CFR > Title 40 - Protection of Environment > CHAPTER I—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY > SUBCHAPTER Q—ENERGY POLICY (Parts 600–611) > PART 600—FUEL ECONOMY AND CARBON-RELATED EXHAUST EMISSIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLES > SUBPART D—Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year Automobiles—Labeling (§600.301-08 to §600.316-78) > 600.307-95—Fuel economy label format requirements.

600.307-95—Fuel economy label format requirements.

(a) (1) Fuel economy labels must be:
(i) Rectangular in shape with a minimum height of 4.5 inches (114 mm) and a minimum length of 7.0 inches (178 mm) as depicted in appendix VIII of this part.
(ii) Printed in a color which contrasts with the paper color.
(iii) The label shall have a contrasting border at least 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) wide.
(2) The top 50 percent of the total fuel economy label area shall contain only the following information and in the same format depicted in the label format in appendix VIII of this part:
(i) The titles “CITY MPG” and “HIGHWAY MPG”, centered over the applicable fuel economy estimates, in bold caps 10 points in size.
(ii) (A) For gasoline-fueled, diesel-fueled, alcohol-fueled, and natural gas-fueled automobiles, the city and highway fuel economy estimates calculated in accordance with § 600.209 (a) and (b).
(B) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the city and highway fuel economy estimates for operation on gasoline or diesel fuel as calculated in § 600.209 (a)(1)(ii)(A) or (2)(ii)(A) and § 600.209 (b)(1)(ii)(A) or (2)(ii)(A).
(iii) The fuel pump logo.
(iv) The phrase “Compare this [vehicle/truck] to others in the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE available at the dealer,” shall be “dropped-out” of the top border as depicted in the sample label format in appendix VIII of this part. The phase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the words “FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE” which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(v) (A) For alcohol-fueled automobiles, the title “(insert appropriate fuel (example “METHANOL “(M85))”)”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in upper case in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobiles, the title “NATURAL GAS*”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in uppercase in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the title “DUAL FUEL*”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in upper case in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(vi) (A) For alcohol-fueled automobiles, the title “(insert appropriate fuel (example “M85”))” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobile, the title “GASOLINE EQUIVALENT” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the title “GASOLINE” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(3) The bottom 50 percent of the label shall contain the following information:
(i) The [vehicle/truck] description, as described in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, when applicable.
(ii) (A) A statement: “Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and [vehicle's/truck's] condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of [vehicles/trucks] with these estimates will achieve between ___ and ___ mpg in the city, and between ___ and ___ mpg on the highway.”
(B) The range values for this statement are to be calculated in accordance with the following:
(1) The lower range values shall be determined by multiplying the city and highway estimates by 0.85, then rounding to the next lower integer value.
(2) The upper range values shall be determined by multiplying the city and highway estimates by 1.15 and rounding to the next higher integer value.
(iii) (A) A statement: “For comparison shopping, all [vehicles/trucks] classified as [insert category as determined in § 600.315] have been issued mileage ratings ranging from ___ to ___ mpg city and ___ to ___ mpg highway.” (The range values are those determined in accordance with § 600.311.); or, when applicable,
(B) A statement: “A range of fuel economy values for other [vehicles/trucks] classified as [insert category as determined in § 600.315] is not available at this time.” or by the statement: “Not available.”
(iv) (A) The statement: “Estimated Annual Fuel Cost:” followed by the appropriate value calculated in accordance with paragraph (g) or (h) of this section. The estimated annual fuel cost value for alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel vehicles to appear on the fuel economy label shall be that calculated based on operating the vehicle on gasoline or diesel fuel as determined in § 600.307(g) and (h). At the manufacturers option, the label may also contain the estimated annual fuel cost value based on operating the vehicle on the alternative fuel.
(B) At the manufacturers option, it may include the fuel cost and the annual mileage interval used to determine the annual fuel cost.
(v) For the 1986 model year only, the statement: “Under EPA's previous fuel economy program, used prior to the 1985 model year, this [vehicle/truck] would have received a single estimate of [insert unadjusted city value rounded to the nearest whole mpg, as determined in § 600.207(b)] mpg.”
(vi) (A) The Gas Guzzler statement, when applicable (see paragraph (f) of this section), must be centered on a separate line between the bottom border and the Estimated Annual Fuel Cost statements. The words “Gas Guzzler” shall be highlighted.
