Overview Fact Sheet-Clean Truck Check

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Clean Truck Check (Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation): Overview of Program Requirements  March 13, 2024

This Fact Sheet presents an overview of the requirements of Clean Truck Check. Separate fact sheets or guidance documents describe certain requirements in more detail, such as emissions compliance testing and reporting.

What is Clean Truck Check? 

It is a regulation to test heavy-duty vehicles’ emissions control systems for proper operation. Clean Truck Check applies to nearly all diesel and alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds that operate on California public roads. This includes both in-state and out-of-state vehicles, as well as public vehicles (federal, state, and local government); motorcoaches; transit, shuttle and school buses; hybrid vehicles; commercial vehicles; personal vehicles; California registered motorhomes; single vehicle fleets; and vehicles registered outside of California (not including motorhomes).

Clean Truck Check Compliance Requirements- 2023 High-emitter vehicle screening Flagged vehicles must submit passing vehicle compliance test within 30 days of notification. 2024 Complete fleet and vehicle reporting requirements Pay 2023 vehicle compliance fee. Resolve all vehicle enforcement holds** Pay 2024 vehicle compliance fee. Successful completion of a periodic vehicle compliance test.Which vehicles are exempt from the regulation?

The heavy-duty vehicle types shown below are exempt from the regulation:

  • Zero-emission vehicles
  • Military tactical vehicles (title 13, CCR, section 1905)
  • Emergency vehicles (California Vehicle Code section 165 or California Health and Safety Code section 1797.84)
  • Historical vehicles (authorized by California Vehicle Code section 5004)
  • New vehicles with engines certified to the most stringent optional, NOx standard (less than or equal to 0.01 g/bhp-hr) -Only during the first four years of Clean Truck Check implementation (2023-2027)
  • Motorhomes registered outside of California
  • Vehicles operating under an experimental permit (authorized by California Health and Safety Code section 43014)

Has Enforcement Started for Clean Truck Check?

Clean Truck Check began in January 2023 with the use of roadside emissions monitoring devices (REMD) to screen for vehicles that may have high emissions. Vehicles flagged as potential high emitters will receive a Notice to Submit to Testing (NST) from California Air Resources Board (CARB) enforcement to ensure the vehicle is operating with properly functioning emissions control systems. Upon receipt of an NST, you will have 30 calendar days to submit to CARB a passing emissions compliance test performed by a credentialed tester. Be sure to allow enough time in case repairs are required.  Additionally, vehicles deemed non-compliant or subject to enforcement action may be subject to additional compliance testing and penalties.

Am I required to report and pay an annual compliance fee?

For vehicles operating in California in 2023, the deadline to pay the 2023 annual compliance fee was January 31, 2024. If you have not reported your vehicle in (CTC-VIS)and paid your 2023 fee, your vehicle is in non-compliance. To avoid a DMV registration block and potential enforcement action, you should complete these actions immediately.

In 2024, the annual compliance fee deadline is due based on the vehicle’s compliance deadline that falls between July 1 and December 31, 2024. Check your CTC-VIS account for your vehicle’s specific deadline.

Payments made through any other CARB portals or paper check mailing will NOT be accepted. CTC-VIS will ONLY allow use of the following payment methods:

  • Credit/Debit Card
  • Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
  • Debit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard
  • TeleCheck (eCheck) 
  • You will need your bank routing number and account number.
  • Please allow 5-7 business days for processing the TeleCheck payment

Payments made in any other system or by any other method do not comply with the Clean Truck Check requirement and affected vehicles may be subject to registration holds. For guidance on how to report owner and vehicle information and pay your annual compliance fee, please go to: Reporting Database.

When do the emissions compliance testing requirements begin?

Emissions compliance testing requirements are effective October 1, 2024. All compliance deadlines on or after January 1, 2025 will require the submission of a passing emissions compliance test as part of the vehicle’s compliance demonstration. Vehicles may submit tests no more than 90 days prior to the vehicle’s compliance deadlines.
For example, a vehicle with a compliance deadline of February 1, 2025 may submit a passing emissions test as early as November 3, 2024.

Additional information on annual and semi-annual testing requirements, including how to determine each vehicle’s deadline(s), is available here:

What are my 2024 Compliance Requirements?

In 2024, all vehicles will have a compliance deadline between July 1 and December 31, 2024. As part of this compliance demonstration, owners must pay the vehicle’s 2024 annual compliance fee and ensure the vehicle has no outstanding enforcement violations.

Who can perform Clean Truck Check emissions compliance testing on my vehicle?

Compliance testing must be performed by a CARB credentialed tester who has completed CARB’s free online Tester Training Course and scored at least 80 percent on the accompanying exam. Upon successful completion you will obtain a Certificate of Completion, which must be renewed every two years.

Where can I find credentialed testers in my area?

Credentialed Testers is a searchable database and provides a list of available testing locations and testers as well as if they perform OBD testing.

What if I add or remove a vehicle from my fleet after I’ve established my owner account?

Vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining accurate account information and must update vehicle information within 30 calendar days of a transaction to purchase or sell a vehicle.

How do I report my vehicle before I have my DMV registration?

Vehicles may be reported to cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov with a temporary license plate, or you may enter “license plate not yet received as of DD/MM/YYYY” 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 annual compliance fee payment is made for that vehicle.

What if I operate for short periods of time in California?

Clean Truck Check offers a five consecutive day pass for each vehicle, once per calendar year. The 5-day pass must be submitted 7 business days before entering California. Email the information listed below to hdim@arb.ca.gov.

  • Request date
  • Registered owner’s name
  • Street address, city, state, zip code of owner
  • Telephone number of owner
  • Email address of owner (if available)
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • License plate number and state of registration 
  • Date(s) the vehicle will begin travel in California   
  • Origin and destination travel information

How do I get more detailed information? 

Please visit Clean Truck Check.

How can I receive updates on Clean Truck Check?

Subscribe to receive automatic email updates on Clean Truck Check implementation and other activities.

If I have additional questions, how do I contact CARB?

Contact staff at hdim@arb.ca.gov. CARB also has a hotline (1-866-634-3735) that provides compliance assistance for multiple CARB regulations.