Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicle Engines: Regulations Requiring On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) SystemsAcceptance of Revised California OBD II Requirements; OBD Relief for Alternative Fueled Vehicles; and Revisions for Consistency Between Federal OBD and California OBD II

This direct final rulemaking revises requirements associated with on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. The federal OBD rulemaking, published February 19, 1993, allowed for compliance with California OBD II requirements as satisfying federal OBD requirements through the 1998 model year, an allowance of which most original equipment automobile manufacturers intend to take advantage. The California Air Resources Board has recently revised their OBD II requirements. The federal OBD regulations require appropriate revisions such that compliance with the recently revised OBD II requirements will satisfy federal OBD. Additionally, aspects of the federal OBD requirements will be revised and updated, in some cases to maintain consistency with the OBD II provisions, including providing OBD relief for alternative fueled vehicles, and in some cases to clarify federal OBD provisions. Finally, consistent with an order from the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the federal regulations are being revised to delete a requirement that manufacturers include certain features to deter tampering on affected vehicles.