Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Laws in California (2026): The Big Switch Is Here
Here’s something most people don’t realize. California banned the sale of new gas-powered lawn mowers back in January 2024. Seriously. If you’ve been shopping for lawn equipment lately, you probably noticed the shelves look different. Let’s break down exactly what these laws mean for you and your lawn.
The rules are stricter than you might think. And they’re getting tougher every year. Whether you own a gas mower or need to buy new equipment, understanding these laws will save you from headaches down the road.
What Are Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Laws?
California’s gas mower laws focus on reducing air pollution. The state calls these machines “small off-road engines” or SOREs. They produce a ton of emissions. Way more than you’d expect.
Get this. Using a gas mower for one hour creates as much smog as driving a 2016 Toyota Camry for 300 miles. That’s not a typo. These little engines are serious polluters.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) led the push for these laws. They oversee air quality in the state. Their goal is simple. Cut emissions from lawn equipment and protect public health.
The Statewide Sales Ban
Here’s the big one. As of January 1, 2024, retailers cannot sell new gas-powered lawn mowers in California. The ban covers equipment manufactured after December 31, 2023.
This isn’t just about mowers. The ban includes leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws too. Basically, any small engine equipment under 25 horsepower.
You can still use what you already own. The law doesn’t force you to throw away your gas mower. But when it dies, you’ll need to go electric. There’s no getting around it.
What Equipment Is Covered?
Wondering if this applies to your tools? Let’s be clear about what counts as a small off-road engine.
The law covers lawn mowers of all types. Push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers. If it runs on gas and is under 25 horsepower, it’s banned from sale. Most residential and commercial mowers fall into this category.
String trimmers and edgers are included. So are leaf blowers and vacuums. Hedge trimmers, pole saws, and small chainsaws too. Even generators under 25 horsepower can’t be sold new.
Equipment over 25 horsepower gets a pass. That includes large commercial mowers and some industrial equipment. Agricultural equipment follows different rules. Farmers have more flexibility.
City-Specific Usage Bans
Hold on, this part is important. Some California cities went even further than the state. They’re banning the actual use of gas equipment, not just the sale.
Irvine has the strictest rules right now. As of January 1, 2025, residents and small businesses can’t use gas leaf blowers. Large businesses can’t use any gas lawn equipment at all. Starting July 2026, residents and small businesses will face a complete ban on all gas lawn equipment.
South Pasadena phased out gas equipment completely. Berkeley and Palo Alto are pushing electric alternatives hard. Sacramento bans leaf blowers when air quality is poor.
More cities are considering similar bans. If you live in California, check your local ordinances. Your city might have rules stricter than the state.
Penalties and Enforcement
So what happens if you break these laws? The consequences vary depending on who you are and what you did.
For retailers, the penalties are serious. CARB can fine stores up to $500 per day for each violation. If a shop keeps selling banned equipment after a warning, those fines add up fast. Under California Health and Safety Code 43016, the state takes these violations seriously.
For homeowners and landscapers using banned equipment in restricted cities, fines are lower but still hurt. First-time violations typically cost $100. Repeat offenses can climb to $500 or more. Some cities will confiscate equipment if violations continue.
Code enforcement officers handle most citations. They patrol neighborhoods looking for violations. In cities with strict bans, they’re pretty active about it.
Noise Ordinances Still Apply
Even if you’re using legal equipment, you still need to follow noise rules. Most California cities limit when you can mow.
Weekday restrictions usually allow mowing starting at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. You typically need to stop by 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Weekends have stricter rules. Many cities don’t allow mowing until 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Gas mowers produce 80 to 95 decibels of noise. That’s like standing next to a loud concert. Prolonged exposure can damage your hearing. It’s also really annoying for neighbors trying to sleep.
Electric mowers are way quieter. Most produce around 60 to 75 decibels. That’s one reason cities prefer them.
Why California Made These Laws
Honestly, the air pollution from these engines is shocking. California ranks among the most polluted states in the country. Small engines contribute 5% of all air pollution in the U.S.
