California Two-Cycle Law
California does not have a law banning high-emission two-cycle vessel engines on waterways. A watercraft owner operating a vessel in California should understand the laws, restrictions and exceptions concerning two-cycle engines.
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Two-Cycle Engines
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Most two-cycle engines, also known as two-stroke vessel engines, were manufactured before 1999. This type of engine produces higher emissions and can emit up to 25 to 30 percent of the fuel unburned into the waterway and air.
Regulations
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The California Air Resources Board set stricter regulations for vessel engines requiring manufacturers to build cleaner-emission engines. Newer models need to have improved gas mileage, better idle performance and reduced oil consumption. Benchmarks were set for manufacturers to meet the new standards in 2001, 2004 and 2008.
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Restrictions
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As of September 2010, 11 lakes and waterways in California restrict or ban the use of high-emission two-cycle marine engines. Some counties and cities do not allow the use of two-stroke engines on drinking water reservoirs.
Exceptions
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In California, there are no restrictions on two-cycle engines on saltwater lakes or waterways.
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