Is Banning Gas-Powered Cars Even Legal? (Regulations)

In recent years, the push for environmentally friendly transportation has led to discussions about the legality of banning gas-powered cars.

Several states are planning a ban on gas-driven cars, in efforts to combat climate change and promote electric vehicle adoption.

As of now, there is no federal law prohibiting such bans, but the situation varies from state to state.

It is crucial to examine the legal implications, as well as the potential impact on consumers and the automotive industry.

Let’s dive in.

National Policies

Several states in the United States have begun to implement policies aimed at banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles.

California has led the charge, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing in 2020 that the state would prohibit the sale of new gas-engine vehicles by 2035, requiring all new cars to run on electricity or hydrogen.

Following California’s decision, a total of seven states have now committed to similar bans, with Maryland being the most recent to join the movement. Under these multi-state agreements, only zero-emission vehicles—including electric and certain plug-in hybrid vehicles—may be sold after the 2035 model year.

It’s important to note that these bans primarily focus on NEW car sales. You can still buy used gas-powered cars and drive gas-powered cars after the given deadline.

While individual state policies can contribute to a nationwide shift towards zero-emission vehicles, a crucial component in the success of these bans is the support of the federal government.

In December 2021, the U.S. government announced its plans to cease the purchase of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, a move aimed at reducing emissions and promoting electric vehicle adoption.

These policies are generally considered an effective approach to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially since transportation is a sizable source of emissions in the United States:

• States adopting these measures see a potential tipping point for the electric vehicle industry, as more join in the efforts to phase out gas-powered cars.
• Reducing the number of new gas-powered vehicles on the road helps to lower long-term maintenance and fuel costs for consumers, as electric vehicle technology advances and becomes more accessible.
• Federal and state government incentives can further encourage the transition to electric vehicles, such as tax credits for electric vehicle purchases or investments in charging infrastructure.

State and Local Regulations

While some states in the US have begun to pass legislation aimed at banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in the coming years, others have not taken similar steps.

The legality of such bans is often subject to state and local regulations, as well as possible federal laws or guidance that could speak against implementing such bans.

For example,

• New York recently passed a law banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035, requiring all new cars to be zero-emission.
• California also set a deadline of 2035 for phasing out gas-powered vehicles.
• Both states are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote electric vehicle adoption.

However, it is important to note that these bans do not prevent the use of gas-powered vehicles already on the road or the sale of used gas-powered vehicles after the deadlines.

At the same time, not all states in the US have followed suit.

Each state is responsible for enacting its own environmental and transportation regulation policies, which could pose challenges or create variations in the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.

On a federal level, there is currently no national ban on gas-powered vehicles in place. However, the U.S. government has plans to end its purchase of gas-powered vehicles by 2035. While this policy does not directly impact consumers, it indicates a possible direction in federal policy towards promoting zero-emission transportation.

It is also worth considering potential legal challenges to these state-level bans on cars.

Opponents may argue that such regulations infringe on consumer choice or overstep states’ authority. Additionally, any policies aimed at banning gas-powered vehicles could potentially face pushback from the automotive industry, which may lobby against such measures or seek changes to prevent negative impacts on their businesses.

Legal Precedents for Transportation Restrictions

There are legal precedents that suggest the possibility of states imposing restrictions on transportation methods, such as the ban of gas-powered cars, can be upheld.

One of the primary tools states have used in the past is to regulate emissions to improve air quality and protect the environment.

In the 1970 Clean Air Act, the U.S. Congress granted states the authority to create their own emissions standards for vehicles, as long as they are at least as strict as federal standards. This has allowed states like California, with its historically strict emissions standards, to establish their own rules for the automotive industry.

Furthermore, the federal government has occasionally enacted transportation restrictions for specific purposes, such as the National Maximum Speed Law during the 1970s energy crisis.

Although this law was repealed in 1995, it demonstrates that regulating transportation based on broader concerns is not without precedent in U.S. history.

States have already begun taking steps toward banning gas-powered cars. California, for instance, has passed a regulation requiring all new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

Similar measures have been adopted, or are being considered, in various other states across the country.

However, these regulations are not without potential legal challenges. Opponents might argue that such bans could negatively impact the economy, infringe upon personal freedoms, or even violate the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Nevertheless, given the precedents for transportation restrictions and the growing concern for environmental protection, it is likely that states will continue to pursue bans on gas-powered cars in the future.

International Perspectives

Several nations have been taking initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards greener transportation.

As a result, a number of countries are discussing or have already planned to ban the sales of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in the coming years.

In the European Union, lawmakers have voted in favor of banning the sale of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035. This move would phase out gasoline vehicles and make way for increased electric vehicles adoption in the region (source).

France is another country that has set ambitious goals in this regard, planning to ban all gasoline cars by 2040.

To encourage the adoption of low or zero emission cars, France has implemented penalties on the purchase of high petrol and diesel consumption vehicles since 2008.

On the other side of the Atlantic, California, one of the largest automotive markets in the United States, announced in 2020 that starting from 2035, the sale of gas-powered vehicles would be banned.

The state governor stated that more than 50% of greenhouse emissions were generated by gas-powered vehicles and this decision would help in reducing the emissions.

Moreover, Canada has also vowed to ban the sale of fuel-burning new cars and light-duty trucks by 2035, as part of the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

It is evident that there is a growing trend amongst various countries to shift towards greener transportation options and phase out gas-powered vehicles.

While each region is adopting its own timeline and approach, the common goal seems to be reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting electric vehicle adoption.

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