‘Leno’s Law’ Will Be A Godsend for Insanely Wealthy, Classic Car Owners

California’s Senate Transportation Committee passed a bill with bipartisan support this week, the first step into making life easier for classic car owners, reports LateNighter. The proposed rule is known as “Leno’s Law,” primarily because the main person it will benefit is comedian Jay Leno.

In fact, Leno helped author the bill. During a time when California is struggling with its homeless population, destructive wildfires and some of the highest taxes in the nation, its lawmakers are working to help classic car owners skirt around anti-smog laws. The California Air Resources Board currently requires all vehicles built in 1975 or later to undergo a smog check every two years, but Leno’s Law would eliminate smog checks for vehicles 35 years or older if they are insured as a collector car. 

Let’s see — how many Californians own a variety of expensive classic cars and have the means to insure them as such? Leno is one. Jerry Seinfeld is another. The main requirement to be in this exclusive club? Prodigious riches that allow one to afford a classic car collection — Leno’s is estimated to be worth more than $52 million.

Granted, a California smog check can be a pain in the butt. And it might cost between $30 and $60, an amount that could sting if you’re working part-time at minimum wage. But Leno’s Law aims to waive that fee for the people who can most afford it. 

Why are lawmakers wasting their time with Leno’s Law? Maybe they were persuaded by the rally held outside California’s State Capitol earlier this week, highlighted by a classic car parade led by no other than Jay Leno. “I know there’s nothing more annoying than Hollywood people involved in politics, so I just try to keep that to a minimum,” Leno said, avoiding politics while headlining a political rally. “But this one’s important to me because I’m an enthusiast.” 

Hours after the Tonight Show’s former host headlined the spectacle, the Committee passed the bill that bears his name.  

If the bill becomes law, collectors like Leno, Seinfeld and other insanely rich people will have an extra $50 to throw toward the purchase of their next classic car. Plus, no more pricey repairs if their smoke-belchers can’t pass the test. “With this bill,” said State Senator Shannon Grove, “we’re protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts and preserving a vital piece of California’s heritage.” 

Which small businesses will Leno’s Law protect? Certainly not the ones that perform smog checks. And while car culture is part of California’s heritage, it’s unclear how getting a free pollution pass will help preserve it. 

American Lung Association Senior Director Will Barrett isn’t a fan. “It’s a real jailbreak for our air quality problems in California.”