California is heading into 2027 with a long list of new laws and rule changes that will affect everyday life, from what we drive to how we use our homes and public spaces. Staying up to date is becoming increasingly important, especially when a new law could affect something you already own.
For classic-car enthusiasts, one recently signed measure is particularly worth noting: California’s new “Leno’s Law” expands the state’s smog-check exemption for certain older collector vehicles.
What is California’s new “Leno” law?
California already exempts vehicles made before the 1976 model year from its regular smog-check requirements, meaning they generally do not have to undergo the state’s emissions inspection. Starting January 1st, 2027, the new law expands that exemption to qualifying collector vehicles from 1976 through 1985, but the change will be phased in over several years.
According to CBS, the change will be phased in by model year rather than taking effect all at once:
- 🚘 2028: qualifying vehicles from model years 1976–1980 become exempt
- 🚘 2029: 1981 models are added
- 🚘 2030: 1982 models are added
- 🚘 2031: 1983 models are added
- 🚘 2032: 1984 models are added
- 🚘 2033: 1985 models are added
Which vehicles qualify for the new exemption?
The exemption is specifically aimed at collector vehicles, rather than older cars used as everyday transportation. To qualify, a vehicle must meet California’s collector-vehicle requirements and either be insured as a collector vehicle or, through the mileage pathway, be driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year.
The law is designed for vehicles preserved for limited use, including car shows, parades and exhibitions. That means simply owning a 1978 or 1985 car won’t automatically make it exempt. The vehicle still has to meet the eligibility requirements established under the new law.
The first exemptions don’t begin until January 1, 2028, so California classic-car owners still need to follow the current smog rules for now.
So, what does Jay Leno have to do with it?
Quite a lot. The law is named after Jay Leno, the longtime car collector who has spent years advocating for changes to California’s smog rules for classic vehicles.
Leno supported an earlier proposal in 2025 that would have created a broader rolling exemption for collector cars at least 35 years old. That measure did not become law, but the effort returned with a narrower version focused on specific model years and limited-use collector vehicles.
Leno also served as a prominent public supporter of the new measure, and the legislation was signed at Jay Leno’s Garage in Burbank, where his extensive collection of classic and unusual vehicles is housed.
