Boat Engine Compliance: California's Emissions Hang Tag Law

California has strict emission standards for boats, and failure to comply can lead to hefty fines for manufacturers. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulates emission standards for vehicles in California, and their rules and timelines vary based on the boat's use and designation. All new inboard and stern-drive engines under 500 HP sold or registered in California must meet these standards, with a hang tag affixed to the engine certifying that they meet the standards. The hang tag includes the engine ID number and other information. This requirement has been in place since July 1, 2008, and applies to engines manufactured in and outside of California.

California's boat emission standards

California's Air Resources Board (CARB) regulates emission standards for vehicles in California. The state has set emission standards for both recreational and commercial boats.

Recreational Boats

The Spark-Ignition Marine Watercraft (SIMW) Program sets evaporative emission standards for recreational boats to reduce smog-forming emissions in California. The program also certifies low-emission components such as low-permeation fuel hoses and tanks, along with carbon canisters to reduce emissions from recreational boats.

Commercial Boats

California's maritime industry has been impacted by the state's new emissions regulations. CARB's emissions standards mandate that most tugboat and workboat operators within California transition to EPA Tier 3 and Tier 4 engines. These engines must also be equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that capture more particulate matter than is required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Compliance and Enforcement

To ensure compliance with California's boat emission standards, the state requires engine emission labels and "hang tags" for vessels manufactured in 2008 and later with spark-ignition marine inboard or inboard/outboard engines. The hang tags certify that the engines meet California's emission standards and are required for all new marine engines sold in or for use in the state. The California DMV will not register a boat without the required hang tag.

Engines that require hang tags

In 2000, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) implemented labelling rules requiring that watercraft have a hang tag explaining the emissions equipment that is installed. These hang tags are temporary engine emission forms affixed to vessels manufactured in 2008 and later with spark-ignition marine inboard or inboard/outboard engines.

The hang tags are required for all new marine engines sold in or for use in California. They certify that the engine meets California's emission standards and include the engine ID number and other information.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not register a boat bought in another state unless the registration application is accompanied by the hang tag. The only exception is if someone who owns a boat built after those dates moves to California. They must provide proof that they were a resident of a state other than California.

To obtain a hang tag, contact the engine manufacturer directly. They will send one in the mail. Alternatively, you can visit the California Air Resources Board website and browse the Executive Orders for Spark-Ignition Marine Engines. Once you find your motor, print the executive order and take it to the DMV.

Engines exempt from hang tags

The California DMV requires hang tags for all new inboard and sterndrive engines under 500 HP sold or registered in California from July 1, 2008, onwards. From January 1, 2009, onwards, the laws also apply to engines over 500 HP. Hang tags are not required for engines manufactured before these dates.

Hang tags are also not required for vessels that are not inboard or sterndrive. Additionally, if a vessel owner is a non-resident of California, they are exempt from submitting the hang tag but must provide proof of out-of-state residence.

If an applicant states that their vessel has a spark-ignition engine manufactured in 2008 with a rated power output over 373 kW (500 hp) or before 2008 with any power rating, they are exempt from the emission certification and hang tag submission. Instead, they must complete a REG 256 form stating the engine's manufacture year or rated power output.

Emission certification procedures

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has established emission regulations for inboard or inboard/outboard (sterndrive) vessels. These regulations require engine emission labels and "hang tags" for vessels manufactured in 2008 and later with spark-ignition marine inboard or inboard/outboard engines. The specific requirements depend on the rated power output and the manufacturing date of the engine.

For Retail Sellers or Non-Retail Seller/Vessel Owners:

• When submitting an original application for an inboard or inboard/outboard vessel manufactured in 2008 or later, the emission certification must be completed, and the “hang tag” must be submitted.
• The "hang tag" certifies that the engine meets California Emission Standards and includes the engine ID number and other relevant information.
• If the vessel was purchased from out of state, the owner can contact the engine manufacturer to obtain the required "hang tag."
• For engines manufactured in 2008, the rated power output must be at or below 373 kW (500 hp).
• For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, there is no power output restriction.

For Non-Residents:

• If the applicant is a non-resident of California, proof of out-of-state residence is required. This can include an out-of-state vessel title/registration card, a letter of registration verification from another state, or other vessel ownership documents.
• In this case, the emission certification must be completed, but the engine "hang tag" is not required.

For Engines Manufactured Before 2008:

• If the vessel has a spark-ignition engine manufactured in 2008 with a rated power output over 373 kW (500 hp) or an engine manufactured before 2008 with any power rating, the emission certification does not need to be completed, and the engine "hang tag" is not required.
• Instead, the applicant must complete a REG 256 form stating the engine's manufacture year or rated power output.

It is important to note that these emission certification procedures specifically apply to inboard or inboard/outboard (sterndrive) vessels. Other types of vessels may have different requirements. Additionally, the California DMV will not register a boat bought in another state unless it is accompanied by the required "hang tag" or proof of out-of-state residence.

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is a government agency within the California Environmental Protection Agency. It was established in 1967 by then-governor Ronald Reagan, who combined the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board.

CARB's stated goals include attaining and maintaining healthy air quality, protecting the public from toxic air contaminants, and providing innovative approaches to complying with air pollution rules and regulations. The board is responsible for defining vehicle emissions standards, and California is the only state permitted to issue these standards under the federal Clean Air Act.

CARB has 15 divisions and offices, including the Mobile Source Control Division, the Air Quality Planning and Science Division, and the Sustainable Transportation and Communities Division.

CARB's Air Quality Planning and Science Division assesses the extent of California's air quality problems and the progress being made to address them. The division also coordinates the development of clean air plans and maintains databases related to air quality and emissions.

CARB has implemented several programs to reduce emissions, such as the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program, the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) Program, and the Commercial Harbor Craft regulation. The ZEV program, for instance, aims to reduce air pollution in metropolitan areas in California, particularly in Los Angeles, by promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles.

In addition, CARB plays a crucial role in driving innovation in the global automotive industry. For example, the state has set a target to sell only zero-emission new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks by 2035.

Frequently asked questions