California Smog Check Requirements for Classic Cars Under Fire
Classic cars in California have long been a symbol of the state’s rich automotive culture, but their preservation and enjoyment are now under threat from the current smog check requirements. A Senate bill, known as Leno’s Law, aims to exempt classic cars from these requirements, and Senator Shannon Grove has introduced the bill with the support of renowned car collector and comedian Jay Leno.
The Impact of Smog Check Requirements on Classic Car Enthusiasts
Estimates suggest that classic cars make up less than 1% of California’s registered vehicles, but they are a significant part of the state’s car culture. According to SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, classic vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and are already well-maintained. The current smog check requirements, however, impose a significant burden on these vehicles, which are often rare and valuable.
- Classic cars are driven occasionally, not daily, and are already well-maintained.
- Smog check requirements impose a significant burden on these vehicles.
- Classic cars are a significant part of California’s car culture.
Jay Leno’s Support for Leno’s Law
Jay Leno, a well-known car enthusiast and comedian, has given his wholehearted support to the bill. He believes that the current smog check requirements are too restrictive and will drive car enthusiasts out of California. Leno has stated that he wants to preserve the state’s rich car culture and the communities that come with it.
“California helped invent car culture—from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell the story,” said Leno. “SB-712 is about keeping that story alive. These vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and it just makes sense to treat them differently.”
The Economic Benefits of Preserving California’s Car Culture
Senator Grove’s desire to update the current smog law was rooted in recognition that the specialty market of the classic car industry is a boon to California’s economy. A release from Grove’s office outlined the significant economic benefits of the industry, including:
- $40.44 billion for California’s economy
- 149,325 jobs
- $13.47 billion in wages and benefits
- $6.16 billion in taxes to the state
Preserving California’s Car Culture
Both Grove and Leno believe that what happened to create California’s car culture should stay in California. They are concerned that if the industry vacates the state, it will lead to a loss of the unique car culture that California is famous for.
“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,” stated 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.”
A Plea to Preserve California’s Car Culture
Jay Leno has a strong plea for the preservation of California’s car culture:
“We (California) have the hot rod culture; all the people come here; all the design studios, Toyota and Nissan, everybody, Hyundai, they all have design studios in California, because this is where the new ideas come from,” said Leno. “When Lee Iaconcoca worked on the early Mustang, he had the horse turned west, because that’s where the good ideas were, and they’re still here. But to see all these ideas leave and to go to Texas and all these other places because it’s easier to do business… I don’t want to see the hot rod, or the mechanical interests, leave California the way the film business did.”
Next Steps for Leno’s Law
The bill is set for a hearing on April 21, and both Grove and Leno are optimistic about its prospects. They believe that the proposed legislation will have a significant impact on the car enthusiast community and will help to preserve California’s car culture.
| Next Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Senate Hearing | The bill will be heard in a Senate committee on April 21. |
| Vote | The bill will be voted on by the Senate. |
| Implementation | If the bill passes, the new laws will take effect. |
The Future of California’s Car Culture
The future of California’s car culture is uncertain, but with the support of Senator Shannon Grove and Jay Leno, there is hope that the proposed legislation will help to preserve this unique aspect of the state’s identity. As the bill moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it will impact the car enthusiast community and the economy. One thing is certain, however, California’s car culture is a valuable part of its heritage and should be protected for future generations.