Everyone knows about California and its environmental consciousness, right? Well, in case you didn’t, here’s a quick recap. The Golden State is home to some of the nation’s most rigorous and limiting environmental rules and regulations. Some of these laws include:
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
- Environmental Quality Act
- Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act
- Stricter standards for the Clean Air Act
- Rigid building codes for energy efficiency
- Hazardous material labeling
- Energy-saving appliance regulations
In fact, California has proven to be so environmentally aware and so proactive about implementing planet-saving laws, that their high standards and processes have been known to spread to other states across the country. This influence and its impact have, over the years, been coined the “California Effect.”
One by one, states throughout the U.S have looked to the west coast to see how their environmental development is progressing.
Some territories follow suit, while others hardly absorb much influence at all. But either way, California has probably left more of a stamp on the automotive industry than any other state in the country. Nowhere has this approach to remediating the negative of effects of pollution been put more to practice than in California.
And as we are obsessed with all things automotive here at eTags, we thought it would be helpful to explore some of California’s trail-blazing Acts and Laws. Because whether you’re already a Golden State resident or perhaps are planning on moving to the left side of the U.S., it’s important to know what will be expected of you as a driver and vehicle owner.
California has a brand-new regulation called the Advanced Clean Cars II. This law will require all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUV’s sold in the state to be fully electric, producing zero emissions, by the year 2035. The first year this lofty goal will begin to be marked is 2026. The state hopes to see steady turnover in the progression from gas-fueled vehicles to non-gas. This means, that 100% of all vehicles – including plug-in hybrid cars – must produce zero emissions. The penalty for the sale of a non-compliant car, truck, or SUV is said to be $20,000 per violation. Clearly, this regulation means business.
But before we even get to that point in the near future, today’s emissions testing in California is not messing around. With one of the strictest programs in the U.S., the Smog check – as it is called locally – is a make or break for vehicle owners. Not only must your car pass inspection every other years, but failure to either obtain a passing emissions test or driving with a failed test can cost you anywhere from $250 all the way up to a whopping $1000 in administrative fines. Smog checks are also a prerequisite for registration.
If your car, truck, or SUV has not passed its emissions test, in cannot be registered or have its registration renewed.
Simply put, in order to drive, you’ve gotta get that Smog check done and dusted.
In general, California’s emission standards are much higher than the rest of the country. That being said, if your vehicle qualifies for it, there is the option of applying for Clean Air Vehicle decal and identification card. If you are eligible for this decal, it will authorize you to drive in HOV lanes, allow you move toll-free or at reduced-rates on certain bridges. This applies even if you are a solo driver. So while it might be a trifle challenging to qualify for the decal, it’s certainly worth the effort.
Beyond passenger cars, trucks, and SUV’s California is home to the Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) rule. Pertaining to medium and heavy-duty truck fleets of fifty or more, this act requires fleet owners to continuously meet a minimum requirement, and purchase an increasing percentage of zero-emissions trucks. And not only are private companies responsible to abide by this, but short-distance, state, and local government public fleets as well.
Not leaving anything to chance, California goes a step (or several steps) beyond relying on drivers and vehicle owners to comply with their strict emissions requirements. On top of all the rules and regulations that apply to the layperson, the Golden State has something called the Zero Emissions Vehicle Program.
But aren’t all these laws we just listed referring to zero emissions, you might ask?
Well, yes, they are. But what the above points have in common is that they are (with the exception of the Advanced Clean Cars II) reliant on the consumer to be environmentally aware and cooperative.
The Zero Emissions Vehicle Program, (ZEV) on the other hand, is focused solely on the manufacturer. This regulation requires all large and medium-scale vehicle manufacturers to supply the state of California with a certain percentage of all sales made up by zero emissions vehicles. Bigwigs, like BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Kia, Tesla, and many more must maintain a proportion of ZEV compliant products.
They can, of course, include plug-in hybrids as part of their annual account, but must report their numbers annually. And it seems like all sides of this story are participating in California’s laws. In just the first few months of 2024, there were 102,506 zero emissions vehicles sold.
And the Golden State shows no signs of letting up on their hero’s journey to a zero emissions future.
In April of 2024, California was given permission by a federal court to continue to set stricter emission standards than those of the EPA and the rest of the country. And given this boon, we don’t see the left coast leaving anything to chance.
So if you’re a CA resident, it rather behooves you to ensure that your vehicle is Smog-tested and passed, and if you’re in the market for a new ride, consider that down the line, and EV will likely become the standard requirement for all residents. But no matter what sort of vehicle you are driving now or in the future, one thing remains a constant: here at eTags we are ready to get you titled, registered, and/or renewed. Because as always, we’re here to help!
