Semi trucks

Heavy-Duty In-Use Compliance Program

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In 2014 CARB started the Heavy-Duty In-use Compliance Program (HDIUC). This program was developed to ensure heavy-duty vehicles are compliant with the applicable emission standards. It consists of testing heavy-duty in-use vehicles using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) and evaluating emissions by using the Not-To-Exceed (NTE) testing protocol. PEMS allows us to measure emissions on-road over typical traveled freight routes. Once it has been determined that an engine family is not in compliance then the manufacturers must take corrective action to fix the non-conformity. Corrective action is usually in the form of a recall in which vehicles are repaired and brought back into compliance. The repairs are done at no cost to the vehicle owner. 

In order to conduct a successful program, CARB solicits the participation of fleets/owners. To determine compliance, test vehicles must be randomly selected and procured from multiple sources. Please watch the video below to further understand the procurement and testing process.

Why participate? 

  • Fleet participation is critical to evaluate emission performance of in-use vehicles
  • Fleet participation could result in emissions reductions and cleaner air for California and the nation
  • Monetary incentive 
  • Vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel
  • Vehicle is returned with a full tank of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
  • Convenient pickup and drop-off arrangements

Vehicle Procurement Considerations

  • Specific Engine Family is needed 
  • Vehicle must be within usefull life: 
    • Under 110,000 miles for light heavy-duty diesel engines
    • Under 185,000 miles for medium heavy-duty diesel engines
    • Under 435,000 miles for heavy heavy-duty diesel engines
  • Vehicles must be safe to operate
  • Vehicles must meets Department of Transportation requirements
  • Engines must be properly maintained following the prescribed maintenance schedule for:
    • Oil 
    • Air filter
    • Fuel filter 
    • DPF
  • No major engine work performed (e.g. engine rebuild)
  • No significant fluid leaks

Testing

  • All test vehicles undergo an extensive inspection and restorative maintenance (if applicable).
  • Vehicles are scanned through the OBD port to access the condition of the vehicle and gather engine operating parameters such as RPM and torque. 
  • Vehicles are then equipped with PEMS by experienced engineers.
  • Testing is non-intrusive and typically only the exhaust tip/pipe is removed and replaced by a flow meter and at the end of testing the vehicle is returned to its original configuration.
  • The test route is about 300 miles and vehicles are driven under normal conditions on local highways including Interstate15 and Interstate10.

Regulatory Requirements

  1. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 86.1370 and 1065
  2. California Code of Regulations Title 13, Sections § 2111 – 2140, 1956.8
  3. California Health and Safety Code
  4. California Exhaust Emissions Standards and Test Procedures for2004 and Subsequent Model Heavy-Duty Otto-Cycle Engines and Vehicles