The Dodge Durango Hellcat, a high-performance SUV, was initially banned from sales in 17 states due to stringent CARB emissions standards, preventing buyers from purchasing the 2026 model, including its R/T variant. However, recent developments have seen the bans reduced to only seven states, with the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat now unbanned in 10 states following strategic compliance measures. This shift includes the vehicle outsmarting California regulations, allowing broader availability.
Background on CARB Emissions Standards
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) plays a pivotal role in setting emissions rules for vehicles, including the 2026 Dodge Durango R/T and Hellcat. These standards led to initial sales bans in states adopting these standards. CARB’s requirements, effective as of September 15, 2025, prohibited sales of non-compliant high-performance vehicles like the Hellcat in regulated areas. The expansion of CARB rules to section 177 states resulted in restrictions across 17 total jurisdictions for the 2026 model year.
Initial Scope of the Sales Bans
The CARB compliance failures led to the Dodge Durango Hellcat being unsellable in 17 states starting in the 2026 model year. This had a significant impact on buyers in California, the origin of CARB standards, where the Hellcat SUV was explicitly banned as of September 15, 2025. The restrictions included both R/T and Hellcat variants, affecting high-horsepower models across the affected regions.
Recent Unbanning in Multiple States
On November 11, 2025, it was announced that the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was unbanned in 10 states, reversing prior CARB-related prohibitions. Dodge achieved compliance to lift bans, allowing sales to resume in previously restricted areas as of November 12, 2025. The company used strategic maneuvers that enabled the Hellcat to become available again in these 10 jurisdictions without altering core vehicle specs.
California’s Regulatory Breakthrough
Dodge managed to outsmart California emissions rules on November 10, 2025, ending the ban for the Hellcat SUV in the state. The specific compliance pathway that allowed the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat to be sold legally in California post-resolution has not been disclosed. This development has significant implications for California buyers who are now able to access the high-performance model after months of restrictions.
Current Status: Bans in 7 States
As of November 11, 2025, Dodge Durango Hellcat sales are still banned in seven states due to ongoing CARB adherence. These seven states continue to enforce the prohibitions despite broader unbannings elsewhere. The reduction in scope from 17 to 7 states emphasizes the net gain of 10 unbanned markets for the Hellcat.
Impact on Dodge Sales and Availability
The unbanning in 10 states, including California, expands market access for the 2026 Dodge Durango Hellcat starting late 2025. This is likely to elicit positive reactions from potential buyers and could boost sales in newly available regions following the November 2025 developments. However, the restrictions on the R/T variant continue to shape the overall availability of the Dodge SUV lineup in the remaining banned states.
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