So, I also emailed in for further clarifications. The answer I got back contradicts with the CARB phone representative's answer. Here is the email chain.
++++++++++++++++++
Hello Cris,
First, if the vehicle does in fact meet the definition of a motor home, it would be exempt from the regulation meaning it would not need to be "Compliant" as it is exempt from needing to be compliant.
Second, the regulation that we are discussing is the Truck and Bus regulation, which has nothing to do with smog. The Truck and Bus regulation requires diesel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds to have PM filter and/or new engines to be installed dependent on the GVWR and the year of the engine currently in the vehicle.
If you have further questions or concerns, please call 1-866-6Diesel (1-866-634-3735), email us, or visit
www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop
Thank you for your email.
Samantha A.
Mobile Source Compliance & Outreach Staff
California Air Resources Board
________________________________________
From: Cris Lin [linc313@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 10:25 AM
To: ARB 8666Diesel
Subject: RE: School Bus conversion Emission requirement question
Hello,
There are two issues at hand.
1) Engine is 49 states compliant. (No California on engine sticker). Are you sure this is also exempted. No mentioning of this in the clauses.
2) Motorhome exemption on smog. Understood as you have described below.
I want to make absolutely sure that the engine is operable in CA, and I would not have problem with registering it in DMV.
Thanks,
Cris Lin
From: ARB 8666Diesel [mailto:8666Diesel@arb.ca.gov]
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 7:29 AM
To: Cris Lin
Subject: RE: School Bus conversion Emission requirement question
Hello Chris,
According to the Truck and Bus Regulation, Motor homes for non-commercial private use are exempt from the regulation. Be sure that your vehicle meets the definition out lined in the regulation:
"'Motor Home' means a single vehicular unit designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy and built on, or permanetly attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis, chassis cab, or van, which becomes an integral part of the completed vehicle or a vehicle that exclusively tows a trailer that was originally designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy."
If your vehicle meets the definition above and is used for non-commercial private use then the vehicle would fall under the list of exempt vehicles. You can find this information under section "(c) Exemptions" and section "(d) Definitions" in the final regulations at the following link:
https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdie...tbfinalreg.pdf
If you have further questions or concerns, please call 1-866-6Diesel (1-866-634-3735), email us, or visit
www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop
Thank you for your email.
Samantha A.
Mobile Source Compliance & Outreach Staff
California Air Resources Board
________________________________________
From: Cris Lin [linc313@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 3:04 PM
To: ARB 8666Diesel
Subject: School Bus conversion Emission requirement question
Hello,
I can not find a definite answer, thus I am emailing in to seek help.
I am buying a used short school bus where the engine sticker does not mention CA compliant. It weights 17000 lbs. and has about 100k miles. I am planning to convert it into a motorhome. Does it need to be in compliant?
Can I operate this Motorhome in California?
Thank you!
Cris