Which vehicles do not require a BAR Referee Label?

Which vehicles do not require a BAR Referee Label?

• A. Vehicles with engine changes offered for that same year and model by the manufacturer
• B. Vehicles with engine changes offered by aftermarket shops
• C. Vehicles modified by non-manufacturer accessories
• D. New vehicles without emission control hardware

Answer: (A)

When a manufacturer offers an engine change for the same year and model, that option is part of the approved OEM configuration and has already undergone official emission certification. Because the change is factory-approved and certified for that specific vehicle, no BAR Referee Label is needed—the vehicle remains within its certified emission setup. In contrast, engine changes from aftermarket shops or modifications by non-manufacturer accessories can alter how the emissions system functions, so they must be reviewed and verified by a BAR Referee to ensure continued compliance. New vehicles without emission control hardware don’t fit the standard certified configurations and would require separate certification considerations, rather than skipping labeling.

When a manufacturer offers an engine change for the same year and model, that option is part of the approved OEM configuration and has already undergone official emission certification. Because the change is factory-approved and certified for that specific vehicle, no BAR Referee Label is needed—the vehicle remains within its certified emission setup.

In contrast, engine changes from aftermarket shops or modifications by non-manufacturer accessories can alter how the emissions system functions, so they must be reviewed and verified by a BAR Referee to ensure continued compliance. New vehicles without emission control hardware don’t fit the standard certified configurations and would require separate certification considerations, rather than skipping labeling.