(a) The state board, in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, shall establish and conduct, until January 1, 1988, an experimental program in which fleet vehicles may utilize gasoline into which methanol has been blended.

(b) In order to participate in the methanol-gasoline experimental vehicle fleet program, all of the following information shall be submitted to the state board for each vehicle proposed for participation in the program:

(1) The make, model, vehicle identification number, and license number of each vehicle.

(2) A description of the fuel to be used in the vehicle.

(3) Evidence that the vehicle’s emissions using the methanol-gasoline blend will be no higher than the vehicle’s emissions using gasoline which complies with the volatility standard established pursuant to Section 43830. Evidence may be based on emission tests or a combination of emission tests and engineering evaluation.

(4) A description of any modifications to the vehicle necessary to comply with paragraph (3).

(5) A valid certificate of compliance issued pursuant to Section 4000.1 or 4000.3 of the Vehicle Code.

(c) Within 60 days of receipt of a request to participate in the program, the state board, in consultation with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, shall approve or deny the request. Approval shall be granted if adequate evidence is provided that use of the fuel will not cause or contribute to an increase in vehicle emissions when using the methanol-gasoline blend.

(d) The state board may periodically test vehicles enrolled in the program for compliance. Failure to meet state emission standards shall not result in imposition of any fine or penalty if there are no violations of Section 27156 of the Vehicle Code, and the vehicle is restored to conform to applicable emission standards at the end of the experimental program.

(e) All of the following records shall be maintained on each vehicle and shall be made available to the state board upon request:

(1) Fuel economy.

(2) Maintenance and repair.

(3) Driveability.

(f) The state board may exempt the vehicles in any fleet participating in the program from the requirements of subdivision (b) until July 1, 1985. The exemption shall be granted if the applicant demonstrates that the evidence required pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) is not available, that there is likelihood that it will become available within the exemption period, and that the facility at which the fleet vehicle is normally refueled does not have provisions for the distribution of more than one type of fuel.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 701, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005. Inoperative April 1, 2005, pursuant to Stats. 2004, Ch. 704, Secs. 5 and 7.)