California’s car culture was buzzing when Jay Leno’s Law (Senate Bill 712) was proposed. The bill promised to ease the burden on classic car collectors by reducing smog requirements — but it ultimately didn’t pass. 

In this episode of Noble6 Talks, Ed and Rich break down what the law was, why it mattered, and what could still happen in the future. 

What Was Jay Leno’s Law? 

Senate Bill 712 (SB712) was introduced to exempt collector cars 35 years and older from California’s strict biennial smog checks. 

• Owners wouldn’t need smog certification when first registering these older vehicles. 

• It was backed by Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield and gained momentum once Jay Leno publicly supported it. 

• The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the wider automotive community also rallied behind it. 

Despite the support, the bill failed to pass in its current form. 

Why Collectors Pushed for the Law 

Classic cars are not daily drivers. They’re usually reserved for car shows, short trips, or tucked away in garages under covers. Owners argued it was unfair to impose the same smog standards on these vehicles as modern cars. 

• Maintenance hurdles: Parts are hard to find for vehicles 35+ years old, and smog equipment isn’t always compatible. 

• Higher costs: Smog checks for older cars often run $100 or more compared to $40 for newer cars. 

• Limited impact: The number of collector cars on California roads is small, making their environmental footprint negligible. 

Jay Leno’s Influence 

Jay Leno isn’t just a comedian — he’s a serious car collector with a collection valued between $50–100 million. He also owns more than 160 vintage motorcycles. His deep roots in California’s car culture helped elevate SB712, giving it momentum in committees and across the industry. 

Why the Bill Failed 

Despite strong backing, opposition raised concerns: 

• Requiring collector plates and special insurance added new costs. 

• Regulators argued exemptions could create loopholes. 

• California’s emissions standards remain some of the strictest in the nation, and lawmakers were hesitant to weaken them. 

For now, California’s exemption remains limited to 1975 and older vehicles, leaving 1976–1980 models and beyond subject to full smog checks. 

What Happens Next? 

Ed and Rich believe this isn’t the end. With California’s rich car culture and strong collector community, pressure will likely continue: 

• Other states already offer collector car exemptions. 

• Groups like SEMA continue to advocate for relief. 

• Lawmakers who are themselves car enthusiasts may reintroduce similar bills. 

As Ed and Rich point out, California’s climate helps preserve these vehicles, and they’re an important part of American automotive heritage. Supporting collectors, rather than penalizing them, may gain traction again in future sessions. 

Final Thoughts 

Jay Leno’s Law may not have passed this time, but the fight for classic car exemptions isn’t over. Collectors, industry groups, and enthusiasts will likely continue pushing to align regulations with common sense — protecting the environment while also honoring California’s automotive history. 

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