Introducing CARB's Clean Truck Check (CTC): Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program

Are you confused about the new Clean Truck Check program? At Emissions Depot we aim to demystify everything related to emissions testing. The Clean Truck Check regulation (HD I/M), on behalf of California Air Resources Board (CARB) was approved in December 2021 and began phased implementation in January 2023. In 2024 and 2025, the program's enforcement will step up. The program includes periodic vehicle testing, emissions monitoring, and expanded enforcement to identify and repair heavy-duty vehicles with emission issues. Once fully implemented, it aims to significantly reduce air pollution and meet federal air quality standards in California.

Who does this affect?

1. Heavy-Duty Vehicle Owners and Operators:

Owners and operators of non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles operating within California must comply with the new inspection and maintenance requirements. This includes ensuring their vehicles meet specific emissions standards, undergoing periodic testing, and maintaining proper documentation.

2. Freight Contractors and Brokers:

Companies or individuals that contract or arrange transportation services involving heavy-duty vehicles into California are affected. They must ensure that all vehicles going into California which they use or contract are compliant with the new regulations.

3. Testing Vendors and Heavy Duty Inspection/Maintenance Testers:

Those who provide testing for vehicle compliance and individuals who are certified to conduct these tests must adhere to the standards set by the regulation. This includes passing specific training modules and accurately reporting test results.

What vehicles are affected?

Almost all non-gasoline vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 lbs:

• Trucks
• Buses
• Public vehicles (federal, state, and local government)
• Motorcoaches
• Transit
• School buses
• Hybrid vehicles
• Commercial vehicles
• Personal vehicles
• California registered motorhomes
• Single vehicle fleets
• vehicles registered outside of California (not including motorhomes) that operate in California, on public roads and highways. These vehicle owners must report, pay annual compliance fees, and undergo emissions compliance testing to comply with Clean Truck Check.

What vehicles aren't affected?

• Zero-emission vehicles
• Military tactical vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• Historical vehicles
• New vehicles with engines certified to the most stringent optional, NOx standard (less than or equal to 0.01 g/bhp-hr) -This applies only during the first four years of Clean Truck Check implementation (2023-2027) Please contact HDIM@arb.ca.gov if you believe your vehicle meets this standard.
• Motorhomes registered outside of California
• Vehicles operating under an experimental permit (authorized by California Health and Safety Code section 4301)

When does emissions testing begin?

The first compliance testing deadline is on January 1, 2025.

How do I stay compliant?

You must report affected vehicles into the Clean Truck Check online database (CTC-VIS) and pay the annual fee by the applicable deadline to be in compliance with those requirements. Report to CTC-VIS at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. Each heavy duty vehicle will need to be tested twice per year.

Can I test my own vehicle?

Yes, you may if you are a Clean Truck Check credentialed tester. CARB’s free credentialed tester training and exam can be found at Tester Training Course and Exam. Emissions compliance tests must be performed using a certified CARB Clean Truck Check testing device, which we provide at Emissions Depot. 

How do I upload my emissions test results?

If you your vehicle has an OBD port, your test will be automatically uploaded to California Air Resources Board (CARB) by the credentialed tester.

If your vehicle doesn't have OBD, please use theInstructions & Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection Form. The only tests accepted are those submitted by a CARB-credentialed tester using a CARB testing device.

Who will perform the testing?

Ultimately, we think that the testing will be done by a combination of independent mobile testers, who go to small and medium-sized businesses and conduct their emissions tests, and large fleet owners who decide to do it themselves. At Emissions Depot, we can give you the tools and equipment to become such an independent tester. Large fleet owners, like Wal-Mart, will likely do their own emissions testing; if you're a large fleet owner, feel free to contact us as we have solutions more befitting of a large fleet as well.

Where can I purchase testing equipment?

You can purchase CARB-certified mobile testing equipment here.

For more information, please check out the CTC's resources page