Referee FactSheet-Clean Truck Check

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The mission of the Clean Truck Check Referee program, operated by CARBTest.org (also referred to as CARBTest Referee), is to provide independent evaluations of non-gasoline, heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 lbs.

 

Clean Truck Check Referee offers services for heavy-duty vehicles. Services include everything under section 2196.7 of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program Regulation. Examples include, but are not limited to, vehicles with an inspection incompatibility, law enforcement agency request, CARB directed vehicle testing, open CARB enforcement action, unresolved citations, audit purposes, and compliance issues. For questions regarding Clean Truck Check, please email hdim@arb.ca.gov or visit https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/CTC.

Clean Truck Check Referee appointments will only be available to vehicles that fall under one or more of the following:

For Clean Truck Check Referee appointments please visit https://carbtest.org. Note: Please ensure you select the correct “action type”, as directed by CARB on the dropdown at https://carbtest.org/actions/create to avoid delays. Please also upload your citation document or Demonstration of Compliance Form (if any repairs were made) under “supporting documentation” on the “edit action” page.

  • State-directed Referee testing – Testing required by CARB or law enforcement agency 
    If you received a notice from California Air Resources Board (CARB) directing your vehicle for CARBTest testing, the vehicle must be inspected by CARBTest within the period specified in the CARB notice. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

    • Law enforcement agency request

    • Submitted erroneous OBD testing data

    • Notice to Submit to Testing (NST)

    • Refusal to submit to an inspection

    • Suspected tampering or defective emission control system

    • Unresolved citations

    • California Highway Patrol (CHP) citations

    • Other enforcement action o Failure to submit required testing data

    • Services are required for audit purposes or demonstration of compliance

    • CARB request for verification of actions taken to comply

  • Engine change verification

  • Alternative fuel system retrofit verification

  • Motorhome conversion verification

  • Parts Unavailability Compliance Time Extension
    •  A compliance time extension for your vehicle because the part(s) needed for the repair(s) to pass the California Clean Truck Check program emissions compliance test, by the vehicle’s compliance deadline, is/are unavailable.
  • Test result dispute
    • The vehicle owner disputes an inspection result and requests an independent evaluation of a vehicle’s compliance status.
  • Credentialed tester not available
  • Inspection incompatibility/alternative test procedure
    • Your vehicle’s condition makes it incompatible with typical CARB Clean Truck Check test procedures due to unusual vehicle configurations, design, or other inspection incompatibility.

Contact

  • Questions regarding the Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) Program? Please email hdim@arb.ca.gov, or visit the Clean Truck Check program page.
  • Completed your CARBTest Referee Inspection? Review the CARBTest Post Inspection FAQ
  • For Emissions Compliance Testing, contact:  Available for Hire Credentialed Testers
  • CARB Enforcement
    • For information regarding violations for not reporting to Clean Truck Check, open enforcement action including citations, Notice to Submit to Testing (NST) letter, and other violations: CARB Enforcement
    • For citation questions, contact: citations@arb.ca.gov
    • DMV Registration Holds due to Clean Truck Check non-compliance, and not related to an NST or a citation § Report your vehicle in CTC-VIS and pay annual compliance fees and submit a passing emissions compliance test by the deadline(s) and receive compliance certification. For information on emissions compliance test deadlines, review Overview Fact Sheet – Clean Truck Check
      • Please allow 1-2 business days for Credit and Debit card payments and 5-7 business days for processing a TeleCheck payment.
      • Once a registration hold is placed on a vehicle, please allow 3 – 5 business days from the date the certificate is downloaded for that to be updated with DMV.
      • You do not need to prove your compliance to DMV. However, you will need to contact the DMV to complete the registration process and receive your tags.
      • If DMVs state that the vehicle still shows as noncompliant with CARB requirements, even after you have demonstrated compliance to CARB, please email hdim@arb.ca.gov.
      • CARB staff recommends that you allow enough time for processing prior to any deadline.
         
  • For the Smog Check Referee Program through Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), contact: https://asktheref.org