FIA Leadership Backs Leno's Classic Car Law in CAMark Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images (Mark Sutton - Formula 1 - Getty Images)As California legislators ponder new emissions exemptions for classic cars, both grassroots organizations and political power players are throwing their weight behind California Senate Bill 1392, otherwise known as "Leno's Law" after the automotive enthusiast and comedian who has pushed for the measure.Road & Track first reported on Leno's Law back in 2025, when California state senator Shannon Grove introduced and unsuccessfully attempted to pass the initial iteration of the classic-car smog exemption. This time, senator Dave Cortese joined Grove and celebrity advocate Jay Leno in the effort to provide emissions testing exemptions for classic vehicles on a rolling basis, starting with 1981 model year vehicles. Now, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)—the international governing body for Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, and the World Rally Championship—has weighed in.Smith Collection/Gado - Getty Images (Smith Collection/Gado - Getty Images)"California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture," writes Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA’s secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism.AdvertisementAdvertisement"SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California’s cultural and economic fabric. It is intentionally bounded, does not create a broad rolling exemption, and creates only an optional pathway for qualifying collector vehicles. It ensures that rare and historic vehicles, some of which are displayed in world-renowned California museums and celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, can be preserved without undue regulatory burden."It shouldn't be particularly surprising that the FIA International Historical Commission is in favor of keeping more classic cars on the road. The non-sporting wing of the motorsport organizing body focuses on "securing the future of our motoring heritage" and "preserving historic vehicles' place on the roads of tomorrow." However, Willem Groenewald's voice adds legitimate backing from the globalized behemoth behind some of racing's biggest international sports.Daniel Knighton - Getty Images (Daniel Knighton - Getty Images)But elections aren't supposed to be swayed by foreign influence or outside agitators. Local grassroots support can be as powerful as high-dollar donors, and the people have spoken in California. The Golden State birthed and cultivated the strongest low-rider culture in the country, and the faction is now publicly endorsing the measure. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) says over 1700 letters of support for Leno's Law have been submitted by the low rider community."Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno’s Law is about protecting those who keeps these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love,” said letter organizer Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind.Mario Tama - Getty Images (Mario Tama - Getty Images)SEMA has been instrumental in organizing support for the emissions exemption. And the bill actually has a chance at passing this time. SEMA senior director for state government affairs Christian Robinson told Road & Track earlier this year that the primary hang-up in 2025 was potential taxpayer cost, a problem solved by simplifying certain administrative functions in the new bill. SB 1392 was passed by the California State Senate earlier this month and then referred to the State Assembly on May 20. The bill is currently under review by the California State Assembly Committee on Transportation.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State