Do all cars meet California emissions?

In short: no. California enforces some of the strictest emissions rules in the United States, and new cars sold in the state must be certified to CARB standards. Automakers typically certify models for both federal and California rules to reach a broad market, but not every vehicle that passes federal tests is eligible for CA sale. The California standard also influences emissions rules in several other states that have adopted CARB-like requirements.

How California's emissions rules work

Certification and market access

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires that new light-duty vehicles sold in the state meet California’s emissions standards, which are stricter in many areas than federal requirements. To prove compliance, automakers obtain a CARB Executive Order (EO) for each model year and configuration. In practice, manufacturers often pursue dual certification—both EPA (federal) and CARB—to sell nationally, including in states that have adopted California standards.

• CARB certification (Executive Order) confirms that a given model year and configuration meets CA standards.


• Most mainstream vehicles are certified for both EPA and CARB to maximize market access across states.


• California uses Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) categories (like LEV II/III, PZEV, AT PZEV) to indicate progressively cleaner emissions; many CA models strive to meet these designations.


• California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program shapes future model introductions, pushing more electric and hydrogen-powered options into CA and, by influence, other states.

In practice, this certification framework means that CA sales hinge on CARB approval. The process mostly covers mainstream models, with rare exceptions existing in niche or specialty cases.

Are all cars eligible for California sale?

While the vast majority of new passenger cars sold in the United States are certified for California, a small subset may not be eligible for CA sale due to model-year changes, certification gaps, or market strategy decisions by automakers. California’s rules are enforced at the point of sale in the state, and vehicles imported from outside California must carry CARB certification to be registered there.

Before examining the specific scenarios, consider the following:

• Most new, mainstream models offered in the U.S. will carry CARB certification to be sold in California.


• Very limited-production, nonconforming, or niche vehicles may be certified for other markets but not for CA sale.


• Imported used vehicles from outside California may require verification of CARB compliance to be registered in CA.


• States that have adopted California emissions standards generally align with CA rules for new-car sales, expanding the reach of CARB’s framework beyond California itself.

For buyers, this means that a car purchased in California almost certainly meets CA emissions, while a vehicle bought elsewhere and brought in may require confirmation of CARB certification to be legally registered in the state.

Implications for buyers and the market

Shopping in California or in states that have adopted CA standards means looking for clear certification indicators. The most reliable signal is a CARB Executive Order number tied to the vehicle’s configuration for its model year. Automakers also publish EPA and CARB certifications, and consumer resources (such as CARB’s database and the vehicle’s window sticker) can help verify compliance. California’s emissions rules also interact with the broader market, since many states follow CA standards, amplifying CARB’s influence on which vehicles are sold in many parts of the country.

What to watch for when evaluating a vehicle

Whether you’re buying new or used, keep these points in mind to confirm CA emissions compliance:

• Check for CARB certification: look for an Executive Order (EO) reference for the model year and configuration.


• Verify the vehicle’s emission category (LEV/SULEV/PZEV, etc.) as listed in official documents or certs.


• If importing a non-CA model, confirm it has CARB approval or can be legally registered in California.


• For used cars, be aware that registration requires meeting California’s emissions rules for the vehicle’s year and model.

Overall, CA emissions standards shape what cars can be sold there, and their influence extends to many other states through adoption of California rules.

Summary

California’s emissions regime is rigorous, and most new cars sold in the state are CARB-certified to meet its standards. Automakers commonly pursue dual EPA/CARB certification to sell nationwide, but not every model that passes federal tests is CA-eligible. A growing number of states have adopted California standards, extending CARB’s influence beyond California’s borders. For buyers, the key is to verify CARB certification (Executive Order) and the vehicle’s emissions designation to ensure compliance with California regulations.

Do all cars have California emissions?

Therefore, even if you're not located in California, you may have a California emissions-equipped car. If your vehicle was manufactured to California emissions, the exhaust configuration and actual components used may be different than a vehicle manufactured to Federal emissions.

What cars are exempt from emissions in California?

Vehicles exempt from California smog checks include all-electric cars, gasoline-powered vehicles from 1975 or older, diesel vehicles 1997 or older or with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds, and any motorcycle. Additionally, gasoline vehicles less than eight model years old are exempt from biennial inspections but may have to pay a smog abatement fee, and certain transfers between immediate family members are also exempt. 
Exempt vehicles

• Electric vehicles: All-electric vehicles are completely exempt from smog checks. 
• Gasoline-powered vehicles: All gasoline-powered vehicles that are 1975 model year or older are exempt, including motorcycles and trailers. 
• Diesel-powered vehicles: Diesel vehicles from 1997 model year or older are exempt. This also applies to diesel vehicles with a GVWR greater than 14,000 pounds. 
• Motorcycles: All motorcycles are exempt from the smog check requirement. 
• Natural gas-powered vehicles: Vehicles powered by natural gas that have a GVWR of more than 14,000 pounds are exempt. 

Vehicles with temporary or partial exemptions

• Newer gasoline vehicles: Gasoline-powered vehicles less than eight model years old are exempt from the biennial smog check requirement, but a smog abatement fee is required for registration renewal. 
• Certain family transfers: Vehicles transferred between a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild may be exempt from a smog check upon transfer. 
• Vehicles located out-of-state: Vehicles temporarily located outside of California may be eligible for a temporary exemption from biennial smog requirements, but you must apply for it and provide documentation. 

Important note

• Hybrid vehicles: Hybrid vehicles are not exempt and are subject to the same smog check requirements as other gasoline-powered vehicles. 

Can I still drive my gas cars after 2035?

The upcoming gas car bans in 2035 in several states simply mean that selling new gas-powered cars will be illegal from 2035 on in those states. You can still buy used gas cars within those states or import new gas cars from states without bans whether you ship the new car there or drive it.

How do I tell if my car is federal or California emissions?

To tell if a vehicle is California or federal emissions, look for the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label under the hood, on the door jamb, or on the strut tower. The label will state whether it conforms to "California" or "Federal" standards. A label mentioning "California," "50-State," "CARB," or "LEV" indicates California-certified emissions, while a label that only mentions "U.S. EPA" or "Federal" indicates federal standards. 
1. Locate the VECI label 

• Look for the emissions system label on the underside of the hood. 
• Other common locations include the door jamb, strut tower, radiator support, or firewall. 

2. Read the label for specific phrases 

• For California emissions: The label will contain phrases like:
  • "California" 
  • "50-State" 
  • "CARB" 
  • "ARB" 
  • "LEV" (Low Emission Vehicle), "ULEV," or "SULEV" 
• For federal emissions: The label will say something like: 
  • "U.S. EPA regulations" or "Federal" 
  • It will not mention California or 50-State standards. 

3. Understand the differences

• California has its own, stricter emissions standards, which other states can adopt. 
• Vehicles built to California standards may have different or additional components than federal vehicles. 
• It is crucial to use the correct parts for the correct standard to avoid performance issues and check engine lights.