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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 26Pt. 5Ch. 6§ 44203 Used Import Vehicle Emissions

§ 44203 Used Import Vehicle Emissions

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 44203 Used Import Vehicle Emissions

Key Takeaways

  • •Your car must pass a special test to check if it pollutes too much.
  • •The test happens in a special lab approved by the state.
  • •If your car passes, it gets a label showing it’s okay and any changes made to it.
  • •The state can add more rules but can’t make the car maker fix problems after it’s approved.

Example

You buy a used car from another country and want to drive it in California.

Before you can drive it, the car must go to a special lab to check if it pollutes too much. If it passes, it gets a sticker saying it’s okay. If it doesn’t pass, you can’t drive it until it’s fixed.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 44203 Used Import Vehicle Emissions

The certification program established pursuant to Section 44201 shall require all of the following components: (a)  A test of the vehicle’s emissions performed at a laboratory licensed by the state board. (b)  A determination that the emissions of the vehicle meet applicable emission standards adopted by the state board. (c)  Any vehicle labelling and description of any emissions-related modifications to the vehicle that the state board finds appropriate to assure that the emission-related system of the vehicle can be inspected, serviced, and repaired successfully throughout the state. (d)  Any other requirements the board may determine appropriate to assure the used direct import vehicle will continue to comply with emission standards in use, except that no requirement may be established to warrant the emissions control system or to recall vehicles which exhibit a defective emission control system subsequent to receiving a valid certificate of conformance. (Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 859, Sec. 9.)

Last verified: January 24, 2026

Key Terms

pollutionportwarrantyvehicleemissionterminationlicensecertification

Related Statutes

  • § 40717.5 Indirect Source Emission Rules
  • § 43802 Low-Emission Vehicle Certification
  • § 44013.5 Retrofit Device Certification Program
  • § 44024.5 Vehicle Emissions Data Reporting
  • § 44299.1 Fund Allocation For Emissions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 44203.
View Official Source