Leno’s Law Is Back… And This Time It’s Got Real Momentum

If you’ve been around the car scene at all the last year, you probably heard the buzz about “Leno’s Law.”

Then it kind of… disappeared.

A bunch of people asked me, “Wait, did that thing ever even pass?”
Short answer, no… but it’s not dead. Not even close.

And honestly, what’s happening right now might be even better for the long run.

So what actually happened?

The original push, backed by Jay Leno, had serious traction in 2025.

We’re talking real movement, strong support, and a legit shot at passing.

And then it got held up before it ever hit the full Assembly floor.

Not because people hated it, but because cost concerns came up, environmental groups pushed back, and the bill was a little too broad, too fast.

So yeah, it stalled out.

But here’s the part people are missing… it’s back

They didn’t scrap it.

They reworked it and reintroduced it for 2026.

And this version is a lot smarter.

Instead of trying to flip everything overnight, the new version takes a more controlled approach that actually has a shot at passing.

What’s different this time?

This is where it gets interesting.

The updated version is focused on true collector cars, not just anything old.

Think vehicles that are actually hobby cars, limited use, not daily drivers, and properly insured and classified.

And instead of opening the floodgates all at once, it’s expected to roll out gradually, starting with older vehicles and expanding over time.

That’s a big deal, because it answers the two biggest objections from last year, environmental impact and cost to the state.

Why this matters for all of us

Let’s keep it real…

This isn’t just about smog rules.

This is about keeping classic cars on the road, making ownership easier, and protecting the future of car culture in California.

Because when it’s easier to own and register these cars, more people bring them out, more people build them, and our events get stronger.

That’s a win across the board.

Where things stand right now

As of today, nothing has changed yet. Smog rules are still the same.

But this is the closest we’ve been in a long time. It has real backing, and it’s not going away this time.

My take

I actually like this version better.

It’s not rushed, it’s not sloppy, and it’s built to last.

And if it passes, it’s going to open the door for a lot more cars to come back out of garages and into the streets where they belong.

Bottom line

Leno’s Law didn’t die… it just got smarter.

And if you’ve been waiting for a reason to get your car dialed in and back out to shows…

This might be it.