Vehicle Manufacturer Purchasing Restrictions

Beginning January 1, 2020, state agencies are required to purchase vehicles from Original Equipment Manufacturers (CARB-aligned OEMs) that recognize California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards under section 209 of the Clean Air Act and have aligned with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in their commitment to reducing their fleets’ emissions (CARB-aligned).

Important Note

In alignment with Executive Order N-27-25, CARB has announced its Drive Forward Leaders initiative and published the Light-Duty (LD) Drive Forward Leaders on its website as of February 11, 2026. This represents a transition from the CARB-aligned Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the new Drive Forward Leaders program.

However, the deadline for submitting Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–26 Fleet Acquisition Plans (FAPs) passed on February 1, 2026. Many agencies have already submitted their FAPs in alignment with the CARB-aligned OEM policy. For this reason, DGS will not require agencies to retroactively revise 2025–26 FAPs. FAPs will be processed as submitted, provided they comply with all state fleet replacement and acquisition policies. However, after FAP approval, DGS will work with agencies to ensure that actual vehicle purchases through Purchase Orders prioritize alignment with CARB’s new Drive Forward Leaders initiative.

Please visit CARB's website to find out more about the Drive Forward Leaders Program and List of Drive Forward Leaders.