California Rejects Jay Leno-Backed SB 712 — Classic Cars in Sonoma Still Need Smog Checks
California lawmakers rejected Senate Bill 712, backed by Jay Leno, which would have exempted pre‑1981 classic gasoline cars from biennial smog checks; the bill stalled over budget and air‑quality concerns, so most collector vehicles still require testing.
- Senate Bill 712 (SB 712) — sponsored by Sen. Shannon Grove and backed publicly by Jay Leno — would have exempted qualifying pre‑1981 gasoline vehicles.
- California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check — current law requires smog checks for model year 1976 and newer; 1975 and older remain exempt.
- Outcome: The bill passed the Senate and an Assembly committee but was stopped in the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s suspense file due to budget and air‑quality modeling costs.
Background: how California got here
California once used a rolling exemption that advanced the testing cutoff as vehicles aged. That rule ended in 2006 and the state set a fixed cutoff at 1975. SB 712 sought to restore a limited, targeted rolling‑style exemption for properly registered collector vehicles only.
Legislative path and why it failed
SB 712 cleared the full Senate and moved through an Assembly committee, but it was placed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s “suspense file.” State agencies warned updates to emissions modeling and pollution plans could cost more than $1 million to implement; lawmakers also noted lost smog‑check and registration revenues.
“The fiscal and air‑quality implications were central to the decision to halt the bill,” said opponents in committee, citing costed modeling and program impacts.
Supporters’ case
Car clubs, restoration shops and collector groups argued SB 712 would protect automotive history and reduce unfair burdens on hobbyists. Supporters noted many vintage cars are driven infrequently, testing can be costly, and modern smog equipment is geared toward newer engines. High‑profile testimony, including from TV host and collector Jay Leno, described how specialty shops and owners face practical and financial barriers.
Opponents’ case
Environmental organizations, air‑quality regulators and some state officials argued the bill would complicate air‑quality planning and reduce revenues that fund smog programs. They warned that exempting a broader set of older vehicles could weaken monitoring tools and set a precedent affecting the smog‑check system’s integrity.
Financial and policy trade‑offs
Lawmakers balanced easing burdens for a small group of hobbyists against protecting funding and regulatory systems tied to air quality. Analysts estimated initial model revisions would exceed $1 million, with ongoing revenue losses thereafter — numbers cited as decisive in the Appropriations Committee.
What this means for car owners
For now, owners of gasoline vehicles from model year 1976 and newer must continue biennial smog checks. Gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older remain exempt under current law. Owners should consult the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check site for exemptions, approved testing locations, and details.
Practical tips:
- Verify model year exemptions before scheduling tests.
- Seek specialty shops experienced with carbureted engines for vintage vehicles.
- Coordinate with local car clubs to find group testing days to lower costs.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Sonoma County’s economy includes restoration shops and hobbyists who work on classic cars. With SB 712 rejected, specialty smog services will remain in demand and local shops that invested in testing tools retain that revenue stream. Politically, the vote highlights the tension between small‑business relief and statewide fiscal and environmental priorities, which may prompt local advocacy for narrower, low‑cost solutions.
Cultural and social effects
Classic‑car events, parades and shows are part of Sonoma’s cultural life. The decision preserves environmental safeguards while leaving room for future targeted fixes that address collector concerns without large fiscal or air‑quality trade‑offs. Local clubs may increase advocacy or organize collective testing options.
Reporting notes and sources
This article draws on coverage and reporting from multiple outlets and official sources, including KFI AM 640, LAist, CalMatters, Japanesenostalgiccar.com, and the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Smog Check page. All original facts, information and source URLs are preserved.
