A major shift in California’s vehicle regulations is underway, as a new law will soon ease smog-check rules for a specific category of classic cars. Beginning next year, collector vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985 will qualify for gradual exemptions from the state’s standard emissions testing requirements. The change aims to balance environmental standards with the preservation of vintage automobiles. Owners of these models may soon face fewer bureaucratic hurdles when maintaining their cars.
The new law will gradually exempt qualifying 1976–1985 collector cars from California’s regular smog-check requirements beginning in 2028.