(B) The type size shall be at least as large as the largest type size in the bottom 50 percent of the label.
(vii) (A) For alcohol-fueled, and natural gas-fueled automobiles, the statement: “*This vehicle operates on [insert appropriate fuel(s)] only.” shall appear above the bottom border. The phrase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the fuels listed which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type no smaller than 12 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobiles, the statements: “All fuel economy values on this label pertain to gasoline equivalent fuel economy. To convert these values into units of miles per 100 cubic feet of natural gas, multiply by 0.823.” At the manufacturers option, the statement “To convert these values into units of miles per 100 cubic feet of natural gas, multiply by 0.823.” may be replaced by the statement “The fuel economy in units of miles per (insert units used in retail) is estimated to be (insert city fuel economy value) in the city, and (insert highway fuel economy value) on the highway.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the statement: “This vehicle operates on [insert gasoline or diesel as appropriate] and [insert other fuel(s) as appropriate].” shall appear above the bottom border. The phrase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the words “gasoline” or “diesel” (as appropriate) and the other fuels listed, which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type no smaller than 12 points in size.
(viii) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the statement: “All fuel economy values on this label pertain to [insert gasoline or diesel as appropriate] fuel usage. [insert other fuel(s) as appropriate] fuel(s) usage will yield different values. See the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE for information on [insert other fuel(s)] .” At the manufacturers option, the above statements may be replaced by the statement “The fuel economy while using [insert appropriate fuel (example “M85)] is estimated to be [insert city fuel economy value and appropriate units] in the city and [insert highway fuel economy value and appropriate units] on the highway. See the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE for other information on [insert appropriate fuel].
(4) The maximum type size for the statements located in the lower 50 percent of the label shall not exceed 10 points in size, except as provided for in paragraphs (a)(3)(vii)(A) and (B) of this section.
(b) (1) The city mpg number shall be displayed on the left and the highway mpg number displayed on the right.
(2) (i) Except for the digit “one,” each mpg digit shall measure at least 0.35 inches by 0.6 inches (9×15 mm) in width and height respectively.
(ii) The digit “one,” shall measure at least 0.2 inches by 0.6 inches (5×15 mm) in width and height respectively.
(3) The strike width of each mpg digit shall be at least 0.075 inches (1.9 mm).
(4) (i) MPG digits not printed as a single character shall be made of a matrix of smaller characters. This matrix shall be at least four characters wide by five characters high (with the exception of three characters wide for the numerical character denoting “one”.)
(ii) The small characters shall be made of successive overstrikes to form a reasonably dark and continuous line that approximates a single large character.
(5) (i) If manufacturer chooses to enlarge the label from that depicted in Appendix VIII of this part, the logo and the fuel economy label values, including the titles “CITY MPG” and “HIGHWAY MPG,” must be increased in the same proportion.
(ii) The area bounded by the bottom of the fuel pump logo to the top of the border must continue to represent at least 50 percent of the available label area.
(c) The vehicle description on general labels will be as follows:
(1) Model year;
(2) Vehicle car line;
(3) Engine displacement, in cubic inches, cubic centimeters, or liters whichever is consistent with the customary description of that engine;
(4) Number of engine cylinders or rotors;
(5) Additional engine description, if necessary to distinguish otherwise identical model types, as approved by the Administrator;
(6) Fuel metering system, including number of carburetor barrels, if applicable;
(7) Transmission class;
(8) Catalyst usage, if necessary to distinguish otherwise identical model types; and
(9) California emission control system usage, if applicable and if the Administrator determines that automobiles intended for sale in the State of California are likely to exhibit significant differences in fuel economy from those intended for sale in other states.
(d) The vehicle description on specific labels will be as follows:
(1) The descriptions of paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) Inertia weight class;
(3) Axle ratio; and
(4) Other engine or vehicle parameters, if approved by the Administrator.
(e) Where the fuel economy label is incorporated with the pricing information sticker, the applicable vehicle description, as set forth in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, does not have to be repeated if the information is readily found on the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act label.
(f) (1) For fuel economy labels of passenger automobile model types requiring a tax statement under § 600.513, the phrase “* * * Gas Guzzler Tax: $______ * * *”.
(2) The tax value required by this paragraph shall be based on the combined fuel economy value for the model type calculated in accordance with § 600.207 and rounded to the nearest 0.1 mpg. Adjustments in accordance with § 600.209 will not be used to determine the tax liability.
