A California legislative effort that would have protected classic car owners from certain emissions-related restrictions failed to advance, delivering a setback to enthusiasts who had lobbied for an exemption that would have allowed older vehicles to operate with fewer regulatory barriers.
The bill, which supporters had nicknamed in honor of Jay Leno given his prominent advocacy for classic car preservation, was opposed by environmental groups who argued that any rollback of emissions enforcement standards set a problematic precedent regardless of the vehicles involved.
Classic cars represent a tiny fraction of total vehicle miles traveled and an equally small portion of aggregate emissions. Proponents of the exemption argued that the practical environmental impact was negligible while the regulatory burden on hobbyists was disproportionate.
California’s emissions framework has long been a source of tension for the state’s historically vibrant car culture. Restrictions that apply evenly to daily commuters and weekend-driven classics have frustrated owners who view vintage vehicle preservation as a legitimate cultural and historical activity.
Supporters of the exemption bill said they would continue pursuing legislative and regulatory avenues to protect classic car ownership in California despite the current setback.
Unlike most folks, Jay can afford to pack up his entire inventory and move his operation out of the state.
This isn’t an aggressive push on our beloved hobby. This is authoritarianism writ large. Another message being sent loud and clear that the non-woke are unwelcome here. But then again, since the numbers of law enforcement officers have dwindled so precipitously under the same woke rulership, the odds of being stopped and fined for expired tags on your vintage car that failed its smog check are about as likely as being struck by lightning. F ’em. Vintage car owners in California can thumb their noses at the smog “law” just like all the other Californicators already do with a million other much more critical unenforced laws. Take illegal immigration for instance.