Nothing comes between Jay Leno and his massive collection of vintage cars—not even a little thing like the law.
As we previously reported, the former Tonight Show host’s massive vintage car collection is no joking matter to the comedian. In order to make sure that he can keep trucking along in any one of the estimated 181 cars and 160 motorcycles he owns, he announced in early March that he was partnering with California State Senator Shannon Grove to help pass what has become known as “Leno’s Law.”
Related: Jay Leno Spotted Casually Driving a Tank in L.A.
Officially introduced to the California State Senate as Senate Bill 712, the legislation would allow classic car enthusiasts like Leno to skip the biennial smog check inspection that the state currently requires of all collector vehicles that were manufactured after 1975.
On Tuesday, Leno headed to the California State Capitol in Sacramento to help plead the case on behalf of all classic car aficionados, and pull on some nostalgia-specific heartstrings—all with his trademark sense of humor.
“I know there’s nothing more annoying than Hollywood people involved in politics,” joked Leno by way of introduction. He went on to explain that because of the age of the vehicles, there are few facilities that are equipped to even perform a smog check on his many, many cars—which only leads to more headaches.
“I put more miles on it looking for smog stations than I do driving the thing,” said Leno. Though it was meant to be said in jest, there is a truth behind what he’s saying. While older cars such as the ones Leno loves so much do have a tendency to produce more smog, Leno and his fellow car collectors argue that their vehicles are more like works of art and spend most of their time parked in a garage on display versus being driven.
They’re also lamenting the huge loss it would be to the history of the state to see the hot rods and other classic cars that have long been part of its culture disappear.
While the bill did pass, it’s just the first step in what will likely prove to be a long road ahead. But for tonight at least, Leno can take his favorite tank for a spin around the neighborhood and rest easy.
