When it comes to shipping a car across the country, you may think the rest of the process seems simple: Find a car transporter, book a time, and wait for the car to be delivered, right? Unfortunately, customers forget to think about how state emissions laws impact shipping a car across the country. States’ emissions laws have been and continue to be very impactful throughout the US, and with more and more restrictions being placed every month, it affects how vehicles can be registered, legally driven, and even the ability to be transported into a certain area of a state.
Knowing how emissions laws work and the impact they have can save you time, money, and hassle when moving across the country, draft a vehicle transport order, buy a car online, or needing to transport a vehicle for personal or business reasons. This is an overview of the key things you need to be aware of.
What are State Emission Laws?
State emission laws deal with the amount and severity of pollution emissions that specific vehicles can emit. Although there are federal policies under the Clean Air Act, each state has the ability to provide its own regulations that are stricter. A good example of a policy being more strict is the state of California with its Air Resources Board. Their policies are well above the federal regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In total, more than a dozen states abide by CARB regulations, including:
- California
- Washington
- Colorado
- New York
- Oregon
- Massachusetts
These states may have other certifications and emissions equipment requirements than those of other states that follow the standard EPA regulations.
Implications of Emission Laws on the Interstate Shipment of a Vehicle
There are several emissions specifications in the Laws that impact the shipment of a vehicle to another state, these include;
Registration and Inspection Requirements
A legally registered vehicle in one state may not easily qualify for registration in another state. The destination state that has more stringent regulations may require;
- Emission equipment
- Emission inspections – Additional certifications for diesel engines
If the set requirements are not met, the state may not allow vehicle registration. This would leave the owner unable to legally operate the vehicle after the vehicle has been delivered.
Restrictions on Transporting Specific Vehicles
There are some states that have restrictions regarding the transport of;
- Older model vehicles that have obsolete emissions equipment
- Modified vehicles that have aftermarket emissions systems
- Commercial fleets or diesel vehicles with high emissions
If a vehicle is going to a CARB-regulated state, vehicle transporters may want to see some documentation before carrying out the shipment.
How Carriers and Car Shipping Companies Deal with Regulation Around Emissions
Professional car shipping businesses know about state regulations and provide assistance, in some cases, during the booking stage. They can:
- Inquire about the year, make, and model of the car, and ask for emissions certification
- Refuse to provide the service if the car does not meet the emissions requirements
- Arrange to send the car to the closest authorized location for delivery if direct delivery is not allowed
As an example, if you wanted to ship a diesel truck into California, you would need to provide proof of CARB compliance. Without it, a carrier might only be able to deliver the vehicle to the state border.
How Emission Laws Affect Online Car Purchases
Today, more than ever, vehicle buyers are making their purchases online. Each month, millions of consumers visit the top online used car websites to compare models and access the best prices across the country. But be aware that if you buy a car from another state, you need to verify that it meets the emissions standards for your state.
Otherwise, you run the risk of:
- Expensive upgrades that may be required once the vehicle is delivered
- Possible failure of the vehicle’s registration tests
- Debate over the return of the vehicle to the seller
Request the car’s EPA emissions label, commonly found under the hood, to make that determination before you buy the car.
Corporate and Business Moves: Additional Factors
Auto shipping does not only involve personal relocations. Companies transporting fleets, executive vehicles, or sales vehicles need to consider emission laws as well when shipping to different locations in the country.
Many companies choose to work with a specialized corporate relocation service to handle the compliance, paperwork, and coordination. Such services work with transporters who understand the needs of more than one vehicle at a time and know the differences in regulations for different states. Non-compliance, in these cases, can lead to delays in operations, fines, and expensive compliance changes for the fleet.
Steps to Ensuring Compliance with Emissions Before Transporting a Vehicle to Another State
If you want to avoid potential complications with transporting your vehicle to a different state, follow these steps before shipping your vehicle.
Review the Emissions Guidelines of the State of Destination
Look at the state DMVs or Environmental Departments for the latest changes, as these guidelines can change quickly, in particular, with CARB states.
Confirm the Emission Label on the Vehicle
Look for one of the following:
- CARB-Certified
- 50-State Certified
- Federal Only (can result in failing registration in some states)
Plan for Emission Testing Prior to Transport
Completing the test in advance will help to troubleshoot and work through any issues and, if needed, provide time for repairs.
Fully Declare All Modifications Made
Refusal can occur due to aftermarket exhausts, engine swaps, or any performance tuners.
Find a Transport Company with a Good Reputation
Good transporters are familiar with the limitations set in some states and can help with your planning.
Who Is Most Impacted by Emission-Based Transport Rules?
Emission rules affect:
- Individuals moving to CARB-regulated states
- Buyers purchasing vehicles online and having them shipped
- Owners of classic or antique vehicles
- Owners of diesel trucks
- Corporations and commercial fleets
- Members of the military relocating between states
Anticipating rules is critical to avoid having to incur extra costs and avoid delays.
Final Thoughts
State emissions laws affect the logistics and requirements for shipping vehicles between states. Relocating, purchasing a used vehicle online, or moving multiple vehicles for your business, ensure compliance is addressed well before moving vehicles. The right vehicle shipping company will save you time, money, and a huge headache if you check vehicle emissions compliance beforehand.
To ensure a seamless expression, keep emissions standards and rules in mind while shipping to your new state.
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