Testing Services CLEAN TRUCK CHECK

* Test costs are not included in the Compliance Program Rate.

CalFleet provides both OBD and non-OBD Clean Truck Check testing with CARB-credentialed testers and CARB-approved testing equipment. We offer drive-thru testing at our Cotati location, no appointment necessary, and on-site testing scheduled at your location. If a vehicle fails, our expert team of heavy-duty diesel mechanics can provide quick resolution.

As of January 1, 2023, CARB has deployed roadside emissions monitoring devices (REMD) throughout California to identify potential high-emitting vehicles. If a vehicle is flagged as a potential high-emitter by a REMD, CARB will issue the owner a NST – Notice to Submit to Testing. Vehicle owners have a 30-day response period to submit a passing Clean Truck Check test to CARB. Due to the time sensitive nature of this test, please call us or visit our location ASAP if you receive a NST.

CARB projects periodic vehicle testing requirements will become effective in April 1, 2024. This means that a passing compliance test will need to be submitted to CARB within 90 days prior to a vehicle’s compliance deadline. For example, if a vehicle has a compliance deadline on July 1, 2024, a passing compliance test will need to be submitted between April 2, 2024, and July 1, 2024. For 2024 only, all vehicles subject to semiannual compliance testing will be required to test and submit results to CARB one time. Starting in 2025, these vehicles will have semiannual compliance deadlines, two per year.

Exception: CA-registered motorhomes and on-road agricultural vehicles will only test 1x per year – see chart below for 2024 testing deadlines. 3 years after Clean Truck Check periodic testing begins, testing frequency will increase to 4x per year for OBD-equipped vehicles. CA- registered motorhomes and AG vehicles will continue to test 1x per year.

Out-of-state registered diesel and non-gasoline >14,000 GVW vehicles are required to comply with the Clean Truck Check if they operate at any time in California. Out-of-state registered vehicles have the same requirements as CA-registered vehicles and can receive citations for failure to comply.

Out-of-state registered vehicles are subject to semiannual periodic emissions testing beginning April 1, 2024. In 2024, vehicles subject to the Clean Truck Check will only need to complete one test. For out-of-state registered vehicles, testing deadlines are determined by the last digit of a vehicle’s VIN.

CARB coordinates enforcement efforts with California Highway Patrol and other state agencies. Emissions detection systems and automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras are also deployed throughout the state to verify compliance. Further, CARB staff conducts field inspections at border crossings and throughout the state to verify compliance.

DMV exempt plated vehicles include California government vehicles exempt from DMV re-registration requirements as well as federal vehicles not registered in any DMV jurisdiction. These vehicles will also have 2 compliance testing deadlines per year, but these deadline dates will be based on the last number of the vehicle’s VIN. Each digit is assigned a month (see chart below), and compliance deadlines will be on the final day of that month. The second testing deadline will be 6 months later. Below is the chart for DMV exempt testing deadlines in 2024.

• Zero emission heavy-duty vehicles
• Emergency vehicles
• Tactical military vehicles
• Motorhomes registered outside of California and used for recreational purposes only
• New vehicles with engines certified to most stringent NOx standard (exempt for first 4 years of program only)
• Vehicles with a permanent Historical Vehicle License Plate
• Vehicles operating under a CARB-issued experimental permit
• Out-of-state vehicles operating under a Governor’s emergency declaration (vehicles have 30 days to comply with the program)
• Gasoline heavy-duty vehicles already covered by BAR’s Smog Check program

There are 2 methods to conduct Clean Truck Check compliance tests, and CalFleet is certified and equipped to handle both. Test method depends on whether or not a vehicle is equipped with OBD.

OBD Compliance Test (2013 and newer model year engine)

Vehicles equipped with OBD must complete an OBD compliance test. This includes 2013 model year and newer diesel engines, or hybrid systems with 2013 model year and newer diesel engines, as well as 2018 model year and newer alternative fuel engines, or hybrid systems with 2018 model year and newer alternative fuel engines. A passing test submission cannot include an emissions-related issue such as an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) or emissions-related diagnostic trouble code. Test results are automatically transferred and submitted to CARB.

Non-OBD Compliance Test (2012 and older model year engine)

Pre-2013 model year engines are subject to non-OBD compliance testing. This includes an SAE J1667 opacity test as well as a vehicle emissions control equipment visual and functional inspection.