California Air Resources Board

LKQ Corporation Case Settles for $294,000

An investigation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) showed that LKQ Corporation (LKQ) was selling used diesel particulate filters (DPFs) for installation on heavy-duty diesel vehicles without first obtaining approval or certification from CARB.  LKQ offered for sale, and sold, used DPFs intended for use as a part of a system that alters or modifies the original design or performance of the motor vehicle pollution control device or system.  CARB documented that LKQ sold 147 used DPFs into California.  This is a violation of Vehicle Code, section 27156 and California Code of Regulations, title 13, sections 2222(c) and (d).  

This case is the first diesel case involving used filters sold as replacement parts in lieu of verified diesel emission control strategies (VDECS).  The penalty amount agreed upon for these violations was $2,000 per unit, totaling $294,000.00.

LKQ agreed to the conditions of the settlement agreement including the total penalty payment going to the Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve California's air quality.  LKQ has updated their website since 2016 and is no longer selling, offering for sale, or advertising used DPFs into the California market.  .

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