(g) General labels. The annual fuel cost estimate for operating an automobile included in a model type shall be computed by using values for the fuel cost per volume (gallon for liquid fuels, cubic foot for gaseous fuels) and average annual mileage, predetermined by the Administrator, and the fuel economy determined in § 600.209(d).
(1) The annual fuel cost estimate for a model type is computed by multiplying:
(i) Fuel cost per gallon (natural gas must be expressed in units of cost per equivalent gallon, where 100 SCF = 0.823 equivalent gallons) expressed in dollars to the nearest 0.05 dollar; by
(ii) Average annual mileage, expressed in miles per year to the nearest 1,000 miles per year; by
(iii) The average, rounded to the nearest 0.0001 gallons per mile (natural gas must be expressed in units of gallons equivalent per mile where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) of the fuel economy value determined in § 600.209(d) for a model type.
(2) The product computed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section and rounded to the nearest dollar per year will comprise the annual fuel cost estimate that appears on general labels for the model type.
(h) Specific labels. The annual fuel cost estimate for operating an automobile included in a vehicle configuration will be computed by using the values for the fuel cost per volume (gallon for liquid fuels, cubic feet for gaseous fuels) and average mileage and the fuel economy determined in paragraph (h)(1)(iii) of this section.
(1) The annual fuel cost estimate for vehicle configuration is computed by multiplying:
(i) Fuel cost per gallon (natural gas must be expressed in units of cost per equivalent gallon, where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) expressed in dollars to the nearest 0.05 dollar; by
(ii) Average annual mileage, expressed in miles per year to the nearest 1,000 miles per year; by
(iii) The inverse, rounded to the nearest 0.0001 gallons per mile (natural gas must be expressed in units of gallon equivalent per mile, where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) of the fuel economy value determined in § 600.206(a)(2)(iii) for a vehicle configuration (city and highway values will be adjusted by the factors in § 600.209(a) and (b) and combined according to § 600.209(d) before the calculation).
(2) The product computed in paragraph (h)(1) of this section and rounded to the nearest dollar per year will comprise the annual fuel cost estimate that appears on specific labels for that vehicle configuration.

Code of Federal Regulations

[59 FR 39657, Aug. 3, 1994]
(a) (1) Fuel economy labels must be:
(i) Rectangular in shape with a minimum height of 4.5 inches (114 mm) and a minimum length of 7.0 inches (178 mm) as depicted in appendix VIII of this part.
(ii) Printed in a color which contrasts with the paper color.
(iii) The label shall have a contrasting border at least 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) wide.
(2) The top 50 percent of the total fuel economy label area shall contain only the following information and in the same format depicted in the label format in appendix VIII of this part:
(i) The titles “CITY MPG” and “HIGHWAY MPG”, centered over the applicable fuel economy estimates, in bold caps 10 points in size.
(ii) (A) For gasoline-fueled, diesel-fueled, alcohol-fueled, and natural gas-fueled automobiles, the city and highway fuel economy estimates calculated in accordance with § 600.209 (a) and (b).
(B) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the city and highway fuel economy estimates for operation on gasoline or diesel fuel as calculated in § 600.209 (a)(1)(ii)(A) or (2)(ii)(A) and § 600.209 (b)(1)(ii)(A) or (2)(ii)(A).
(iii) The fuel pump logo.
(iv) The phrase “Compare this [vehicle/truck] to others in the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE available at the dealer,” shall be “dropped-out” of the top border as depicted in the sample label format in appendix VIII of this part. The phase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the words “FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE” which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(v) (A) For alcohol-fueled automobiles, the title “(insert appropriate fuel (example “METHANOL “(M85))”)”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in upper case in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobiles, the title “NATURAL GAS*”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in uppercase in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the title “DUAL FUEL*”. The title shall be positioned above the fuel pump logo and shall be in upper case in a bold condensed type and no smaller than 12 points in size.
(vi) (A) For alcohol-fueled automobiles, the title “(insert appropriate fuel (example “M85”))” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobile, the title “GASOLINE EQUIVALENT” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the title “GASOLINE” centered above the title “CITY MPG” and above the title “HIGHWAY MPG” in bold caps 10 points in size.
(3) The bottom 50 percent of the label shall contain the following information:
(i) The [vehicle/truck] description, as described in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, when applicable.
(ii) (A) A statement: “Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and [vehicle's/truck's] condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of [vehicles/trucks] with these estimates will achieve between ___ and ___ mpg in the city, and between ___ and ___ mpg on the highway.”
