CARB Penalties & Deadlines - What You Need to Know

California CARB compliance isn't optional - it's law. Understanding deadlines and penalties helps avoid costly fines and registration blocks.

Annual Testing Deadlines

Clean Truck Check Requirement: Annual testing required for all diesel trucks 14,001+ lbs GVWR

Testing Window: Test within 90 days before DMV registration renewal date

First-Time Registration: Test within 90 days of initial California registration

PSIP Notification: 90 days from date on CARB letter

Penalty Structure

Late Testing Penalties

1-30 days late: $300 base fine
31-60 days late: $500
61-90 days late: $750
91+ days late: $1,000 + $50/day accumulation

Non-Compliance Penalties

Operating Without Valid Test: $1,000 CHP citation per incident
Refusing Roadside Inspection: $2,500 + potential vehicle impound
False Documentation: $5,000 + criminal charges
DMV Registration Block: Cannot renew registration until compliant

Tampering Penalties

DPF Deletion: $5,000 per vehicle
DEF System Disable: $5,000 per vehicle
Emissions Equipment Removal: $5,000 per vehicle + mandatory reinstallation
Selling Tampered Truck: $10,000 + civil liability

Fleet Penalty Multiplication

CARB penalties apply PER VEHICLE. A 10-truck fleet with compliance violations faces:

Example Scenario:
10 trucks × $1,000 late penalty = $10,000
10 trucks × $50/day accumulation = $500/day
After 30 days: $10,000 + $15,000 = $25,000 total

DMV Registration Consequences

Automatic Block: DMV prevents registration renewal if CARB shows non-compliant status

No Grace Period: Block goes into effect on renewal date - no driving legally after expiration

Removal Process: Must complete testing, wait for CARB database update (24-48 hours), then renew

CHP Enforcement

California Highway Patrol conducts random CARB compliance inspections:

  • Scale inspections on I-5, I-80, US-101 corridors

  • Roadside inspections near ports and agricultural areas

  • Visible smoke triggers immediate inspection

  • Out-of-state trucks subject to inspection

Inspection Failure: Truck placed out-of-service until compliant. Towing costs driver's responsibility.

Insurance and Liability Impacts

Commercial Insurance: Non-CARB-compliant trucks may void coverage

Accident Liability: Operating non-compliant truck increases liability exposure

Workers Comp: Driver injuries in non-compliant truck may affect claims

Fleet Coverage: One non-compliant truck can jeopardize entire fleet policy

Financial Impact Beyond Fines

Lost Revenue: Truck out-of-service = $500-1,500/day in lost earnings
Towing Costs: $500-2,000 if impounded during inspection
Legal Fees: Contesting citations requires legal representation
Increased Insurance: Compliance violations raise premiums

2024-2025 Compliance Calendar

Q4 2024: Annual renewals for trucks tested Q4 2023
January 2025: New enforcement phase begins - increased CHP inspections
March 2025: PSIP notifications mailed - 90-day deadline begins
June 2025: Mid-year CARB audit focus on agricultural fleets

How to Avoid Penalties

✓ Set calendar reminders 60 days before registration renewal
✓ Schedule testing 30-45 days before deadline (avoid rush)
✓ Keep compliance certificates in each truck
✓ Respond immediately to PSIP notifications
✓ Never operate with check engine light active
✓ Maintain all emissions equipment (no deletions)

Already Facing Penalties?

Immediate Actions:

  1. Schedule testing immediately (call us today: 916-890-4427)

  2. Document compliance efforts for court

  3. Request payment plan from CARB if needed

  4. DO NOT continue operating until compliant

Penalty Reduction: Courts may reduce fines if you demonstrate immediate compliance and good faith effort.

Book Testing - Avoid Penalties

Phone: 916-890-4427
Email: bryan@norcalcarbmobile.com
Mobile Service: We come to you
Same-Day Service: Emergency testing available

Don't let CARB penalties devastate your business. Schedule compliance testing today and protect your fleet, your license, and your livelihood.