California Enacted Smog Check Exemptions for Collector Cars
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation providing emissions testing relief for vintage vehicles starting in 2028.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Car Culture
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Should California prioritize the preservation of historic vehicles over stricter statewide smog-check requirements?
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1392, which establishes a phased-in exemption from smog-check requirements for specific collector vehicles. The new law impacts cars with model years between 1976 and 1985.
Why it matters
The legislation aims to prioritize the preservation of automotive history, allowing owners of older classic vehicles to bypass emissions testing requirements that were previously in place. This move marks a shift in how the state balances environmental safeguards with the interests of the car enthusiast community.
The exemption applies to vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985. Coverage begins with pre-1981 models on January 1, 2028, and expands by one model year annually until reaching 1986 in 2033.
The players
Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California who signed Senate Bill 1392 into law.
The details
Under the new law, current smog-check requirements will remain fully in effect for all vehicles until the specific exemption dates are reached. The regulation does not alter emissions testing mandates for classic cars located outside of California.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1392 into law.
January 1, 2028: The exemption begins for vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year.
2033: The exemption expansion reaches the 1986 model year vehicles.
Roadmap
This legislation reflects a growing trend of states carving out specialized exemptions for the hobbyist automotive sector within broader air quality frameworks. It highlights how policymakers are increasingly pressured to accommodate the cultural value of vehicle preservation alongside modern environmental goals.
Owners of qualifying classic vehicles can expect to eventually save on the costs and administrative requirements associated with biennial smog testing. However, until the specific model-year phase-in date is reached for their vehicle, drivers must continue to comply with all existing emissions protocols.
The takeaway
California's new law provides a clear timeline for classic car owners to gain emissions testing relief. Drivers with eligible vehicles should monitor their model year against the state's 2028-to-2033 rollout schedule to understand exactly when their specific requirement expires.
What happens next
The first phase of the smog-check exemption for pre-1981 model year vehicles will take effect on January 1, 2028. The eligibility for this exemption will expand annually until it reaches the 1986 model year in 2033.
Further reading
For more information on state vehicle regulations, visit the Car Culture section.
Live Poll
Should California prioritize the preservation of historic vehicles over stricter statewide smog-check requirements?
