California Emissions Standards

Unless it is exempt, your vehicle must comply with the California emissions standard if it has less than 7,500 miles on the odometer and is

• a non-electric vehicle model year 1996 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 6,000 pounds or less
• a model year 2000 and newer vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 pounds or less
• a model year 2004 and newer vehicle with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds or less
• a model year 2005 and newer gasoline vehicle with a GVWR of 14,001 pounds or greater
• a model year 2005-2007 diesel vehicle with a GVWR of 14,001 pounds or greater

To determine if a vehicle meets the California emissions standard, look for these words or similar language on the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) and the emissions label under the hood:

• "California-Only Vehicle:  This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA and California regulations applicable to (the vehicle model year) model-year new motor vehicles introduced into commerce only for sale in California."
• "50-State Vehicle: This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA and California regulations applicable to (the vehicle model year) model-year new motor vehicles."

If your vehicle complies with the California emissions standard, but the MCO does not indicate compliance or you do not have an MCO, you or the automobile dealer can certify compliance on a 'Certificate of Emissions Compliance or Exemption' form (MV-74).

If your vehicle is exempt from the California emissions standard, you or the automobile dealer can complete form MV-74 to certify the exemption if

• the vehicle has an odometer reading of more than 7,500 miles, or
• you purchased the vehicle in another state to replace your previous vehicle that was damaged, stolen or had a mechanical failure while you were outside New York State
• the vehicle was transferred to you through an inheritance or court decree
• the vehicle was registered to you in another state when you were a resident of that state, but you are now a resident of New York State
• you are a New York State resident who serves in the US Armed Forces and you are stationed in another state
• the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle defined in Article 1 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law

Note: Even if your vehicle meets the California emissions standard, it is subject to New York State safety and emissions inspection requirements.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website has the regulations for the California emissions standards and other motor vehicle emissions standards (See Regulations, Part 218).