If you are planning on doing some car shopping next month you will probably see a new sticker on some of the car windows.

This week the California Secretary of State signed a regulation requiring that by January of 2009, all vehicles being sold in the state must display a sticker, which will allow shoppers to know the environmental impact of different vehicles.  Each car will have a score for global warming and smog, based on an assessment by the state.  According to the California Air Resources Board, dealers will probably start putting them on soon.

The information on the label will allow motorists to choose a car that will fight smog, save gas, and reduce greenhouse emissions.  Consumers will be better able to make an educated choice about the impact of the car that they are buying.

The stickers will score each category on a scale of 1-10.  Average new cars will earn a score of five in each category.  The higher a vehicle scores, the less of a negative impact it has on the environment.

Now, not only can motorists buy a car based on its sticker price and new car warranties, they can also factor in environmental impacts.  Education is the key to consumers getting the car that suits them best.