CARB: JEGS Pays Largest Penalty Ever Levied to Aftermarket

JEGS Automotive Inc. will pay $1.7 million to resolve violations of anti-pollution laws related to the sales and marketing of illegal aftermarket performance parts in California, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The penalty is the largest in CARB history for a case involving aftermarket parts.

CARB staff initiated its investigation of JEGS after a complaint from the public. The probe revealed that from 2011 to 2014, JEGS advertised and sold in California modified aftermarket performance parts-such as engine programmers, air intake systems and throttle bodies-that were not approved by CARB for use on highway vehicles, according to CARB.

THE SHOP contacted JEGS for comment but inquiries remain unanswered.

JEGS will pay $850,250 to Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) that will install air filters in schools located in economically and environmentally challenged communities. That sum will be split between the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District. The remaining $850,250 will be paid to the Air Pollution Control Fund to support clean air programs, according to CARB.

SEPs are regularly included with CARB settlements. They allow alleged violators to voluntarily agree to undertake an environmentally beneficial project related to the violation in exchange for mitigation of the penalty to be paid, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“This large settlement sends a powerful message to those in the retail community that selling aftermarket parts not approved for sale to California drivers is a risk not worth taking,” said Richard Corey, CARB executive officer. “Our tough air quality laws exist to protect public health, and those who flout these rules can expect to be caught and pay a steep price. We commend JEGS for cooperating and are confident that the company will not repeat this costly mistake.”

California law allows marketing and sale of an aftermarket performance part after an evaluation by CARB to ensure the part does not raise emissions. Once CARB approves the part, it is granted an executive order that allows the sale and installation of the part on pollution-controlled vehicles, according to CARB.

California law, according to CARB, also requires manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to take steps to ensure that consumers understand the legality of parts offered for sale and to discourage illegal modifications to vehicles.