(a) The department may grant a variance from the specifications of this chapter for developmental engine fuels if all of the following conditions apply:

(1) Variances may only be granted to provide for the development of information under controlled test conditions to assist in the creation of chemical and performance standards for engine fuels.

Terms Used In California Business and Professions Code 13405

  • Developmental engine fuel: means an engine fuel that does not meet standards established by this chapter but has characteristics that may lead to an improved fuel standard or the development of an alternative fuel standard. See California Business and Professions Code 13400
  • Engine fuel: means any gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuel used for the generation of power in an internal combustion engine or fuel cell in a motor vehicle, or electrical power delivered conductively or inductively to an electric motor in electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. See California Business and Professions Code 13400

(2) Developmental engine fuel shall only be distributed or sold to fleet-type centrally fueled vehicle and equipment users.

(3) The applicant shall warn all parties in writing of any potential risk associated with the use of the developmental engine fuel.

(4) The applicant shall report information when and as the department may prescribe in order for the department to monitor the progress of the developmental engine fuel technology evaluation.

(b) The applicant for a variance shall comply with all other requirements, terms, and conditions contained in this division and regulations adopted by the department to further the purposes and administration of this section.

(c) (1) In granting a variance, the department expresses no opinion as to whether an applicant’s developmental engine fuel will perform as represented by the applicant nor any opinion to the extent, if at all, that the developmental engine fuel may be safely and effectively used as a substitute for other spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine fuels without incident.

(2) Damages caused by the sale, delivery, storage, handling, and usage of the developmental engine fuel shall be addressed in accordance with contractual provisions negotiated and agreed upon by the applicant and the user.

(d) The department may withdraw a variance if the applicant does not adhere to the conditions required to obtain the variance or if the department recognizes a high probability of equipment harm with the continued use of the developmental engine fuel or to protect public safety.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 591, Sec. 8. (AB 808) Effective January 1, 2016.)

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