Customer with a 2015 Ram 2500 diesel wants us to do a 'delete' — DPF, EGR, and a tune.

No, it's not legal.

Federal law (Clean Air Act §203) prohibits tampering with emissions controls, regardless of state testing. The EPA enforces this nationwide — Florida not having testing doesn't exempt you.

Consequences:

• $2,500-$37,500 EPA fines per vehicle
• Potential criminal charges
• Vehicle registration issues if sold across state lines

Additional risks:

• Increased soot emissions (visible smoke)
• Higher NOx emissions (health hazard)
• Potential soot buildup in engine components
• Voided warranty (though 2015 is likely expired)

What you can legally do:

• Performance tuning that maintains emissions compliance
• DPF/DEF system repairs or replacements
• EGR cooler replacement (not deletion)

Bottom line: Even in Florida, deleting emissions equipment violates federal law. The EPA has fined shops and tuners thousands of dollars for this work. Recommend compliant performance options instead.

If the customer wants more power, suggest a compliant tuner or emissions-friendly modifications. The legal risk isn't worth it for either you or the customer.

No, it is not legal. Federal law prohibits tampering with emissions controls regardless of state testing requirements.

The Law: Clean Air Act §203(a)(3)(B) (42 U.S.C. §7522(a)(3)(B)) makes it illegal for any person to remove or render inoperative any emissions control device installed on a motor vehicle. This applies to the DPF, EGR, DEF system, and the factory calibration. The "off-road only" loophole does not apply to vehicles licensed for street use.

Penalties: EPA civil penalties up to $5,646 per violation (2024 adjusted rate) per component. Shops performing deletes face separate liability. DOJ has actively prosecuted shops and tuners (e.g., U.S. v. Diesel Brothers, U.S. v. PFI Speed).

Florida Specifics: While FL has no state emissions inspection (F.S. §316.610), Florida Statute §316.2935 adopts federal tampering prohibitions. A delete can also void the factory powertrain warranty (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) and create liability if the truck is resold.

Your Risk: Performing this work exposes your shop to federal enforcement, fines, and potential loss of business licenses. EPA Region 4 (Atlanta) covers FL and is active on diesel enforcement.

Advise the customer: The only legal path is repairing the OEM emissions systems. If components are failed, replace with OEM or CARB-approved (EO-numbered) parts. Document the refusal on the repair order.