Jay Leno has authored countless jokes over the years, but now he’s looking to add a law to his writing portfolio as the high-profile backer and namesake of a new Senate Bill in California.
“Leno’s Law”—known more formally as Senate Bill 712—aims to eliminate smog restrictions on classic cars in California. The California Air Resources Board currently requires all vehicles built in 1975 or later to undergo a smog check every two years, measuring its emissions to help maintain clean air quality.
The proposed legislation was announced this week by Republican state Senator Shannon Grove, who authored the bill in partnership with Leno.
“California’s smog check laws for classic cars need to be updated,” Leno said in a statement. “They vary too much from state to state, and California’s rules don’t match up with neighboring ones.”
It’s no huge surprise that Leno would attach his name to such a bill. The former Tonight Show host famously keeps an extensive collection of classic cars and motorcycles. The comedian’s hundreds-deep collection warrants its own facility and staff, has been featured on the various iterations of his series Jay Leno’s Garage, and inspired a “Jay Leno’s Garage” line of products.
Under the terms of Leno’s Law, smog checks would no longer be required for any vehicles 35 years or older if they are insured as a collector car, thereby expanding the exemption threshold from 1975 to 1990.
According to Grove and Leno, updating the emissions law would serve to honor the state’s historic car culture.
“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,” said Leno.
Grove added that the move would alleviate significant frustration in the car community, “allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby without burdensome restrictions that are driving some collectors and industry businesses out of the state.” The current law has affected car owners and automotive businesses alike. Aftermarket parts suppliers are impacted by the current requirements, and vehicle owners have struggled to find shops with equipment that can test cars made before the year 2000.
Leno’s Law will get its first hearing with the Senate Transportation Committee next month.
Oregon has a similar law established several years ago by the Vehicle Inspection Program.