SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that Ed Tucker Distributor, Inc. has been fined $500,000 for violations of air quality laws related to the sale of illegal aftermarket "emissions critical" parts in California.

An ARB investigation discovered that two Tucker companies, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker's Choice, sold, advertised and offered for sale aftermarket parts that replaced original emissions-critical components, such as catalytic converters, on highway motorcycles. California anti-tampering laws prohibit the sale, distribution and installation of parts that modify the emissions control systems of vehicles unless the modifications are proven to neither reduce the effectiveness of those systems nor cause excess emissions.

ARB investigators found that between 2009 and 2013, Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker's Choice failed to take advantage of an industry-requested regulation that provided aftermarket motorcycle exhaust manufacturers, distributors, and retailers a way to legally sell their products. This regulation allows modifications to emissions control systems once they undergo an engineering evaluation to ensure they are durable and continue to meet applicable emission standards. Parts successfully completing this process receive an Executive Order exemption that allows their sale and installation on pollution-controlled motorcycles.

In announcing the settlement, ARB enforcement Chief James Ryden noted that "Tucker Rocky Distributing and Biker's Choice promptly and fully cooperated with ARB during the investigation, and have implemented a compliance plan to inform their dealers and customers about the types of motorcycle exhaust systems that are legal for sale in the State. We encourage other distributors in the industry to institute similar practices."

Modified vehicles that no longer meet California's emission requirements pose a real health danger to California residents. They create higher amounts of smog-forming pollutants, which can then exacerbate respiratory ailments and negatively affect other health conditions.Funds collected will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, established to decrease air pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technologies.