(B) The range values for this statement are to be calculated in accordance with the following:
(1) The lower range values shall be determined by multiplying the city and highway estimates by 0.85, then rounding to the next lower integer value.
(2) The upper range values shall be determined by multiplying the city and highway estimates by 1.15 and rounding to the next higher integer value.
(iii) (A) A statement: “For comparison shopping, all [vehicles/trucks] classified as [insert category as determined in § 600.315] have been issued mileage ratings ranging from ___ to ___ mpg city and ___ to ___ mpg highway.” (The range values are those determined in accordance with § 600.311.); or, when applicable,
(B) A statement: “A range of fuel economy values for other [vehicles/trucks] classified as [insert category as determined in § 600.315] is not available at this time.” or by the statement: “Not available.”
(iv) (A) The statement: “Estimated Annual Fuel Cost:” followed by the appropriate value calculated in accordance with paragraph (g) or (h) of this section. The estimated annual fuel cost value for alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel vehicles to appear on the fuel economy label shall be that calculated based on operating the vehicle on gasoline or diesel fuel as determined in § 600.307(g) and (h). At the manufacturers option, the label may also contain the estimated annual fuel cost value based on operating the vehicle on the alternative fuel.
(B) At the manufacturers option, it may include the fuel cost and the annual mileage interval used to determine the annual fuel cost.
(v) For the 1986 model year only, the statement: “Under EPA's previous fuel economy program, used prior to the 1985 model year, this [vehicle/truck] would have received a single estimate of [insert unadjusted city value rounded to the nearest whole mpg, as determined in § 600.207(b)] mpg.”
(vi) (A) The Gas Guzzler statement, when applicable (see paragraph (f) of this section), must be centered on a separate line between the bottom border and the Estimated Annual Fuel Cost statements. The words “Gas Guzzler” shall be highlighted.
(B) The type size shall be at least as large as the largest type size in the bottom 50 percent of the label.
(vii) (A) For alcohol-fueled, and natural gas-fueled automobiles, the statement: “*This vehicle operates on [insert appropriate fuel(s)] only.” shall appear above the bottom border. The phrase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the fuels listed which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type no smaller than 12 points in size.
(B) For natural gas-fueled automobiles, the statements: “All fuel economy values on this label pertain to gasoline equivalent fuel economy. To convert these values into units of miles per 100 cubic feet of natural gas, multiply by 0.823.” At the manufacturers option, the statement “To convert these values into units of miles per 100 cubic feet of natural gas, multiply by 0.823.” may be replaced by the statement “The fuel economy in units of miles per (insert units used in retail) is estimated to be (insert city fuel economy value) in the city, and (insert highway fuel economy value) on the highway.
(C) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the statement: “This vehicle operates on [insert gasoline or diesel as appropriate] and [insert other fuel(s) as appropriate].” shall appear above the bottom border. The phrase shall be in lower case in a medium condensed type except for the words “gasoline” or “diesel” (as appropriate) and the other fuels listed, which shall be capitalized in a bold condensed type no smaller than 12 points in size.
(viii) For alcohol dual fuel automobiles and natural gas dual fuel automobiles, the statement: “All fuel economy values on this label pertain to [insert gasoline or diesel as appropriate] fuel usage. [insert other fuel(s) as appropriate] fuel(s) usage will yield different values. See the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE for information on [insert other fuel(s)] .” At the manufacturers option, the above statements may be replaced by the statement “The fuel economy while using [insert appropriate fuel (example “M85)] is estimated to be [insert city fuel economy value and appropriate units] in the city and [insert highway fuel economy value and appropriate units] on the highway. See the FREE FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE for other information on [insert appropriate fuel].
(4) The maximum type size for the statements located in the lower 50 percent of the label shall not exceed 10 points in size, except as provided for in paragraphs (a)(3)(vii)(A) and (B) of this section.
(b) (1) The city mpg number shall be displayed on the left and the highway mpg number displayed on the right.
(2) (i) Except for the digit “one,” each mpg digit shall measure at least 0.35 inches by 0.6 inches (9×15 mm) in width and height respectively.
(ii) The digit “one,” shall measure at least 0.2 inches by 0.6 inches (5×15 mm) in width and height respectively.
(3) The strike width of each mpg digit shall be at least 0.075 inches (1.9 mm).
