Honda 49 State Engines
Regulations enacted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) may limit where and how Honda products can be sold.
In 2021, all GC160, GC190, GCS190, GX240, GX270, GX340, GX390, GXV160, and GXV390 engines with Honda fuel system produced on or after January 1, 2021, emission variances granted by the California Resources Board (CARB) allowing the sales of products containing certain small general-purpose Honda engines for 2021 lapsed making affected engines 49 state only.
Honda Engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, are 49 state models.
Honda models with an “X”
Example: GX160UT2X-QX2
“49 state” in the description
California dealers ordering 49 state model engines will have an “X” at the end of the six-digit Honda code
Example: 667890X
Honda models with an “X”
Example: GX160UT2X-QX2
It can also be identified on the engine decal
For sales within the state of California it is your responsibility to ensure that its operations, including the sale of Honda products, are consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental regulations issued by the EPA and CARB.
Some engines are exempt from CARB’s regulations because federal regulations preempt them. U.S. EPA regulations state, “States and localities are preempted from adopting or enforcing standards or other requirements relating to the control of emissions from new engines smaller than 175 horsepower that are primarily used in farm or construction equipment or vehicles.” (40 CFR 1074(a).) “Primarily used” means 51% or more. (40 CFR 1074.5.)
List to Determine Preempt Off-Road Applications:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/list-determine-preempt-road-applications
Please note: this Preempt Off-Road Applications list is a working list intended to help guide industry. CARB does not have application forms relating to U.S. EPA’s preemption status pursuant to 40 CFR 1074. There are not any regulations or statutes allowing for an Executive Order, or anything similar, stating a particular product is used primarily for farm and/or construction use and therefore exempt from CARB regulation.
For more information on Off-Road Spark Ignition Engines, please contact the Small Off-Road (SORE) group at sore@arb.ca.gov
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