Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) Regulations 

SORE regulations apply to spark-ignition engines up to 25 hp, which are used in most lawn and garden equipment. The 2021 amendments to the regulations are aimed at substantially reducing smog-forming emissions and transitioning SORE equipment to zero-emission equipment. These regulations apply to the manufacture of new engines, starting model year 2024.

Informative fact sheets from the California Air Resources Board are available in English and Spanish.

Thanks to Nivashni Mitchell at the California Air Resources Board for providing the following information: 

The small off-road engine (SORE) regulations apply to manufacturers for producing new engines, which need certification and labeling in order to be sold, offered for sale, or introduced into commerce in California. The SORE regulations do not require landscapers to purchase or use zero-emission equipment because the regulations do not have requirements for equipment owners. CARB-certified equipment may continue to be sold, used, repaired, and maintained in 2024 and later by their owners for the remainder of their useful life. For example, a model year 2022 lawn mower that is certified and labeled to the model year 2022 emission standards and requirements, may continue to be sold, used, and maintained in 2024 and later.

The amendments to the SORE regulations became effective January 1, 2023, with new emission standards applying starting model year 2024. You may view all rulemaking documents on the SORE rulemaking page. The SORE regulations set emission standards of zero for most new engines starting with model year 2024. Pressure washers with engine displacement greater than or equal to 225 cc and engines used in portable generators are required to meet more stringent emission standards starting with model year 2024 and emissions standards of zero starting with model year 2028.

Although CARB does not restrict the use of CARB-certified equipment, many cities may have local noise ordinances that limit when small off-road equipment can be used. Your local air district may have more information on this. Links to the air districts may be found here.

In addition, we have a Landscaper Workgroup that meets quarterly where we discuss updates to the regulations, funding opportunities that may be available, and provide an opportunity for open discussion between landscapers and CARB. We encourage and welcome more landscapers to participate. More details may be found here. To stay up-to-date about the landscaper workgroup and announcements regarding the SORE regulations, you may subscribe here.

Incentives

Incentive programs for purchasing zero-emission equipment are run by local air districts. For more information:

Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (YSAQMD) incentives page

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management district incentives page