Citations issued by the California Air Resources Board for engine emission control labels that are missing or have been tampered with now carry penalties of as much as $800, the agency said.
The labels indicate the engine鈥檚 compliance with federal emission standards. The rule applies to 1974 and newer engines.
Although a regulation requiring ECLs, which must be affixed to heavy-duty diesel engines at the time of production, took effect in February 2007, there was a yearlong nonpenalty phase.
鈥淎s of [Feb. 15], if cited, the registered owner of a vehicle without a proper label will get an automatic $300 ticket,鈥 Karen Caesar, CARB spokeswoman, said. 鈥淓ven if the sticker is installed within 45 days, they will still have to pay the $300. If they don鈥檛, a late fee will be added.鈥
Caesar also said that while CARB hasn鈥檛 determined an exact amount for the late fee, it could be as high as $500.
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