Do classic cars need a smog check in California?

Cars from model year 1975 and older do not. Cars from 1976 and newer still do for now, until Lenou2019s Law reaches their model year, starting with qualifying 1976 to 1980 collector cars on January 1, 2028.

What is Lenou2019s Law in California?

Lenou2019s Law, officially Senate Bill 1392, is a recently signed piece of California legislation that exempts qualifying collector vehicles manufactured in model years 1976 to 1985 from smog checks, phased in from 2028 to 2033. It is aimed at hobbyists who drive their vintage cars infrequently for shows and events.

When does Lenou2019s Law take effect?

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it on September 16, 2026, but the new rules will not begin until January 1, 2028. The program phases in slowly, starting with 1976 to 1980 models in 2028, and adding one subsequent model year annually until 1985 models become eligible in 2033.

Which cars are exempt from smog checks in California?

Currently, all gasoline-powered vehicles from model year 1975 and older are exempt. Under the new law, qualifying limited-use collector vehicles from model years 1976 through 1985 will gradually become exempt starting in 2028.

Do I need collector car insurance to qualify for the smog exemption?

Having a dedicated collector car insurance policy is one of two ways to qualify for the upcoming exemption, and the only one available in 2028 and 2029. The other option is driving the vehicle fewer than 1,000 miles per year, which begins January 1, 2030, though the state has not yet established the process to verify that mileage.

Does Lenou2019s Law apply to my daily driver?

No. The legislation strictly requires the vehicle to meet the definition of a collector motor vehicle. If the car is used for daily commuting or primary transportation, it must continue to pass regular emissions testing regardless of its model year.