SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Owners of vintage vehicles in California could soon see relief from stringent smog-check regulations that make owning newer classic cars more challenging. Senate Bill 712, currently under consideration, aims to amend the state’s existing vehicle emissions laws to exempt classic cars that are 35 years old or older.
The legislation, spearheaded by State Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, seeks to reinstate a rolling exemption, which has not been updated since 2005. As it stands now, only vehicles from the 1975 model year or earlier are exempt from smog checks. The proposed change would not only extend the exemption to newer classic cars but would also require these vehicles to be bona fide classics insured specifically as collectible items, not intended for daily transportation.
Grove’s bill has gained unexpected support from prominent comedian and renowned car collector Jay Leno, who met the senator at a charity event. Their mutual appreciation for classic cars led to Leno endorsing the bill, which Grove has affectionately nicknamed “Leno’s Law.”
Beyond the celebrity backing, the bill addresses practical issues that classic car dealers and collectors face. Jeff Romm, sales manager at Corvette Mike in Anaheim, a dealership specializing in Corvettes and other classic cars for over four decades, highlighted the challenges. He noted that the emissions systems on vehicles from the late ’70s and ’80s are often missing or malfunctioning due to age and previous modifications, making compliance with current smog-check requirements difficult and expensive.
For instance, one of the cars on the dealership’s lot, a 1980 Corvette with a rare L82 engine, must undergo biennial smog checks if sold in California, a requirement that could be waived should Senate Bill 712 pass.
However, the bill faces potential opposition from environmental groups in the state, known for stringent environmental policies. Grove, however, argues that the impact of exempting classic cars would be minimal, pointing out that these vehicles constitute a small fraction of the total vehicles on the road and are driven sparingly.
Despite potential hurdles, the bill has garnered bipartisan support within the legislature, many of whom are classic car enthusiasts themselves and understand the cultural and historical significance of preserving such vehicles.
The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Senate Transportation Committee in April. If it clears this stage, it will move to the full Senate and subsequently to the Assembly. The final approval would come from Gov. Gavin Newsom, giving the bill the chance to be implemented.
Senate Bill 712 symbolizes a pivotal moment for car collectors and the preservation of automotive history, balancing environmental concerns with cultural heritage.
Various paths lie ahead for this legislative effort, reflecting broader debates about the intersection of environmental policy and cultural preservation. As it winds its way through the legislative process, stakeholders from multiple sectors will likely weigh in, shaping the future of classic car ownership in California.
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