Leno’s Law, an effort in California to expand what is considered a classic or collector car in the state, has run into more than a few speed bumps along the way. Now in its second attempt after being rejected by lawmakers last year, the bill has some backers that are on TV even more than Jay himself. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile is on board, with its leadership promoting the new bill and that second attempt.
Lawmakers, Car Fans Want To Fix Collector Car Law
1980–1988 AMC EagleAmerican Motors Corporation
Senate Bill 1392 was introduced by California State Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove. It was a rewording of Bill 712 that was voted down last year, but the goal is the same.
In California, the line in the legal sand for what makes a collector car hasn’t changed in 20 years. Since that time, it has been stuck at model year 1975, meaning cars and trucks 1976 and newer have to undergo emissions testing and have all of their factory equipment. That’s tough for a car that’s now 50 years old.
The FIA backs the new version of the law, which would immediately jump the year to 1981 and slowly move it to 1985. That would exempt those vehicles from emissions testing and some other hard-to-maintain requirements for more modern vehicles.
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Even slowly moving the target to 1985 means those affected are still some seriously old vehicles. The new bill also requires them to actually be collector cars, so no daily transportation. The cars must have collector insurance in order to qualify.
‘Thoughtful And Balanced’ Says FIA
1985 Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTIVolkswagen
“California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture,” Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA’s secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism said in a written statement. “SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California’s cultural and economic fabric.”
Comedian and noted car collector Jay Leno has been a sponsor of both bills. That and some wonderful alliteration is why the bills have gotten his name, but this time it also has more support from the rest of the car community.
“Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno’s Law is about protecting those who keep these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love,” said Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind. Other noted supporters include aftermarket vehicle trade group the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).
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The bill has recently passed the state’s senate. Now it is under consideration by the State Assembly and is waiting for a referral to committee for debate.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters
Preserving automotive history isn’t just for car enthusiasts. Keeping classic vehicles on the road can educate future generations on the progress of technology through what’s arguably the most important period of automobile evolution since cars were invented. In many cases, it’s simply impossible to repair or maintain some of these vehicles to specific factory specifications, even if emissions equipment is still used.
Allowing exemptions with restrictions for collector use is a reasonable step to keep these aging “modern classics” alive for generations young and old to enjoy, appreciate, and learn from.
Source: SEMA
