Section 490. Engine and fuel changes

A. For those vehicles in which the original engine has been replaced, the following conditions shall apply:

1. The emissions standards and applicable emissions control equipment for the year and model of the vehicle body or chassis, or the engine, whichever is newer, according to the registration or title, shall apply.

2. For those diesel powered vehicles which have been converted to operate on fuels other than diesel, the emissions standards and applicable emissions control equipment for the year, make and model of the gasoline equivalent for the vehicle chassis, according to the registration, shall apply.

3. Exceptions and final determinations regarding this section may be granted by the department provided information is verifiable by inspection of the vehicle engine and emissions control equipment by the department.

B. For those vehicles that were assembled by other than a licensed manufacturer, such as kit cars, the applicable emissions control equipment and emissions standards shall be based upon a determination of the year of the vehicle engine. The year of the engine shall be presumed to be that stated by the vehicle owner unless it is determined by the department, after physical inspection of the vehicle engine, that the year of the engine is other than stated by the owner. The emissions standards for a vehicle of this classification shall be determined by the year of manufacture of the engine.

C. For those vehicles which have the capability or are equipped to operate on either gasoline or an alternative fuel, and are subject to emissions inspections, the vehicle shall be tested while operating on gasoline containing no more than 15% ethanol or methanol.

D. In order to provide for the accurate inspection and registration coordination of motor vehicles in which the original engine has been replaced, questions shall be referred to the department for resolution.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 13, Issue 05, eff. January 24, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 20, eff. October 1, 2002.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-1180 of the Code of Virginia.