Guidance for the 2,000 LBS Weight Allowance for Near Zero-or Zero Emission Commercial Motor Vehicles in California

California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 35551 was amended to allow the power unit of a near zero-or zero- emission commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to exceed the weight limit by up to 2,000 lbs. 

Definitions
California Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 44258 defines near zero-or zero emission CMV as the following:

c) “Near-zero-emission vehicle” means a vehicle that utilizes zero-emission technologies, enables technologies that provide a pathway to zero-emissions operations, or incorporates other technologies that significantly reduce criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and greenhouse gas emissions, as defined by the state board in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission consistent with meeting the state's mid- and long-term air quality standards and climate goals.

Examples of a near zero emission vehicle are:
- Renewable Natural Gas
- Liquid Natural Gas
- Compressed Natural Gas

Zero Emission Vehicle
HSC 44258 (D)- (d) “Zero-emission vehicle” means a vehicle that produces no emissions of criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and greenhouse gases when stationary or operating, as determined by the state board.

Examples of a zero emission vehicle 
- Electric powered commercial motor vehicle 

Policy (Enforcement)
- Power unit of a near zero or zero emission CMV may exceed the weight limit described in CVC 35551 by up to 2,000lbs.
- The GVW or a near zero or zero emission CMV may exceed the allowed maximum vehicle combination gross weight by 2,000 lbs as described in CVC 35551. 

Near zero or zero emissions vehicles are NOT exempt from the weight limits prescribed in Section 105 Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. 

For more information contact Eric Sauer at esauer@caltrux.org.