California Air Resources Board

Does the first purchaser of a brand-new vehicle have to comply with Clean Truck Check? 

Yes. The vehicle is required to comply with Clean Truck Check reporting and compliance fee requirements within 30 days of the purchase date. However, the emissions test is not immediately due. The emissions test will be due on the following emissions testing deadline which will be shown in your Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) account. 

To be compliant the brand new vehicle must be: 

• Reported in CTC-VIS 
• Current on all annual compliance fees 

Who is responsible for reporting the vehicle in CTC-VIS? 

The registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for the vehicle's Clean Truck Check compliance requirements. For leases, please refer to Clean Truck Check FAQ Resource Document. 

How do I report a vehicle that has not received a license plate yet from DMV? 

Vehicles may be reported to CTC-VIS with a temporary license plate, or you may enter “pending” in the license plate field. Once the license plate is received the owner will need to edit the vehicle information in CTC-VIS to reflect the current license plate. The certificate that was already generated will not update until the next compliance fee payment is made for that vehicle. 

What can I do to bring a used vehicle into compliance with Clean Truck Check so I can sell it if it has a CA DMV registration hold? 

You must report the vehicle in the Clean Truck Check-Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS), pay the annual compliance fee, and meet emissions testing requirements prior to the applicable deadline. The responsible party must demonstrate compliance within 30 calendar days of the vehicle purchase. 

To create a CTC-VIS account, report vehicle information, and pay the annual compliance fee, go to CTC-VIS and follow the instructional videos at Reporting Database (CTC-VIS).

Can I transfer the title of a vehicle if it has a CA DMV registration hold? 

No. Registration holds are automatically placed on vehicles that are not compliant with Clean Truck Check and prevents almost all DMV transactions.  If the vehicle is going to operate in California, it is the responsibility of the current owner to ensure the vehicle is compliant with Clean Truck Check. Upon a transfer of ownership in California, the new owner is responsible for compliance and must ensure that compliance requirements were met within 90 days prior to the transfer date. In addition to the compliance requirements mentioned above, the new owner must ensure that there are no outstanding enforcement actions and no outstanding emissions or OBD-related recalls on the vehicle. 

Can I file a vehicle as Planned Nonoperation (PNO) with CA DMV if the vehicle is noncompliant with Clean Truck Check requirements? 

Yes. However, the vehicle must comply with Clean Truck Check prior to performing almost all other transactions with CA DMV (e.g., registration, transferring title).

If the vehicle is designated as PNO, does it have to meet Clean Truck Check compliance requirements? 

Vehicles that do not operate on public roads/highways and are registered as PNO are not subject to Clean Truck Check. 

How do we remove a vehicle from CTC-VIS after selling it? 

When you sell a vehicle, you should deactivate it from your CTC-VIS account. Click “Actions” next to the vehicle and select “Deactivate Vehicle.” 

Can we sell a vehicle out of state if it currently has a CA DMV registration hold? 

Yes, if the purchasing party is out of state, then CA DMV will process the transfer of title to the new owner. If you experience issues with this process at the DMV, please address your concerns within the DMV as CARB cannot process this particular transaction type. 

If the vehicle is ever operated in California again, it must meet Clean Truck Check compliance requirements. 

Can I use the 5 Day Pass to bring a vehicle into California that is not compliant with Clean Truck Check? 

Yes, Clean Truck Check offers a five consecutive day pass for each vehicle, once per calendar year. The 5-Day pass allows for operation in California. However, the vehicle will not be considered compliant after the 5-day pass expires and must be brought into compliance to register the vehicle and operate in California.

Additional information about requesting a 5-day pass is available at Clean Truck Check - Overview Fact Sheet.

Instructions for applying for a 5-day pass are available at 5-Day Pass Request.