Support continues to build for California’s proposed collector vehicle legislation known as Leno’s Law, as automotive enthusiasts, cultural organizations and preservation advocates from both the United States and abroad rally behind the measure.
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Senate Bill 1392, authored by Sen. Dave Cortese with Sen. Shannon Grove serving as a principal coauthor, recently advanced out of the California Senate with bipartisan backing. The proposal, sponsored by television personality Jay Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), is now under consideration in the California Assembly as it awaits committee referral.
The legislation seeks to update California’s emissions testing requirements for qualifying collector vehicles through a phased approach. Under the proposal, certain older vehicles would become eligible for a smog-check exemption pathway, beginning with models built before 1981. The eligibility window would gradually expand through 2032 to include vehicles manufactured before the 1986 model year. Existing exemptions for pre-1976 vehicles would remain unchanged.
As the bill moves forward, supporters say the conversation extends beyond emissions testing and touches on cultural preservation, automotive heritage and the future of enthusiast communities throughout California.
One of the strongest recent demonstrations of support has come from California’s lowrider community. More than 1,700 letters backing the legislation have been submitted, reflecting broad enthusiasm among builders, restorers, clubs and businesses connected to the lowrider movement. Advocates argue that the proposal would help preserve a longstanding automotive tradition while supporting the specialized trades and craftsmanship that keep classic vehicles on the road.
The measure has also attracted international attention. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s International Historical Commission has formally expressed support for the legislation, emphasizing California’s dual role as a leader in environmental policy and automotive culture. The organization views the proposal as a measured approach that seeks to balance air quality objectives with the preservation of historically significant vehicles.
Supporters note that the bill is intentionally limited in scope and designed specifically for collector vehicles rather than daily transportation. They contend the legislation addresses a growing challenge faced by owners of older vehicles as emissions testing infrastructure becomes increasingly difficult to access and maintain.
Backers of SB 1392 also argue that collector vehicles represent an important part of California’s cultural identity and automotive history. They believe preserving these vehicles helps connect future generations with the craftsmanship, engineering and community traditions that have shaped car culture for decades.
As lawmakers continue evaluating the proposal, supporters from local car clubs to international preservation organizations are making the case that Leno’s Law represents a practical solution for safeguarding automotive heritage while maintaining California’s broader environmental goals.