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: Can you tell me what vehicles have to keep the CA emission standards?

assistant: Is your vehicle NOT exempt?

user: Yes, my vehicle is not exempt.

assistant: In that case 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.

user: Which gross vehicle weight is it allowed to have?

assistant: A gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of 6,000 lbs. or less.

user: Alright. I have no issues with the emission standards in CA, but what if the MCO does not show compliance?

assistant: In that case you or the automobile dealer can certify compliance on a 'Certificate of Emissions Compliance or Exemption' form MV-74.

user: Can I complete form MV-74 if my car was purchased in another state?

assistant: Yes, but only if your vehicle is exempt from the California emissions standard.

user: How can I find out if my car meets the California emissions standard?

assistant: Simply look for certain words or similar language on the Manufacturer 's Certificate of Origin MCO and the emissions label under the hood, "California - Only Vehicle", for example.

user: What if I fulfill the CA emissions standard? Do I have to fulfill the NY emissions standard as well?

assistant: Yes. Even if your vehicle meets the California emissions standard, it is subject to NY State safety and emissions inspection requirements.