A renewed effort to ease emissions requirements for older vehicles is gaining traction in California, as lawmakers introduce a revised bill backed by automotive enthusiast Jay Leno.
The proposal, known as Senate Bill 1392, follows the failure of a previous measure that sought to expand smog check exemptions for classic vehicles. The earlier bill advanced through several legislative stages but was ultimately halted in August 2025. Lawmakers have now returned with updated language they believe improves the chances of approval.
Introduced in February 2026, the new bill retains much of the structure of its predecessor while adding clearer limitations on how exempt vehicles can be used. Under the revised proposal, qualifying cars would need to be at least several decades old, with eligibility extending to model years as recent as 1986 if the measure takes effect. The exemption would apply beginning in 2027 and remain in place through 2032.
A key change in the new version is the requirement that exempt vehicles not serve as primary transportation. Instead, they must be reserved for limited uses such as exhibitions, parades, and other events tied to preservation and display. This adjustment aims to address concerns raised during earlier legislative debates.
Supporters argue that maintaining older vehicles under current emissions regulations has become increasingly difficult. Fewer facilities are equipped to test aging cars, and specialized inspections can involve extended wait times and higher costs compared to standard smog checks. These challenges have fueled calls for updated policies that reflect how infrequently many classic cars are driven.
Leno, known for maintaining a large and diverse vehicle collection, has been a vocal advocate for such changes. His support has helped bring attention to the issue, particularly among collectors and hobbyists who face logistical hurdles in keeping vintage vehicles compliant with current regulations.
The bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee in early March, with lawmakers encouraging public feedback ahead of an April hearing. Observers note that California often sets the tone for emissions policy nationwide, raising the possibility that similar legislation could emerge in other states if the measure succeeds.
While the outcome remains uncertain, proponents believe the revised approach offers a more balanced framework for preserving automotive history while maintaining environmental oversight.
