Jay Leno Law in CA is now signed fully (Smog exemption up to 1985)

[Chiclassics]

Thought I would post here for anyone that doesn't follow the "off topic lounge" as this is something notable for CA residents

https://abc7.com/post/gov-newsom-si...mpting-more-classic-cars-smog-tests/19836833/

The Jay Leno Law has now been fully approved by Governor Newsom. It allows vehicles from 1975–1981 to become SMOG-exempt, with the qualifying model year gradually extending through 1985 over the next four years.

The main caveat is that the vehicles must either be insured as collectible/classic cars or have documentation showing that they are driven no more than 1,000 miles per year.

This could really open the door for owners of these older cars to drive them to local car shows, weekend cruises, and other events without having to worry about California SMOG testing.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Just saw a news clip of the signing. In Jay's garage. With a '77 Bronco in the background.
So it is completely Bronco related.

 

[rjrobin2002]

So as long as you use an insurance like Hagerty you are now good from 76-85. That's great for the Cali folks.

Sounds like Leno may need pumped up for congress, senate, Governor to help fix the crazy restrictions yall complain about.

It would be real nice if they would do all 30 year old vehicles and older.

 

[Chiclassics]

Just saw a news clip of the signing. In Jay's garage. With a '77 Bronco in the background.
So it is completely Bronco related.

Exactly. Thats a silent statement. I always stayed away from 76,77s now that opened up for me.

 

[MarsChariot]

I saw that and noticed the early Bronco next to Newsom and Leno shaking hands.

 

[Broncobowsher]

So as long as you use an insurance like Hagerty you are now good from 76-85. That's great for the Cali folks.

Sounds like Leno may need pumped up for congress, senate, Governor to help fix the crazy restrictions yall complain about.

It would be real nice if they would do all 30 year old vehicles and older.

Nope.

To '81. Then over the years it will roll up to '85.

 

[1969]

1000 miles per year..

• 83.3 miles/month
• 19.2 miles/week
• 2.74 miles/day

Not a win if you want to daily your Bronco.


I guess maybe if your odometer coincidentally malfunctions

 

[904Bronco]

I have a call into Hagerty, about cost and their restrictions for my 79... I heard, 2nd hand, that you can't take it offroad if insured as a Classic, 1000 miles a year, and locked inside storage ???

Does it make sense to replace the engine, or do an EFI conversion if you can't drive it. Lots of things to consider on your options.

^^^^ @1969 that's a grim picture you painted if you enjoy driving your Bronco.

 

[Soylent]

Oh no! My speedo gear stripped.

 

[Broncobowsher]

1000 miles per year..

• 83.3 miles/month
• 19.2 miles/week
• 2.74 miles/day

Not a win if you want to daily your Bronco.


I guess maybe if your odometer coincidentally malfunctions

It isn't for exempting daily drivers. For that just keep the smog in place and keep it clean. You can still daily drive it all you want. Just do it cleanly.
Not for ripping everything off and drive around all you want.
You can drive your car to the show instead of trailering it. With legal cali registration.

 

[toddz69]

The '77 in the photos/videos of the signing belongs to CB member @Stroppe-Envy-77!

Todd Z.

 

[Jdgephar]

1000 miles per year..

• 83.3 miles/month
• 19.2 miles/week
• 2.74 miles/day

Not a win if you want to daily your Bronco.


I guess maybe if your odometer coincidentally malfunctions

I'm just jealous of all of you that can drive them year-round. I only get about 6 months...

 

[duffymahoney]

1000 miles per year..

• 83.3 miles/month
• 19.2 miles/week
• 2.74 miles/day

Not a win if you want to daily your Bronco.


I guess maybe if your odometer coincidentally malfunctions

A lot of insurance companies have 1000 miles per year restrictions on classics.

 

[jamesroney]

OK. If you are a Bronco lover, and you are thinking: "Hey, starting in 2028, I can buy a 76-77 and not smog it..."

That is FAKE NEWS!!!

Bear in mind that FAKE news is Factually Accurate, but Knowingly Excludes the truth. And the truth is this:

The elimination of the SMOG check implies the elimination of the Emissions inspection. But that is a false assertion. There is nothing in SB 1392 (Leno's Law) that says your 76-77 Bronco is Emissions exempt. In fact, it mandates the exact OPPOSITE.

The language of the legislation REQUIRES the BAR to inspect the vehicle, and confirm that it meets under-hood "requirements" for that model year, and engine class. It also requires CARB and BAR to inspect for PCV and fuel leaks. Which means that there WILL BE some kind of inspection.

It is MOST likely that the 76-85 carve out will have to conform to the same requirements as the SB-100 cars. Every two years, and on title transfer...an authorized agent of the state will inspect your collector car, and perform the "non-smog emissions test."

Unlike the exemption for the 1975 and older vehicles, (which is a blanket exemption,) the 76-85 exemption is not an exemption. It is re-classification of your vehicle to a "collector vehicle" and it will still have inspections and requirements. So while you can put a 4BT in your 75 and older Bronco, you won't be able to do that to your 76-77.

Please do NOT take this to mean that SB 1392 is bad. It's GREAT for us. It's just not what it is being presented as. The vast majority of 76-77 owners would be delighted to pay the smog tech $50 to click a box that says they didn't smog check your car. (that's how the BAR sticker works on the sb-100 cars...)

So I'm saying is that if you have a choice when buying a new Bronco...you will still be better off with a 66-75 than with a 76-77. But if you already have a 76-77, you will be able to enjoy it.

 

[Chiclassics]

So I'm saying is that if you have a choice when buying a new Bronco...you will still be better off with a 66-75 than with a 76-77. But if you already have a 76-77, you will be able to enjoy it.

True. It just opens up 76-85 vehicles to skip SMOG test requirement if they choose to register as collector vehicle and only use for car shows etc. They will still need to meet that year's motor emission requirements(which get stricter through years) which don't apply for pre 1975 gas vehicles. It is a slight breather and not a full blanket exemption for sure - you cant drop a non-emission 302 into 1977 for sure .

Full legal jargon here https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1392

 

[904Bronco]

OK. If you are a Bronco lover, and you are thinking: "Hey, starting in 2028, I can buy a 76-77 and not smog it..."

That is FAKE NEWS!!!

Thanks @jamesroney... And @Chiclassics... Nothing from the State ever looks as good after you read the fine print...

 

[ntsqd]

It is a nice idea, but it won't matter. CARB, being the MOST autocratic entity in the US, will find a way to include the exempted vehicles and force them to comply with their existing laws. That IS what they do best, impose their draconian will on the People who, indecently, have no say in the laws that they enact.

 

[jamesroney]

It is a nice idea, but it won't matter. CARB, being the MOST autocratic entity in the US, will find a way to include the exempted vehicles and force them to comply with their existing laws. That IS what they do best, impose their draconian will on the People who, indecently, have no say in the laws that they enact.

...allow me to remind you of the California Coastal Commission. CARB is a distant 2nd place.

 

[ntsqd]

Point!

 

[Goose5]

Thanks for the clarification James. I knew this was too good to be true. Yes, I originally thought how cool it would be to start looking at 76 & 77 as an option, but always with the state of California there's some kind of strings attached, not to mention the annual price tag they'll place on the Leno Law for all to enjoy! Gotta love living in California!