How do I know if I have a PZEV engine?
In brief, a PZEV is a California Air Resources Board-certified Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, usually labeled as such on the window sticker or official paperwork. To confirm, check the label under the hood or the CARB certification database by vehicle identification number (VIN).
What PZEV Means
PZEV stands for Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. It is a certification used primarily in California to indicate very low tailpipe emissions, along with stringent control of evaporative emissions from the fuel system. Vehicles earning PZEV status meet stricter standards than typical low-emission models, helping reduce smog-forming pollutants while preserving a broad range of vehicle options.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is PZEV
These steps help you verify whether your vehicle is certified as PZEV. They rely on official labels and trusted databases.
- Check the window sticker (Monroney) on a new car for explicit language like "PZEV" or notes indicating Partial Zero Emission Vehicle and California emissions compliance.
- Inspect the emission/evaporative system label under the hood or in the engine bay for a CARB certification note that includes "PZEV" or similar language.
- Review the owner's manual or the model’s specification page on the manufacturer’s website for mention of "PZEV" or "California PZEV" in the emissions section.
- Use CARB’s Vehicle Certification database by model/year or VIN to confirm PZEV status and see the official certification type listed by CARB.
- Ask your dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service to confirm the PZEV status for your exact vehicle configuration and market.
Note: PZEV status is most relevant for cars sold in California or other markets that adopt California’s standards. Not every model is offered as PZEV outside those markets, and some model years may have different certifications depending on the engine and fuel system.
Concluding: If you cannot locate a clear PZEV label or CARB listing, contact the dealer or check CARB's certification database with your VIN to confirm. The presence or absence of PZEV status affects evaporative emissions controls and can influence maintenance considerations and eligibility for certain incentives in some regions.
What If You Have a Used Vehicle or an Import?
Used cars or imports may not display obvious PZEV labeling. In these cases, rely on the VIN search in CARB’s database or the dealer’s documentation to verify PZEV certification. If the vehicle isn’t labeled as PZEV, it may be categorized as SULEV or another low-emission standard instead.
Summary
PZEV is California’s designation for a high standard of emissions control in gasoline-powered vehicles, combining low tailpipe emissions with strict evaporative-emission limits. To determine if your car is PZEV, check the window sticker and hood/emissions labels, or verify via CARB’s VIN-based certification database. When in doubt, consult your dealer or CARB directly. This status matters for air-quality outcomes, potential incentives, and how emissions controls are managed over the vehicle’s life.
