WHAT IS A CLEAN TRUCK CHECK INSPECTION?

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 and highways even if they are not registered in California. This includes 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).

To be considered compliant vehicle owners must meet all compliance deadlines and:

• Report the vehicle to Clean Truck Check, Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS).
• Pay the vehicle’s annual compliance fee.
• Submit passing Clean Truck Check emissions.
• Ensure the vehicle has no outstanding enforcement violations.

"Alternative fuel” means natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, or other non-diesel or non-gasoline fuel, and includes any of these fuels used in combination with each other. “Alternative fuel” does not mean electricity, hydrogen, or other zero tailpipe emissions fuel or technology
Which vehicles are not subject to 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)

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.

For vehicles subject to Clean Truck Check, you must pay your annual compliance fee before the due date to remain compliant. The annual fee increases in accordance with California's Consumer Price Index. For example, the compliance fee for 2025 will be $31.18.

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 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, visit Reporting Database.

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. Emissions compliance testing must be performed by a CARB credentialed tester and passing tests may be submitted by the tester up to 90 days prior to the vehicle’s compliance deadline to allow time for any necessary repairs.
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:

• Clean Truck Check Requirements for Vehicles Subject to Semi-Annual Compliance (Issued March 13, 2024)
• Agricultural Vehicles & California Motorhomes Annual Compliance Requirements (Issued March 13, 2024)

For instance, through the OC Clean Truck program or via the OC Clean Link telematics system.

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.

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.

For information regarding the eligibility requirements for a Clean Truck Check Five-Day pass see here Five-Day Pass Request.
For instructions of how to submit a request see 5-day Pass Requests.

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