From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, left, recently met with Jay Leno in support of SB 712, known as Leno's Law.
Next week, on Tuesday, April 8, California Senate Transportation Committee members will consider Senate Bill (SB) 712—better known as Leno's Law—which seeks to exempt collector motor vehicles at least 35 model years old from the biennial smog check program. Introduced by Senator Shannon Grove, this critical legislation is sponsored by renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno and supported by SEMA.
Looking to support this important cause? Click here to send a letter to your lawmakers.
SB 712 would provide a rolling exemption for collector vehicles, incorporating new classics such as JDM, early '80s muscle and European cars. This exemption is crucial as it addresses the challenges classic car owners face, including the difficulty and expense of finding smog stations equipped to test older vehicles. Currently, only 7% of California smog checks are performed on pre-OBD II vehicles, and many STAR-certified stations test fewer than one of these vehicles per day. Classic cars are typically driven only on special occasions, weekends and car shows, minimizing their environmental impact compared to daily-driven vehicles.
Leno, a lifelong collector and advocate for automotive culture, is backing the bill as its official sponsor.
"California's rich classic car culture, sparked by the post-war hot rod boom and boosted by Hollywood's love for chrome and horsepower, has made it a paradise for enthusiasts like me," said Leno. "California's smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated—they vary too much from state to state, and California's rules don't match up with neighboring ones. Our classic cars are only driven for special occasions, weekend drives and car shows. I am excited to work with Senator Grove on SB 712 to make it simpler for us to preserve these pieces of history."
SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola strongly supported the bill, highlighting its significance to the classic car community and the specialty automotive aftermarket industry.
"SEMA is proud to support SB 712. Senator Grove's bill provides a practical solution for collector vehicle owners, allowing them to enjoy their passion without the burden of unnecessary regulations," said Spagnola. "These vehicles are rarely driven, meticulously maintained and represent only a fraction of the cars on the road."
SEMA, based in Diamond Bar, represents approximately 1,066 member businesses in California. This thriving aftermarket industry significantly contributes to California's economy, generating $40.44 billion in economic impact, supporting 149,325 jobs, $13.47 billion in wages and benefits, and $6.16 billion in taxes.
For more information on how to support SB 712 and to stay updated on its progress, sign up to be a SEMA Action Member or contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.