By Steven Symes 
The California Legislature is pumping the brakes on Jay Leno’s classic cars bill which would help them be exempt from smog checks. In its original form, Bill SB 712, what some had dubbed “Leno’s Law,” would have meant cars 35 years and older wouldn’t be subjected to a smog test every two years to maintain their registration.
Car thieves have a cheap tool to steal Toyotas with ease.
Raining on the parade are health groups who genuinely think there are mass amounts of Californians who would be driving around in old junkers to the extent it would result in far worse pollution. These are the same people with a ruler measuring the height of your front lawn.
Because those groups have powerful lobbyists in Sacramento, state lawmakers have bowed to their wishes, trimming back Leno’s Law. Before it left committee for the Senate floor, two amendments were added, restricting what classic cars would be exempt from smog checks, reports Santa Cruz Sentinel.
State Sen. Aisha Wahab, a Democrat from Fremont who voted no on the bill in committee was highly critical of the exemptions, even with the amendments. “Clean air is a necessity. Collecting cars is a hobby. I do not support rolling back progress on a public health issue we have spent decades trying to improve.”
The first amendment says a vehicle would have to be 35 years or older and have a historical license plate. That means owners must shell out an additional $25 beyond regular state registration fees. It also means that under state law the car can “only be driven in historical exhibitions, parades or historic vehicle club activities.”
On top of that, the second amendment says owners must carry collector car insurance for the vehicle, which sets restrictions on how many miles the vehicle can be driven in a year. The whole point is there’s paranoia that this law would see old clunkers be driven daily, filling California cities with more smog.
We’re just not surprised by this development. After all, whenever us gearheads try to have fun, some health or environmental Karens inevitably come along and try ruining it. They get our tracks closed, complain if exhausts aren’t whisper-quiet, and try to portray every car enthusiast as a criminal who doesn’t contribute to society.
Sadly, California used to be one of the best places for the car hobby. But as the state government has exerted increasing control over all aspects of life there, many enthusiasts have fled the state for greener pastures. We wonder if Leno’s Bill will be changed further and if it will even pass.
Image via Jay Leno’s Garage/YouTube
[…] this year, Jay Leno stepped in to help push for a bill that would eliminate smog checks for classic cars in California. Now that bill is moving to the […]