While vintage vehicles like the estimated 181 cars and 160 motorcycles owned by Leno do indeed emit significant amounts of pollutants, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, proponents of the bill argue that these same vehicles are mainly kept in garages as showpieces.

California State Sen. Shannon Grove and former “The Tonight Show” host and classic car enthusiast Jay Leno joined forces Wednesday in an effort to keep more classic cars on the road.

The biennial process of having your car smog-checked is one that California classic car owners dread. Keeping a carbureted Datsun 260Z compliant with the modern constraints of emissions regulation is no small feat; all too often, test day ends in a failing grade. Jay Leno wants to change that.

State Senator Shannon Grove introduced a bill that would remove a smog check requirement for certain classic cars. Grove introduced Senate Bill 712 with the