15-Day Draft of California Auto Glass Regulations Released; Now Available for Public Comment
December 16, 2009

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released the 15-day draft of the auto glass regulations the board voted to adopt in June. The draft, which specifies the type of glass to be used in vehicles sold in the state for model-year 2012 and later, is now open for public comment. Comments are due on January 11, 2010.

The regulations apply to replacement glass on vehicles model-year 2012 and later. Following are some of the key requirements of the regulations:

• "For 2012 model year vehicles, at least 25 percent of each manufacturer's projected California vehile sales volume must use a windshield with a (total solar transmittance (Tts) less than or equal to 50 percent;"
• "For 2013 model year vehicles, at least 50 percent of each manufacturer's projected California vehicle sales volume must use a windshield with a Tts less than or equal to 50 percent;" and
• "For 2014 and 2015 model-year vehicles, all windshields must have a Tts less than or equal to 50 percent."

In addition, the 15-day draft permits an option for 2016 and subsequent model-year vehicles that allows manufacturers to "demonstrate equivalent solar control using the specified alternative test procedure approved in advance by the Executive Officer in lieu of the glazing requirements …"

The full text of the 15-day draft is available for download on the CARB "Cool Cars" site. (CLICK HERE to download.)

Comments should be submitted to Marijke Bekken, lead staff member on the initiative, with a copy to Sharon Lemieux.

The goal of the regulations is to reduce the amount of heat that is transmitted through the glass, thus easing the load on a vehicle's air conditioner and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state, as part of an initiative taken on by the state after AB 32 was passed in 2006.

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