VMP Tuning, Inc. Settlement
Contact
VMP Tuning, INC. Settles For $36,340
In October of 2019, VMP Tuning, Inc. (VMP), headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, settled its case with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for emission violations related to the sale of non-exempted aftermarket vehicle parts in California. CARB determined that VMP 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.
VMP cooperated with CARB during the agency’s investigation. The resulting settlement requires the company to pay a $230 per unit penalty resulting in a total civil penalty of $36,340 to the Air Pollution Control Fund. The per-unit penalty reflects the fact that VMP demonstrated financial hardship during the settlement negotiations, and VMP was a first time violator. VMP 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.