POWERADDER SOLUTIONS, INC. SETTLEMENT
POWERADDER SOLUTIONS, INC. SETTLES FOR $14,000
In July of 2019, Poweradder Solutions, Inc. (PAS), headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, settled its case with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for emission violations related to the sale of uncertified aftermarket vehicle parts in California. CARB determined that PAS advertised, sold, and offered for sale, aftermarket vehicle parts without legal exemptions to California’s anti-tampering laws. This conduct was in violation of California Vehicle Code section 27156(c) and California Code of Regulations, title 13, section 2222(b)(2). Such parts replace or modify vital original emission components and manufacturer specified engine-operating conditions, and thus must be evaluated by CARB to demonstrate the vehicle’s continued emissions compliance.
PAS cooperated with CARB during the agency’s investigation, and provided all needed information as requested. The resulting settlement requires the company to pay a $121 per unit penalty resulting in a total civil penalty of $14,000 to the Air Pollution Control Fund. The per-unit penalty reflects the fact that PAS demonstrated financial hardship during the settlement negotiations and was also a first time violator. PAS has agreed not to install, sell, offer for sale, or advertise in California, any add-on or modified aftermarket part in violation of California Vehicle Code section 27156 and California Code of Regulations, title 13, section 2220 et seq.