California's Automotive Heritage Revs Up: Governor Newsom Enacts Landmark Car Culture Bills

It was a truly momentous Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as California Governor Gavin Newsom chose the legendary Jay Leno's Garage in Burbank as the backdrop for signing a trio of bills that are set to delight car enthusiasts across the Golden State. It felt like a real celebration of automotive passion, you know, a nod to the very heart of California's diverse car culture.

Leading the charge was the much-anticipated SB 1392, now affectionately known as "Jay Leno's Law." This particular piece of legislation, co-authored by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), addresses a long-standing concern for owners of classic vehicles. For years, cars manufactured between 1976 and 1985 have faced increasingly stringent smog check requirements, making it tough to keep these historical beauties on the road. But no more, at least not in the same way!

"Jay Leno's Law" is all about preserving California's rich classic car heritage. It creates a phased-in smog check exemption for qualifying collector vehicles from that specific era. Now, to be clear, this isn't a free-for-all; vehicles must either be insured specifically as collector vehicles or, alternatively, driven less than 1,000 miles per year, clearly indicating their purpose as occasional cruisers rather than daily commuters. The exemption for cars made before 1981 kicks off on January 1, 2028, with full implementation by 2033. It’s a carefully considered approach, building on previous efforts, like the less successful SB 712, to finally get this done.

Of course, some might worry about the environmental impact. And it's a fair question, right? Air quality expert Michael Kleeman, however, points out that while older vehicles can emit more pollution, the overall impact on statewide emissions from these qualifying collector cars is quite minor – we're talking about less than 1% of registered vehicles. So, it seems like a reasonable compromise to preserve a passion.

But the day wasn't just about classic muscle and vintage cruisers. Governor Newsom also signed AB 2541, a truly exciting development for California's vibrant lowrider community. Authored by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), this bill establishes a specialized lowrider license plate program, a fantastic way to formally recognize and honor California's unique lowrider heritage. This culture, deeply rooted in Latino artistry, cultural identity, and civic pride, deserves this kind of recognition. What's even better? Proceeds from the program will directly support youth engagement and other related arts and cultural initiatives. It’s a wonderful follow-up to AB 436 from 2023, which finally legalized lowrider cruising, so the momentum is clearly building!

And let's not forget SB 1069, another important bill signed that day. Backed by SEMA, this legislation aims to simplify the process of selling aftermarket emissions-related products here in California. It's another win for car modifiers and enthusiasts, making it easier to customize and enhance their vehicles within regulatory guidelines.

All in all, that Wednesday at Jay Leno's Garage felt like a significant moment. These new laws aren't just about paperwork; they truly reflect a deeper appreciation for the diverse and passionate automotive cultures that thrive throughout California. It's about respecting history, celebrating identity, and, let's be honest, keeping some incredible cars on the road for all of us to admire.