By SEMA News Editors
SEMA Garage is strongly recommending members participate in an upcoming virtual workshop hosted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on September 17, 2024.
Scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PDT, the online event will highlight the organization's changes to the procedures for obtaining an Executive Order (EO) for exemptions from the California Vehicle Code prohibitions against modifications. CARB has prepared changes to the procedures with the intention of obtaining CARB Board approval in the first half of 2025. The organization is hosting the upcoming webinar in order to ensure that the process will go smoothly and to engage with those affected by the proposed revisions. The event will offer participants in the workshop an opportunity to hear the proposed changes and provide comments. SEMA encourages members who use the CARB Aftermarket EO program to take advantage of the opportunity.
Register for the event at this link: CARB Virtual Workshop Registration.
Aftermarket manufacturers of performance-related products are likely aware that CARB has specific procedures they must follow in order to obtain exemptions from the California Vehicle Code prohibitions against modifications, in the form of an EO. These procedures were first adopted in 1977, then amended in 1981 and again in 1990. They remained untouched until a significant rewrite was adopted in June 2021 and first implemented in January 2022.
For the last two and a half years, SEMA has assisted members with the CARB EO application process following these new procedures. The addition of fees in April 2022 has further complicated the process. SEMA has continually communicated with CARB regarding the efficacy of these procedures and has made recommendations for further improvements.
For any questions, contact Stephanie Herring at stephanieh@sema.org.