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.

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.

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.

Sen. Shannon Grove (R–Bakersfield) and Jay Leno are teaming up in an attempt to exempt certain classic cars from smog check requirements.

Republican California Senator Shannon Grove is authoring a bill that is backed by former late-night TV show host Jay Leno.

The bill seeks to fully exempt collector motor vehicles at least 35 model years or older from the biennial smog check program, provided they are insured as collector vehicles.

A bill in California state congress would eliminate smog requirements for 35-year-old cars – if they're on collector insurance at least.

Grove said this decision is not just a way for classic car owners to skirt emissions rules. Instead, the legislator sees it as a way to keep classic cars on the road and to boost

Show host and comedian Jay Leno is backing a new bill in California which would wave the smog check requirement for certain classic cars. In fact, Senate Bill 172 is being called “Leno’s Law” already.