DOJ Eases OBD Tampering Enforcement, SEMA Reacts

SEMA praised the U.S. Department of Justice’s Jan. 21 announcement that it will use enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations involving tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems and will no longer pursue criminal charges in those cases. However, the policy reflects only the current administration’s approach. Statutes of limitation extend beyond a single presidency, meaning future administrations could choose stricter enforcement.

SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola called the move “a welcome end to overly harsh penalties,” while emphasizing that federal law still clearly prohibits emissions-system tampering and profiting from products that enable it. He said SEMA remains committed to working with the EPA to help shape policies that balance compliance, safety and innovation.

OBD tampering—often tied to defeating emissions controls or mileage fraud—remains illegal and subject to significant civil penalties. SEMA continues supporting compliance through its SEMA Garage and SEMA Certified Emissions program, which helps aftermarket companies demonstrate that parts do not increase vehicle emissions. Source: https://www.sema.org