AB-1368 • 2026

Smog check: exemption.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Wallis
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on how this change will affect other aspects of the smog check program beyond biennial inspections.

Smog Check Exemption for Older Cars

This law changes the rules so cars at least 30 model years old don't need to pass regular smog checks every two years.

What This Bill Does

Changes the age limit for cars that are exempt from biennial smog checks.
Extends the exemption to any car that is 30 or more model years old.

Who It Names or Affects

People who own older cars (at least 30 model years old).
The Department of Consumer Affairs which runs the smog check program.

Terms To Know

smog check: A test to make sure a car's exhaust is not too dirty and does not pollute the air.
model year: The year when a car was made, like 1976 or 2023.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not change other parts of the smog check program.
Does not specify how many cars will be affected by this change.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-04-01 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2025-03-25 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on TRANS.
2025-02-24 California Legislative Information
Read first time.
2025-02-22 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1368, as amended, Wallis.
Smog check: exemption.
Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (smog check) program that is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The smog check program requires inspection of motor vehicles upon initial registration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances. Existing law exempts specified vehicles from being inspected biennially upon renewal of registration, including, among others, all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year. Existing law also exempts from specified portions of the smog test a collector motor vehicle that is insured as a collector motor vehicle, is at least 35 model years old, complies with the exhaust emissions standards for that motor vehicle’s class and model year as prescribed by the department, and that passes a functional inspection of the fuel cap and a visual
inspection for liquid fuel leaks.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to the above provision.
This bill would extend the above exemption from vehicles that were manufactured prior to the 1976 model year, to any motor vehicle that is 30 or more model years old.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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