Your Guide to CARB’s Diesel Clean Truck Check: Deadlines and Requirements for 2025

Navigating the new regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) can be a challenge. At NorcalCARBMobile, our job is to make it simple. The Clean Truck Check program (also known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance program) is now in full swing, and understanding your compliance deadlines is crucial to keeping your vehicles on the road without interruption. Call 916-890-4427 with any questions.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about your annual (or semi-annual) compliance requirements.

The Core Requirements: What You MUST Do

To operate a heavy-duty vehicle on California's public roads, you must be in full compliance with the Clean Truck Check program. This means:

1. Reporting: Your vehicle must be registered in CARB’s Clean Truck Check - Vehicle Inspection System, known as CTC-VIS.

2. Fees: The annual compliance fee for each vehicle must be paid by its deadline.

3. Violations: Any outstanding enforcement violations for the vehicle must be cleared.

4. Testing: For compliance deadlines of January 1, 2025, or later, a passing emissions test must be submitted.

Failure to comply can result in DMV registration blocks and other enforcement actions.

Is Your Vehicle Subject to Clean Truck Check?

The rule applies to nearly all diesel and alternative fuel heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds. This includes:

• Commercial trucks and buses

• Hybrid vehicles

• Privately-owned vehicles

• Government vehicles (state, local, and federal)

• Vehicles registered outside of California that operate in the state

Special Note for Motor Homes & Agricultural Vehicles: California-registered motor homes used for recreational or emergency purposes, along with designated agricultural vehicles, are only required to test once annually. However, motor homes used for commercial purposes must follow the semi-annual compliance schedule detailed below.

Finding Your Compliance Deadline

Your vehicle's compliance deadline depends on where it is registered.

A. For California-Registered Vehicles

If your vehicle is registered with the California DMV (or was historically registered in CA), your compliance deadline aligns with your DMV registration expiration month.

To find your specific due date, log into your vehicle's CTC-VIS account.

Table I: Compliance Deadlines for California-Registered Vehicles | DMV Registration Expiration Month | Compliance Deadline (Fee & Test Due) | | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------------- | | January | January | | February | February | | March | March | | April | April | | May | May | | June | June | | July | July | | August | August | | September | September | | October | October | | November | November | | December | December |

B. For Non-California Registered & DMV-Exempt Vehicles

For the following vehicles, the compliance deadline is determined by the last digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These vehicles must demonstrate compliance every six months.

• Vehicles registered outside of California (that were not previously CA-registered).

• DMV exempt-plated vehicles (e.g., state and local government fleets).

• Federal government vehicles.

Table II: Compliance Deadlines for Non-CA Registered & DMV-Exempt Vehicles | Last Digit of VIN | Initial & Recurring Compliance Deadline | | :---------------- | :-------------------------------------- | | 0 | October | | 1 | November | | 2 | December | | 3 | January | | 4 | February | | 5 | March | | 6 | April | | 7 | May | | 8 | June | | 9 | July |

Understanding the Emissions Test

The emissions testing requirement officially begins for compliance deadlines on or after January 1, 2025. However, testing can begin as early as October 1, 2024.

A crucial planning tip: You can submit your passing emissions test up to 90 days before your vehicle's compliance deadline. For example, if your deadline is February 1, 2025, you can get tested and submit the results as early as November 3, 2024. This gives you ample time for any necessary repairs.

The type of test required depends on your vehicle's engine:

• OBD-Equipped Vehicles: This applies to model year 2013 and newer diesel engines and 2018 and newer alternative fuel engines. The test is a simple scan of the engine’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) data using a CARB-certified OBD testing device.

• Non-OBD Vehicles:

  • Diesel (2012 & older): Requires a smoke opacity test and a visual Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection.

  • Alternative Fuel (2017 & older): Requires only the visual Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection.

All testing must be performed by a CARB-credentialed tester.

Stay Compliant, Stay on the Road

The Clean Truck Check program is a new reality for vehicle operators in California. Being proactive is the best strategy. Know your deadline, schedule your test early within the 90-day window, and ensure your fees are paid.

Have questions or need to schedule your test? The certified team at NorcalCARBMobile.com is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your fleet remains compliant and operational.