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Saturday, February 16, 2013

CA - Vance & Hines Fined $500,000 By California Air Resources Board. Who’s Next?

OFF THE WIRE
by Cyril Huze
Vance-&-Hines
On January 31, 2013 Performance exhausts manufacturer Vance & Hines signed a settlement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), agreeing to pay a fine of $500,000 for selling in the State of California emission related parts & accessories not pre-approved by the Board.
The settlement agreement is regarding about 2000 units at an average price of $250 sold in violation of the rules of the California Resource Board.
In California, since 2009, manufacturers of replacement emission-related aftermarket parts & accessories must apply with CARB for an exemption (or executive order) to be able to sell these parts for use on street motorcycles. The government agency also deems some products “replacement parts” that don’t require an Executive Order because they don’t affect emissions. Many Vance & Hines products fit in this category and can be sold without CARB pre-approval.
Vance & Hines said the settlement protects its distributors, dealers and customers from further claims or liability with respect to covered part sales occurring prior to Jan. 1, 2013.
vancenhines1Its President Paul Langley released a statement saying: “We are pleased to have resolved this matter with CARB, and to have worked out an approach that should avoid future misunderstandings about the proper use of our exhaust systems and emissions-related parts. We are committed to ensuring that our parts fully comply with applicable air quality standards in California, and that our customers and business partners understand the appropriate fitment and uses.”
The full settlement agreement between Paul Langley, President of Vance & Hines and James Goldstene, CARB Executive Officer with recitals of infractions, remedy and decided fine can be read HERE. In its website, Vance & Hines posted an Emissions Notice To Customers In California.
Other California emission-related aftermarket part manufacturers are under investigation, probably with others about to settle their case by sending a check to Sacramento payable to the California Air Pollution Control Fund.