The 2025 CARB Clean Truck Check: Complete Compliance Guide
Everything Northern California fleet operators need to know about CARB Clean Truck Check requirements, testing options, costs, and how to stay compliant without losing a single hour of productivity.
Quick Answer: The CARB Clean Truck Check requires California diesel trucks (14,001+ lbs) to pass emissions tests 2-4 times per year starting in 2025. Tests cost $75-$250 depending on engine age. Non-compliance results in $800+ daily fines and DMV registration holds. Mobile testing services eliminate the 4+ hours of downtime required for fixed station visits.
Key Statistics: Why Compliance Matters Now
1 Million+
Trucks Affected
Over one million heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California fall under the new regulation, including out-of-state trucks.
$800+
Per Violation Per Day
Fines for non-compliance exceed $800 per day, with immediate holds placed on DMV registration renewal.
2-4×
Annual Testing Required
Fleets must submit passing tests 2× in 2025, increasing to 4× in 2026, within designated compliance windows.
The Hidden Cost: 4+ Hours Lost Per Test
Beyond fines, the biggest expense is operational downtime. Taking a truck to a fixed testing station means pulling a driver off a route, fighting traffic, and waiting in line.
Breakdown of 4-Hour Fixed Station Visit
Driving to/from Station1.5 hours (37.5%)
1.5 hrs
Waiting at Station1.5 hours (37.5%)
1.5 hrs
Admin & Paperwork45 min (18.75%)
45 min
Actual Test15 min (6.25%)
15 min
A 10-truck fleet needing 4 tests/year = 160 hours of lost productivity annually
The 3-Step Compliance Process
Staying compliant involves more than just a test. Follow this process for every truck in your fleet.
1
Register in CTC-VIS
All vehicles must be registered in the CARB Clean Truck Check Vehicle Information System (CTC-VIS) database. Pay annual compliance fees and ensure each vehicle's VIN is properly recorded.
2
Identify Your Test Type
2013+ model year engines: OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) test - connects to your truck's computer to check emissions codes.
2012 and older engines: J1667 Smoke Opacity Test - measures exhaust smoke density.
3
Submit Passing Tests
Submit passing tests 2× per year in 2025 (increasing to 4× in 2026) within your assigned compliance windows. A failed test or missed deadline immediately triggers non-compliance status.
Northern California Industries Affected
The regulation impacts every commercial diesel fleet, with NorCal's key industries facing the highest compliance burden.
40%
Logistics & Drayage
Port of Oakland, I-5/I-80 corridor carriers, Amazon/FedEx contractors
25%
Agriculture
Central Valley farms, Sacramento Valley harvest fleets, produce haulers
20%
Construction
Bay Area heavy equipment, dump trucks, concrete mixers, material haulers
15%
Other
Utility fleets, waste management, RV/motorhome owners, school buses
Mobile Testing vs. Fixed Stations
Mobile testing eliminates downtime entirely. Instead of you going to the test, the test comes to you.
FactorFixed Test StationOn-Site Mobile TestingProductive Downtime4+ hours lost per truck~15 minutes during off-hoursDriver & Fuel Cost$120+ per test (wages + fuel)$0 - We come to your yardScheduling FlexibilityRigid 8-5 hours, book weeks outNights, weekends, early AM availableAdmin BurdenCoordinate drivers, routes, appointmentsWe manage your fleet scheduleFleet EfficiencyOne truck at a timeTest entire fleet in one visitBottom LineMassive operational disruption100% compliance, 0% downtime
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARB Clean Truck Check?
The CARB Clean Truck Check is California's heavy-duty vehicle inspection program that requires diesel trucks (14,001+ lbs GVWR) to pass emissions tests 2-4 times per year starting in 2025. Tests include OBD diagnostics for 2013+ engines or smoke opacity testing for older engines. Non-compliance results in DMV registration holds and fines exceeding $800 per day.
How much does CARB testing cost?
Testing costs vary by type: OBD testing for 2013+ engines costs $75, J1667 smoke opacity testing for 2012 and older engines costs $250, and RV/motorhome testing costs $300. Mobile on-site testing eliminates hidden costs like driver wages ($100+) and fuel for trips to fixed stations.
How often do trucks need testing?
Starting in 2025, trucks require testing 2 times per year. In 2026, this increases to 4 times per year. Each vehicle must submit passing tests within designated compliance windows to avoid DMV holds and fines.
What happens if my truck fails?
If your truck fails, you must repair the emissions system and pass a retest within 30 days. Continued non-compliance results in DMV registration holds, fines exceeding $800 per violation per day, and potential roadside citations. Your vehicle may be prohibited from operating in California.
OBD vs. smoke opacity: What's the difference?
OBD testing connects to your truck's computer to read emissions codes (required for 2013+ engines). Smoke opacity testing measures exhaust smoke density with a specialized meter (required for 2012 and older engines). Both are submitted to CARB's CTC-VIS database for compliance.
Can testing be done at my location?
Yes. Mobile CARB testing services come directly to your yard, warehouse, or job site. This eliminates 4+ hours of downtime per truck by testing during off-hours while trucks aren't running—saving driver wages, fuel costs, and lost revenue.
Which vehicles are covered?
CARB Clean Truck Check applies to diesel-powered vehicles with GVWR of 14,001+ pounds operating in California: semi-trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, buses, RVs/motorhomes, and agricultural equipment. Out-of-state trucks operating in California must also comply.
Stop Wasting Time. Get Compliant Today.
We test your trucks on your yard, on your time—nights, weekends, early mornings. Zero downtime. Zero hassle. 100% compliance guaranteed.
