Sacramento, California, April 1, 2018 – In a surprise announcement this morning, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), long known as an emissions watchdog in the original equipment and aftermarket sectors, issued an executive order stating that as of April 1, 2019, all forms of turbocharged gasoline engines will be considered non-compliant with the state`s strict emissions laws. As a further blow, the wording of the new CARB regulation applies not only to aftermarket turbocharger systems, but also to OEM turbochargers. The official statement makes no mention of other targeted forms of forced induction, and given the state`s affinity for electric vehicles, we must ask ourselves whether OEMs will pursue technology similar to Audi`s electric compressor, which would be legal in the wording of the new regulations. We also wonder if diesel platforms will be next in CARB`s sights, as diesel engines account for the lion`s share of OEM turbocharging. Uncontrolled vehicles are the designation of vehicles to which California Vehicle Code Section 27156 does not apply. For example, if your vehicle is used exclusively for off-road driving, it is not subject to this legislation and you can choose the turbo of your choice. As of January 2019, Hellion, Inc. (Hellion), headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has settled its case with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) over emissions violations related to the sale of uncertified turbo systems for California vehicles. After receiving an anonymous complaint, CARB determined that Hellion had advertised, sold, and offered for sale the replacement turbo systems without a legal exemption from California`s anti-tampering laws.
This conduct violated sections 27156(c) of the California Vehicle Code and the California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Section 2222(b)(2). These parts replace or modify important original emission components and engine operating conditions specified by the manufacturer and must therefore be assessed by CARB to demonstrate continued emission compliance of the vehicle. If you`re someone who cares more about your vehicle`s performance than how it looks, you may have thought about turbochargers. Vehicles used exclusively for these purposes are not required to follow the same rules as general vehicles. Although different regulations may apply to racing and competition cars, turbos do not need to have a decree number. We spoke to a source close to the situation on condition of anonymity (aka Lirpa Sloof) to get an idea of what`s going on in the minds of California lawmakers. „Well, what really matters is that turbochargers have evolved tremendously technologically over the last decade,“ Sloof said. „OEM and even aftermarket turbo systems are now able to meet CARB emissions regulations while producing excellent performance and making cars fun.
The underlying problem is that the pleasure of the car is unacceptable to CARB. Finding an order number can be tedious and requires you to trust the seller, which is not always possible. Getting an OEM part can significantly limit your choices. The easiest way to avoid a turbo that isn`t allowed in California while keeping your footwork to a minimum is to buy locally. Sloof added: „It wasn`t a decision taken lightly. California has been hit by a fairly severe drought in recent years, and the tears of enthusiasts battered by turbocharged vehicles have actually helped mitigate the drought by a measurable amount. After a heated debate, it was decided that water scarcity in California was not CARB`s concern. „After deciding if a turbo is right for you and your vehicle, you need to determine if it`s legal in your area. In California, the legality of turbos is complicated and depends on a few factors. The announcement, released early Sunday morning, said: „The one-year deadline was chosen instead of a grandfather clause to give current owners of turbocharged vehicles time to bring their turbocharged vehicles into compliance before being fined $50,000 and up to 60 days in jail.“ As one of the best XPEL installers in the Los Angeles area, we are often asked about the legality of other types of vehicle customization such as turbos. The answer to the question of whether turbos are legal here in California is „sometimes.“ If the turbo is a part of the original manufacturer, you should have no trouble complying with the law. OEM parts don`t have to be the ones that originally came with your vehicle when it came off the property.
Alternatively, they can be sold as upgrades to replace components that are currently present in your vehicle. If the reason you get involved in turbos is because of competitions or races, you`re in luck. The California Air Resources Board, also known as CARB, provides EO numbers for aftermarket performance parts, including turbos, that meet the required specifications. If an EO number is stamped on the coin, it is legal on the street in California. Local retailers, auto parts stores in your area, and dealers should only sell spare engine component spare parts that are legal and accepted by the California Air Resources Board. While the convenience of ordering your Turbo online can be tempting, it`s best to avoid buying from non-government and online retailers. Applicable law states in California Vehicle Code Section 27156 that „no person may install, sell, offer for sale, or advertise any device, device, or mechanism for use with or as part of a required automotive environmental protection device or system that alters or alters the original design or performance of the automotive pollutant control device or system.“ .