California Air Resources Board

After-market Catalysts on On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) Vehicles

The after-market industry started to introduce catalysts approved for some OBD II applications. However, these applications are still very limited, and the practice of installing illegal catalysts is still prevalent. The cost differential between a legal OEM catalyst and an illegal after-market part can often run into the hundreds of dollars. This creates a huge inequity for repair facilities that follow the law and use only legal replacement parts. Enforcement efforts are targeted at leveling the market for all repair facilities, and enforcement actions have been initiated against shops that install illegal catalysts. For more information please email.

Illegal Non-California Certified Vehicles

The primary focus of enforcement is to ensure that all new vehicles sold, offered for sale, or used in the state are certified for sale in California. Under California's regulations, a new vehicle (defined as a vehicle that has fewer than 7,500 odometer miles) which is not certified to California's standards may not be sold within or imported into the state. If such a vehicle enters California, a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued. The NOV requires that the vehicle(s) be removed from California and that a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per vehicle as authorized under Health and Safety Code Section 43151 be assessed. See Wilmshurst vs. ARB for case law regarding this program.

Tampering Detection Certification (TDC) Training & Enforcement

Vehicle Code section 27156 prohibits the tampering or removal of a motor vehicle pollution control device. CARB staff provide a POST certified training course to support law enforcement and other agencies that enforce the California Vehicle Code. The goal of the training is to educate peace officers on the basics of emission control devices and common types of tampering, identifying illegal aftermarket performance parts, and directing a cited vehicle to the Smog Check referee for a more thorough inspection and final proof of correction. For more information please contact email.

California Racing Vehicles

Pursuant to California law, racing vehicles, defined as competition vehicles not used on public highways, are exempt from emissions control requirements (Health & Safety Code § 39048 and 43001).  What counts as a racing or competition vehicle is unclear, which leads to misuse of the racing vehicle exemption.  Evidence shows racing vehicles and certified vehicles modified with racing aftermarket parts are often used for non-racing and non-competition purposes.  This undermines CARB’s emissions certification programs designed to provide emissions reductions to meet air quality standards and protect public health, and also creates an unfair business environment for compliant vehicle, engine, and parts manufacturers.  As a result, an evaluation of the issue and regulatory clarifications are necessary to eliminate the misuse while protecting and preserving legitimate racing. For more information please email.

Large Spark-Ignition (Gasoline and LPG) Equipment

The Large Spark-Ignition (LSI) Fleet Regulation applies to operators of forklifts, industrial tow tractors, industrial sweeper/scrubbers, and pieces of airport ground support equipment powered by gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled engines greater than 1 liter in displacement and 25 horsepower, or by electric motors sized to allow the equipment to perform the same work with the same efficiency as an LSI enginepowered piece of equipment. The regulation establishes fleet average emission level (FAEL) standards, retrofit requirements, and recordkeeping requirements for operators of LSI fleets. Enforcement efforts ensure that LSI equipment operators’ in-use fleets meet the FAEL standards. Enforcement of new engine certification standards is conducted separately.For more information on LSI engine certification, please visit our Large Spark-Ignition Engine - Regulatory and Certification Documents web page.

Off-Road Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) Enforcement

The CARB is responsible for preventing the illegal sale and use of Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles. This includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, sand cars, off-road utility vehicles, off-road sport vehicles, and other off-road recreational vehicles which have greater than 25 horsepower. The OHRV regulations require all off-highway recreational vehicles sold in California, model year 1998 and later, to be certified by ARB.

On-Road Motorcycle Enforcement

The first emission controls for on-road motorcycles were adopted in 1975 when CARB set emission standards for motorcycles manufactured for the 1978 model year. Since that time, on-road motorcycles, including custom built motorcycles, have been required to have CARB certification. Enforcement efforts continue to ensure that all on-road motorcycle manufacturers and dealers introduce and sell vehicles that meet California certification requirements. For more information, please visit our Motorcycle Certification Requirements web page or the Motorcycle Certification Enforcement Program web page. For more information please email.

School Bus Idling Program

Idling school buses and other heavy-duty equipment are now restricted in order to protect the health of children. Children riding in and playing near school buses and other commercial motor vehicles are exposed to a disproportionate level of pollutants from these sources. This measure requires the driver of a school bus, transit bus or other commercial heavy-duty vehicle to minimize idling at schools. Additional idling restrictions are imposed for such vehicles stopping within 100 feet of a school. For more information, please email.

Small Off-Road Engines (SORE)

The Air Resources Board's mobile source enforcement staff is responsible for enforcing illegal lawn mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, generators, small gas-powered scooters, and many other SORE products. Staff also provides support to the industry by assisting new manufacturers in the certification process. Enforcement efforts ensure that all manufacturers and dealers introduce and sell only products that meet California certification requirements. These efforts have expanded to include the rapidly emerging catalog and internet retail markets.

Smoking Vehicle Complaint Program

The dirtiest vehicles found on our roadways contribute about 40 percent of total automotive pollution. A number of air districts, along with the CARB, have implemented programs so that anyone observing a smoking vehicle may report it.

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