CAL.Regulation
California extends smog-check exemption to collector cars through the 1985 model year
California signed Senate Bill 1392 on September 16, 2026. The law phases in biennial smog-check exemptions for collector motor vehicles meeting Vehicle Code section 259 criteria, extending eligibility from pre-1976 vehicles to pre-1986 model years by 2033. The exemption phases in one model year at a time beginning January 1, 2028, for pre-1981 vehicles. Older collector cars at least 35 model years old gain partial test exemptions if insured as collectors and meeting emissions standards.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · CarBuzz
Key points
- Senate Bill 1392 amends Health & Safety Code §44011; signed September 16, 2026; in force January 1, 2027.California Legislative InformationCarBuzz
- The smog-check exemption phases in: pre-1981 models in 2028, adding one model year annually through pre-1986 in 2033.California Legislative Information
- Vehicles must meet Vehicle Code §259 collector criteria; pre-1976 exemptions remain unchanged.California Legislative InformationCarBuzz
- Collector cars at least 35 model years old, insured as collectors, gain exemptions from portions of the smog test.California Legislative Information
- The bill, dubbed 'Leno's Law' for comedian Jay Leno's advocacy, was signed at his garage.CarBuzz
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
CarBuzz