Alternative Fuel Conversion Certification Procedures for New and In-Use On-Road Vehicles and Engines
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Background
California regulations prohibit the conversion of emission-controlled vehicles to operate on an alternative fuel, such as natural gas or propane, unless the conversion has been evaluated and certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). If the conversion is done before the legal title has been transferred to an ultimate purchaser the conversion manufacturer is considered the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and must comply with CARB’s new vehicle or engine certification requirements. Conversions done after the legal title has been transferred are considered in-use conversions and must comply with CARB’s alternative fuel retrofit system certification procedures.
On August 14, 2012 CARB conducted a public workshop to discuss current alternate fuel conversion requirements for new and used vehicles and engines used in such vehicles. See
- Mail-out MSO #2012-02, Public Workshop to Discuss Current Alternative Fuel Conversion Requirements for New and Used Vehicles and Engines used in Such Vehicles
- Mail-Out MSO #2013-03, Public Workshop To Discuss Newly Approved Alternative Fuel Retrofit System Certification Procedures for In-Use Vehicles and Engines
In September, 2014 CARB amended the certification procedures for 1994 through 2003 model years alternative fuel conversion kits, and adopted new certification procedures for 2004 model year and later alternative fuel conversion kits. These amendments are in Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Sections 2030 and 2031 and incorporated test procedures.
- Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Sections 2030 and 2031
- Amended Test Procedures 1994-2003 Model Year
- New Test Procedures 2004-subsequent Model Year
This page provides a list of the most common ARB new and in-use on-road vehicle and engine emission-related regulations and test procedures that manufacturers are required to follow to obtain an alternative fuel conversion certification. Manufacturers are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate certification section prior to submitting an application to schedule a pre-certification meeting to assist them in determining the requirements specific to their application.
Regulations and Test Procedures
For new light and medium-duty on-road alternative fuel conversion certifications the following regulations and test procedures apply:
Primary | Description |
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LEV Regulations and Test Procedures | The following are California's regulations and test procedures for low-emission vehicles (LEV) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in the passenger car, light-duty truck, and chassis certified medium-duty vehicle classes.
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Evaporative Regulations and Test Procedures | The following are California's evaporative and refueling regulations and test procedures for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and chassis certified medium-duty vehicles.
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On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II). | The following are California's on-board diagnostics II (OBD II) requirements.
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California Emissions Warranty. | The California emissions warranty requirements are in T13 CCR § 2035, et seq.
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Emissions Labeling. | The California emissions labeling requirements are in T13 CCR § 1965.
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For new heavy-duty and incomplete medium-duty on-road alternative fuel conversion certifications the following regulations and test procedures apply.
For in-use light, medium and heavy-duty on-road alternative fuel conversion certifications the following regulations and test procedures apply:
Contacts
For more information regarding new on-road light-duty alternative fuel conversion certification, please email the On‑Road Light-Duty Certification Section.
For more information regarding new on-road heavy-duty alternative fuel conversion certification, please email the Compression-Ignition and Heavy-Duty Certification Section.
For more information regarding in-use alternative fuel conversion certification, please email Tony Martino, manager, Aftermarket Parts Section, or phone at (626) 575-6848