An EO exemption is not a performance guarantee
"CARB legal" means one thing: the part is exempt from California's anti-tampering law on the vehicles its Executive Order lists.
| Does an EO mean… | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| The part was found not to reduce the effectiveness of emission controls on the listed vehicles | Yes | The exemption from Vehicle Code 27156 for the vehicles in the EO |
| The part adds power or performs as advertised | No | The EO is not an endorsement of any claim by the maker |
| The part keeps your factory warranty | No | EOs state they give no opinion on warranty |
| The part meets noise and safety laws | No | EOs state they do not cover compliance with other laws, such as noise limits |
| The part is legal on any vehicle | No | Only on the vehicles, years and engines the EO lists |
| A modified version of the part is still exempt | No | Design changes that hurt emissions performance invalidate the EO |
What the EOs themselves say
The EOs we read use the same standard wording. For example, EO D-269-110 (K&N, April 2023) states:
THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CERTIFICATION, ACCREDITATION, APPROVAL, OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF ENDORSEMENT BY THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD OF ANY CLAIMS OF THE APPLICANT CONCERNING ANTI-POLLUTION BENEFITS OR ANY ALLEGED BENEFITS…
It also says the order "does not constitute any opinion as to the effect the use of the [part] may have on any warranty, either expressed or implied by the vehicle manufacturer; or compliance with any other state, federal, or local law, such as safety equipment requirements or noise limitations," and that no claim such as "Approved by the California Air Resources Board" may be made in advertising.
Conditions in CARB's procedures
CARB's exemption procedures (Section IX) add that, as a condition of the exemption, the modified vehicle must be capable of passing the Smog Check test that applies, and the maker may not market the part for vehicles other than those listed or sell a component of a kit as a separate device.
Why "delete" parts never have an EO
California Vehicle Code 27156 and the federal Clean Air Act prohibit modifications that increase vehicle emissions (CARB). A part that removes an emission control can't show that it does not reduce their effectiveness, so it can't be exempted. We do not list such parts.
Sources (checked 2026-11-11): CARB EO D-269-110 and other EOs on this site; CARB, Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts (adopted June 29, 2021), Section IX; CARB, Aftermarket Parts: About. Not legal advice.