ARTICLE 5. Standards for Spark-Ignition Fuels [13440 - 13443]
( Heading of Article 5 amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 591, Sec. 15. )
(a) The department shall establish specifications for automotive spark-ignition engine fuels. The department shall adopt by reference the latest standards established by a recognized consensus organization or standards writing organization such as ASTM International or SAE International, for automotive spark-ignition engine fuel, except that no specification shall be less stringent than required by any California state law.
(b) Any gasoline-oxygenate blend containing methanol shall also contain an alcohol cosolvent (butanol or higher molecular weight alcohol) in an amount equal to or greater than the volume percentage of methanol except those blends previously granted a waiver by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
(c) The antiknock index as defined in Section 13400 for gasoline, gasoline oxygenated blends, and dimethyl ether-propane fuel blends shall not be less than 87.
(d) Gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends shall meet the latest specifications set forth in ASTM International Standard Specification D4814.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, gasoline sold for use in Inyo or Mono County, or the portion of Kern County lying east of the Los Angeles County Aqueduct, shall comply with the latest specification set forth in ASTM International Standard Specification D4814 relating to volatility class standards for the season during which the gasoline is
sold for either the interior region or the southeast region of California.
(f) Ethanol fuel blends shall meet the latest specifications set forth in ASTM International Standard Specification D5798.
(g) Methanol fuel blends shall meet the latest specifications set forth in ASTM International Standard Specification D5797.
(h) Liquefied petroleum gas for use as a motor vehicle fuel shall meet the latest specifications set forth in ASTM International Standard Specification D1835.
(i) Dimethyl ether-propane fuel blends for use as motor vehicle fuel shall meet the latest specifications set forth by the ASTM International. If no ASTM International specifications exist, the secretary
shall establish interim specifications by regulation.
(j) Natural gas for use as a motor vehicle fuel shall meet the latest specification set forth by the ASTM International or SAE International.
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 117, Sec. 2. (AB 2663) Effective January 1, 2021.)
For purposes of determining the percentage of ethanol in a gasoline-oxygenate blend for use as a fuel, the volume of ethanol includes the volume of any denaturant (including gasoline) that is added to the extent that these denaturants do not exceed the maximum volume percent specified in the latest standard established by ASTM International, except that no standard shall be less stringent than required by any California state law.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 591, Sec. 17. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2016.)
It is unlawful for any person to sell any product as, or purporting to be, gasoline or automotive spark-ignition engine fuel, unless the product conforms to the specifications of this article.
(Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 167, Sec. 2.5.)
(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, or cause or permit to be sold or offered for sale, or deliver or offer for delivery, any product used as a motor vehicle fuel for internal combustion engines at any place where motor vehicle fuels are kept or stored for sale, which does not conform to the requirements of this article, unless and until there shall be firmly attached to or painted upon each container, receptacle, pump, and inlet end of the fill pipe of each underground storage tank, or other equipment used for storage of motor vehicle fuel, from which or into which the motor vehicle fuel is drawn or poured for sale or delivery, a sign or label, plainly visible, comprising the brand, trademark, or trade name of such fuel, or
the words “no brand,” that words shall be in letters of gothic type with a stroke of not less than one-eighth inch in width and not less than one inch in height, and also the words “not gasoline” in red letters of gothic type with a stroke of not less than one-half inch in width and not less than three inches in height, on a white background and not less than twice the size of any other letters or words appearing on or near the label or sign.
(b) The provisions of this article, as to the words “not gasoline,” shall not apply to signs or labels used in connection with the sale or delivery of kerosene, jet or turbine fuel, diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, or motor fuel comprised of a mixture of gasoline and lubricating oil properly labeled in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 (commencing with Section 13480).
(c) This section does not apply to electricity
sold as a motor vehicle fuel.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 591, Sec. 18. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2016.)
The sign or label required by this article to be attached to the inlet end of the fill-pipe of an underground storage tank shall consist of a tag or plate firmly attached or affixed and plainly visible while the tank is being filled. The letters on such sign or label may be of any convenient size.
(Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 636, Sec. 5.)