2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS and ZL1 Banned in Two Western States

A decade-old law is forcing Chevrolet dealers in California to quit taking orders for the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS and ZL1 because on New Year’s Day, the cars will be illegal. Washington state is also halting orders for the two high-performance vehicles. 

According to an Autoblog report, the California Motor Vehicle Brake Friction Material Law prevents automakers from selling vehicles in the state with brake pads containing asbestos, certain heavy metals, and more than 5% copper. Any brake pads containing more than the prescribed amount of copper on January 1, 2021, will become illegal in California.

The California Department of Toxic Substances finds that the brake pads Chevrolet uses on its high-performance Camaros do not meet the law’s requirements. Therefore, dealers can no longer order and sell the Camaro SS and ZL1, but in both states, dealerships can continue to sell SS and ZL1 models in stock. Once existing supplies are gone, so are these versions of the Camaro. The cars will remain available elsewhere in the U.S.

Copper is toxic to fish and other marine animals, and the dust generated by the brake pads when one of these Camaros is slowing or stopping contains it. When that dust makes its way into the water, it can harm wildlife. 

In a statement sent to GM Authority, a Chevrolet spokesperson said the Camaro SS and ZL1 would return to California and Washington for the 2022 model year, equipped with brake pads that meet regulations.

Trusted publications are the sources of information in this article. It was accurate on December 9, 2020, but it may have changed since that date.