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CARB contingency measure will shrink SmogCheck exemption in triggered areas; BAR, DMV to implement for San Joaquin Valley by 2027
Summary
CARB briefed BAR advisory members on a federally‑approved contingency measure that reduces new‑vehicle SmogCheck exemptions by one model year in areas EPA finds in violation. San Joaquin Valley is already subject to an EPA finding; BAR and DMV are working on outreach and system changes with implementation targeted for early 2027.
A California Air Resources Board official told the Bureau of Automotive Repair advisory group on Jan. 29 that a SmogCheck contingency measure approved into the State Implementation Plan will be triggered where U.S. EPA finds a failure to attain national air quality standards, and would reduce the new‑vehicle SmogCheck exemption by one model year in affected areas.
"Contingency measures have to be able to take effect without any further board action," said Ariel Fiddledine, chief of CARB’s Air Quality Planning branch. CARB staff said an EPA finding becomes effective one month after EPA publishes it; the measure must begin implementation within 30 days of that effective date and generate emission reductions within one to two years.
CARB staff explained the practical effect: the current 8‑model‑year exemption for some light‑duty vehicles would become 7 model years in a triggered area; a second trigger could move the exemption to 6 model years. The San Joaquin Valley received an EPA finding…
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