These engines emit nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. All of that causes serious health problems. Asthma, cardiovascular disease, and premature death are linked to this pollution.
There’s also the noise issue. Gas-powered equipment can cause permanent hearing damage. Workers who use these tools daily face the biggest risks.
California wants to improve air quality and protect public health. That’s the driving force behind these laws.
Used Equipment and Secondhand Sales
Confused about buying used mowers? Let me break it down. The law only bans the sale of new equipment. Used gas mowers are still legal to buy and sell.
You can purchase a secondhand gas mower from a private seller. Garage sales, online marketplaces, and used equipment dealers are all fair game. As long as the mower was manufactured before 2024, you’re good.
You can keep using your old gas equipment too. There’s no requirement to switch to electric. Use your gas mower until it dies. Then you’ll need to go electric.
Some people worry the secondhand market will get expensive. It might. Demand for used gas equipment could push prices up. But right now, you still have options.
Rebates and Financial Help
The switch to electric equipment costs money. No way around it. But California offers help to make the transition easier.
The state allocated $30 million for rebates through Senate Bill 170. That money ran out fast. It was exhausted by October 2023. But other programs are still available.
Many counties and cities offer their own rebates. The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District gives $125 for hand tools and $225 for mowers. You need to turn in your old gas equipment to qualify.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District offers rebates up to $250 for residents. Commercial landscapers can get up to 85% of equipment costs covered. Check your local air district for programs.
The federal government helps too. The Inflation Reduction Act includes a 30% tax credit for commercial electric mowers. The credit caps at $7,500. It’s something.
How to Comply With the Law
Ready to make the switch? Here’s what you need to do. First, check if your city has usage bans or just sales bans. That determines your timeline.
If you own a gas mower and your city only has a sales ban, keep using it. There’s no rush. When it breaks down, replace it with electric. Easy.
If you live in a city with a usage ban, you need to act faster. Check when the ban takes effect. Buy electric equipment before the deadline. Look into local rebates first.
Research electric options carefully. Battery-powered mowers have come a long way. They’re quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain. No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs.
Consider your lawn size. Small yards do great with corded electric mowers. Larger properties need battery-powered models with spare batteries. Really big lawns might need commercial-grade equipment.
Shopping for Electric Equipment
So you’re ready to go electric. What should you look for? The market has tons of options now. Some are great. Others, not so much.
For push mowers, look at voltage. 40-volt to 80-volt models work for most residential lawns. Higher voltage means more power. Consider battery runtime too. Most run 30 to 60 minutes per charge.
Riding mowers cost way more. A commercial electric riding mower can run $30,000 to $40,000. That’s compared to $13,000 for gas versions. Battery replacement adds $10,000 to $15,000 every three to five years. Yep, it’s expensive.
Homeowners have it easier. Residential electric mowers cost about 25% to 50% more than gas models. But operating costs are lower. No gas, less maintenance. The savings add up over time.
Major brands like Ego, Ryobi, and Greenworks make solid battery equipment. Husqvarna and John Deere offer premium options. Read reviews before you buy. Quality varies a lot between models.
What About Cross-Border Purchases?
You might be wondering. Can I just drive to Nevada and buy a gas mower? Technically, maybe. But it’s complicated.
The law targets California retailers. Out-of-state stores can legally sell to California residents. But shipping might be blocked. Many retailers won’t ship banned equipment to California addresses.
Driving to another state to buy equipment isn’t explicitly illegal. But using it in a city with a usage ban would violate local ordinances. You’d still face fines if caught.
Honestly, it’s not worth the hassle. Electric equipment works well. And the technology keeps improving. Save yourself the trouble and go electric.
Performance: Electric vs. Gas
Let’s be real. Electric equipment isn’t quite as powerful as gas. Not yet anyway. But it’s getting close.
Gas mowers deliver more raw power. They handle thick grass and tough terrain better. Battery life isn’t a concern with gas. Just fill the tank and go.
Electric mowers have improved dramatically. Most homeowners won’t notice a difference on normal lawns. They struggle with very thick or wet grass. Battery runtime limits large properties. You might need multiple batteries.
