Newsom signs Jay Leno’s law, and approves new lowrider license plate

For decades, classic car lovers in California have been left in limbo as their beloved vehicles are forced off the road because they can't meet the state's modern smog-emission standards.

However, Californians can finally rejoice because on Sept. 16, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392 into law, also known as Jay Leno's Law, which will create a new smog exemption for a selection of collector cars built between 1976 and 1985 that are insured as collector vehicles or driven less than 1,000 miles per year.

Although car enthusiasts have long pushed for such an exemption for older vehicles, momentum for the bill didn't build until Leno, the legendary comedian and automotive collector, backed the effort a few years ago and ultimately helped get it across the finish line in 2026.

To mark the occasion, Newsom joined Leno inside his Burbank garage and signed the law into effect, surrounded by a collection of vintage vehicles and memorabilia. The law is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2028.

"The Governor stuck with this legislation through the last couple of years to preserve California's classic car heritage, and that's rare," Leno said in a statement."The car community has been waiting…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/