What vehicles are subject to the 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 model year of 1996 or newer passenger vehicle or light - duty truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of 6,000 lbs. or less a model year 2000 or newer light - duty truck that has a GVWR of 8,500 lbs. or less a model year 2004 or newer medium duty vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of 14,000 lbs. or less that has a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR over 14,000 lbs a model year 2005 or newer heavy - duty otto - cycle or diesel vehicle 

How can I find out if my vehicle meets the California emissions standard? 
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. " " Federal Vehicle certified for Sale in California : This vehicle conforms to U.S. EPA regulations applicable to the vehicle model year model - year new motor vehicles, and is certified for sale in California. " 

My vehicle complies with the California emissions standard but this is not indicated on the MCO, or I don't have the MCO. What can I do? 
If your vehicle complies with the California emissions standard, but the MCO does not indicate compliance or you do not have an Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin 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 Cal

user: Yes I need to know all about what to do if my car's MCO is off.

assistant: Do you know if your vehicle complies with the California emissions standard but the MCO does not indicate compliance ?

user: No I don't have an MCO on my vehicle.

user: I bought this car in California, what criteria should an MCO state for compliance?

assistant: If the following is stated on your car's MCO or the emissions label:
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 .

user: What does the mileage need to be for a vehicle to need to be compliant to emission standards?

assistant: The vehicle must have less than 7,500 miles on the odometer in order to have to comply with the California emissions standard.

user: I'm a resident of NY state and serving in the military, does that matter?

assistant: Yes then your vehicle is exempt from the California emissions standard.

user: And if my car was actually registered in another state?

assistant: Then too, your vehicle is exempt from the California emissions standard if you are now a resident of NY State.