rolling 35-Year Smog Check Exemption?
California’s car culture is legendary, but for classic car owners, the state’s strict emissions rules can feel like a never-ending headache. Senate Bill 712, also known as Leno’s Law, was supposed to change that. The bill aimed to introduce a rolling exemption from smog checks for vehicles 35 years or older, making it easier for enthusiasts to keep their vintage rides on the road. But on August 29, the Assembly Appropriations Committee put the brakes on the proposal, leaving the current 1976 cutoff in place.
So, why did this seemingly modest change get shot down? The answer comes down to a tug-of-war between car lovers and environmental advocates. While supporters argued that classic cars make up less than one percent of California’s 13 million registered vehicles—and therefore have a negligible impact on air quality—environmental groups like the American Lung Association saw the bill as a slippery slope. They worried that even a small rollback could undermine decades of progress in fighting smog and protecting public health.
Who Supported Leno’s Law—and Who Opposed It?
The push for SB712 had some high-profile backers. Senator Shannon Grove led the charge, joined by car enthusiast and TV host Jay Leno, as well as the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Their argument was simple: for owners of older, non-OBDII vehicles, the smog check process is cumbersome, expensive, and often unnecessary. Many of these cars are weekend cruisers or showpieces, not daily drivers.
On the other side, environmental groups and public health advocates dug in their heels. They pointed out that California’s air quality challenges are far from solved, especially in cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield, which consistently rank among the worst in the nation for ozone and particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air report. Even if classic cars are few in number, opponents argued, every bit of pollution matters in the fight for cleaner air.
What Would the Rolling Exemption Have Changed for Classic Car Owners?
Under current law, only vehicles built before 1976 are exempt from biennial smog checks. That means a 1977 Chevy or a 1985 Mustang still has to pass emissions testing every two years, often requiring specialized equipment and extra hassle. Leno’s Law would have created a rolling exemption, so each year, another model year would become eligible for the exemption as it turned 35.
For many hobbyists, this would have been a game-changer. Imagine restoring a 1990s Japanese sports car or a classic American truck—only to find that registering it in California is a bureaucratic nightmare. The rolling exemption promised to ease that burden, letting more enthusiasts enjoy their cars without jumping through hoops.
Why Did Environmental Groups Say No?
It’s easy to see why classic car fans are frustrated, but the environmental argument isn’t just hand-waving. California has spent decades battling smog, and the state’s aggressive emissions standards have played a huge role in improving air quality. According to the California Air Resources Board, smog-forming emissions from passenger vehicles have dropped by more than 90% since the 1970s. Loosening those standards, even for a small group, raised red flags for groups focused on public health and climate goals.
There’s also the precedent factor. If lawmakers start carving out exemptions for one group, what’s to stop others from demanding similar treatment? That’s a slippery slope environmentalists weren’t willing to risk.
Could Federal Legislation Change the Game?
Here’s where things get interesting. While California’s bill is dead for now, a new federal proposal could upend the entire debate. H.R. 4117, the Fuel Emissions Freedom Act, was introduced in Congress in June 2025. If passed, it would strip both federal and state governments—including California—of the authority to set vehicle emissions and fuel economy standards.
That’s a seismic shift. In effect, it could nullify California’s unique smog rules and open the door for more lenient policies nationwide. Of course, the bill faces an uphill battle, with strong opposition expected from environmental groups and states’ rights advocates. But it’s a reminder that the fight over emissions standards is far from settled—and what happens in Washington could have ripple effects for car owners across the country.
What’s Next for Classic Car Enthusiasts in California?
For now, the status quo remains. If your car was built after 1976, you’re still on the hook for regular smog checks. That’s a tough pill to swallow for many, especially as more vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s become collectible. Some owners are exploring alternative registration options, like historic or show car plates, but these come with their own restrictions and requirements.
There’s also a growing movement to retrofit classic cars with cleaner engines or even electric powertrains. It’s not a solution for everyone—purists may balk—but it’s one way to keep beloved vehicles on the road while meeting modern emissions standards.
The big takeaway? Navigating California’s classic car rules isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether that means joining an advocacy group, exploring cleaner tech, or just staying informed, small steps can make a real impact for enthusiasts and the environment alike.