(4) (i) MPG digits not printed as a single character shall be made of a matrix of smaller characters. This matrix shall be at least four characters wide by five characters high (with the exception of three characters wide for the numerical character denoting “one”.)
(ii) The small characters shall be made of successive overstrikes to form a reasonably dark and continuous line that approximates a single large character.
(5) (i) If manufacturer chooses to enlarge the label from that depicted in appendix VIII of this part, the logo and the fuel economy label values, including the titles “CITY MPG” and “HIGHWAY MPG,” must be increased in the same proportion.
(ii) The area bounded by the bottom of the fuel pump logo to the top of the border must continue to represent at least 50 percent of the available label area.
(c) The vehicle description on general labels will be as follows:
(1) Model year;
(2) Vehicle car line;
(3) Engine displacement, in cubic inches, cubic centimeters, or liters whichever is consistent with the customary description of that engine;
(4) Number of engine cylinders or rotors;
(5) Additional engine description, if necessary to distinguish otherwise identical model types, as approved by the Administrator;
(6) Fuel metering system, including number of carburetor barrels, if applicable;
(7) Transmission class;
(8) Catalyst usage, if necessary to distinguish otherwise identical model types; and
(9) California emission control system usage, if applicable and if the Administrator determines that automobiles intended for sale in the State of California are likely to exhibit significant differences in fuel economy from those intended for sale in other states.
(d) The vehicle description on specific labels will be as follows:
(1) The descriptions of paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) Inertia weight class;
(3) Axle ratio; and
(4) Other engine or vehicle parameters, if approved by the Administrator.
(e) Where the fuel economy label is incorporated with the pricing information sticker, the applicable vehicle description, as set forth in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, does not have to be repeated if the information is readily found on the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act label.
(f) (1) For fuel economy labels of passenger automobile model types requiring a tax statement under § 600.513, the phrase “* * * Gas Guzzler Tax: $______ * * *”.
(2) The tax value required by this paragraph shall be based on the combined fuel economy value for the model type calculated in accordance with § 600.207 and rounded to the nearest 0.1 mpg. Adjustments in accordance with § 600.209 will not be used to determine the tax liability.
(g) General labels. The annual fuel cost estimate for operating an automobile included in a model type shall be computed by using values for the fuel cost per volume (gallon for liquid fuels, cubic foot for gaseous fuels) and average annual mileage, predetermined by the Administrator, and the fuel economy determined in § 600.209(d).
(1) The annual fuel cost estimate for a model type is computed by multiplying:
(i) Fuel cost per gallon (natural gas must be expressed in units of cost per equivalent gallon, where 100 SCF = 0.823 equivalent gallons) expressed in dollars to the nearest 0.05 dollar; by
(ii) Average annual mileage, expressed in miles per year to the nearest 1,000 miles per year; by
(iii) The average, rounded to the nearest 0.0001 gallons per mile (natural gas must be expressed in units of gallons equivalent per mile where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) of the fuel economy value determined in § 600.209(d) for a model type.
(2) The product computed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section and rounded to the nearest dollar per year will comprise the annual fuel cost estimate that appears on general labels for the model type.
(h) Specific labels. The annual fuel cost estimate for operating an automobile included in a vehicle configuration will be computed by using the values for the fuel cost per volume (gallon for liquid fuels, cubic feet for gaseous fuels) and average mileage and the fuel economy determined in paragraph (h)(1)(iii) of this section.
(1) The annual fuel cost estimate for vehicle configuration is computed by multiplying:
(i) Fuel cost per gallon (natural gas must be expressed in units of cost per equivalent gallon, where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) expressed in dollars to the nearest 0.05 dollar; by
(ii) Average annual mileage, expressed in miles per year to the nearest 1,000 miles per year; by
(iii) The inverse, rounded to the nearest 0.0001 gallons per mile (natural gas must be expressed in units of gallon equivalent per mile, where 100 SCF=0.823 equivalent gallons) of the fuel economy value determined in § 600.206(a)(2)(iii) for a vehicle configuration (city and highway values will be adjusted by the factors in § 600.209(a) and (b) and combined according to § 600.209(d) before the calculation).
(2) The product computed in paragraph (h)(1) of this section and rounded to the nearest dollar per year will comprise the annual fuel cost estimate that appears on specific labels for that vehicle configuration.

Code of Federal Regulations

[59 FR 39657, Aug. 3, 1994]