For commercial landscapers, electric equipment poses real challenges. Battery-powered tools can’t always handle a full workday. Some landscapers carry multiple battery packs. Others plan routes to allow charging time.
The gap is closing though. Every year, electric equipment gets better. Batteries last longer. Motors get stronger. In a few years, the difference might disappear.
Special Circumstances and Exceptions
Not everyone has to follow these rules exactly. A few exemptions exist. Let’s cover them quick.
Agricultural operations get special treatment. Farming equipment follows different regulations. Large-scale land maintenance for agriculture often gets a pass. Check with CARB if you work in agriculture.
Emergency generators have some flexibility. If you need backup power, options exist. But California is pushing for clean alternatives here too.
Equipment over 25 horsepower avoids the ban. Very large commercial mowers still use gas. This covers industrial-grade equipment most homeowners never see.
Repairs on existing equipment are legal. You can fix your old gas mower. Parts are still available. Just the sale of new complete units is banned.
The Future of Lawn Care in California
Where are these laws headed? More restrictions are coming. Count on it. California plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Lawn equipment fits into that goal.
Expect more cities to ban usage, not just sales. Irvine won’t be the last. Other cities are watching closely. If the transition goes smoothly, they’ll follow.
Technology will improve too. Battery costs are dropping. Runtime is increasing. Power levels keep climbing. In five years, electric equipment might match or beat gas.
Other states are copying California. New York, Minnesota, and Washington are considering similar laws. What happens in California usually spreads.
Robot mowers are gaining popularity too. They cut automatically. No operator needed. They’re quiet and efficient. Prices are coming down. This might be the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my gas lawn mower in California?
Yes, you can keep using your existing gas mower. The statewide law only bans sales, not usage. However, some cities like Irvine have stricter rules that ban actual use. Check your local ordinances to be sure.
Where can I buy a gas lawn mower in California?
You cannot buy a new gas mower from California retailers. They’ve been banned since January 2024. You can purchase used gas mowers from private sellers or secondhand shops. Out-of-state purchases are possible but might face shipping restrictions.
What are the fines for selling banned lawn equipment?
Retailers face up to $500 per day for each violation under California Health and Safety Code 43016. These fines can accumulate quickly, especially after receiving a warning. CARB actively enforces these penalties.
Are there rebates available for electric lawn equipment?
Yes, many programs offer financial help. Local air quality districts provide rebates ranging from $125 to $250 for residential equipment. Commercial landscapers can receive up to 85% of costs covered. The federal government offers a 30% tax credit (up to $7,500) for commercial electric mowers.
Does the ban apply to riding mowers and zero-turn mowers?
Yes, if they’re under 25 horsepower and manufactured after December 31, 2023. Most residential and commercial riding mowers fall under this limit. Only very large industrial equipment over 25 horsepower is exempt from the sales ban.
What time can I legally mow my lawn in California?
It depends on your city’s noise ordinance. Most allow mowing starting at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. on weekends. You typically must stop by 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Check with your local government for specific rules.
Can I take my gas mower to a repair shop?
Absolutely. Repairing existing gas equipment is completely legal. Parts and service remain available. The ban only affects selling new complete units, not maintaining what you already own.
What happens if I violate local usage bans?
In cities with usage restrictions, first-time violations typically result in $100 fines. Repeat offenses can reach $500 or higher. Code enforcement officers issue citations. Some cities may confiscate equipment for continued violations.
Final Thoughts
California’s gas mower laws represent a major shift. The statewide sales ban started in 2024. Some cities added usage restrictions. More changes are coming.
If you own a gas mower, you can keep using it for now. Check your local rules though. Cities like Irvine have stricter timelines. When your equipment dies, plan to go electric.
Look into available rebates before buying. Many programs can cut costs significantly. The technology keeps improving. Battery equipment gets better every year.
Stay informed about your local ordinances. Rules vary by city. What’s legal in one place might not be in another. When in doubt, contact your city’s planning department.
The environment benefits from these laws. Your health does too. Cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods are real improvements. The transition takes effort, but it’s worth it.