Down and dirty facts about the CARB Clean Truck Check program.

What is CARB and why the new program?

CARB stands for California Air Resources Board. This agency’s HD I/M Regulation (also known as the Clean Truck Check program) is a “comprehensive heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance (HD I/M) regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways.”

This program is designed to reduce the amount of toxic air pollution produced by commercial vehicles that travel through California. Under these rules, periodic vehicle testing is combined with emissions monitoring and enforcement to identify vehicles that need emissions-related repairs. And to ensure that the carriers, fleets and drivers responsible for those vehicles have those repairs performed as soon as possible.

Visit CARB’s HD I/M Regulation webpage.

Why is CARB implementing the Clean Truck Check (CTC) program?

Combustion-powered commercial vehicles emit multiple air pollutants, including particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen and greenhouse gases, that impact people’s health. While California has made significant strides in reducing air pollution, this additional measure is required to further reduce the harmful emissions its communities breathe and help the state meet ambient air quality standards and climate goals.

Visit the online CARB Fact Sheet.

When does Clean Truck Check enforcement start?

The CTC program reporting registration deadline is January 31, 2024, and enforcement starts January 1st, 2025.

Which vehicles fall under CARB’s Clean Truck Check program?

This regulation puts in place methods and requirements for identifying high-emissions commercial vehicles.

“Nearly all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles over 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating that operate in California, including personal vehicles, will be required to comply.”

Read CARB’s Vehicle Owner Basics (PDF).

How do I ensure my fleet and drivers comply?

1. Maintain your fleet’s heavy-duty vehicles to ensure their emissions controls stay in proper working condition. If you, your drivers or your maintenance technicians discover an issue with a vehicle’s emissions controls, address and repair it—quickly.
2. Make sure drivers can easily access proof of successful testing during roadside inspections.
3. If a vehicle’s test results indicate it might be emitting higher than the acceptable range, CARB may send you a notice. Submit a passing test to CARB within 30 days of that notice.
4. Continue annual inspections for vehicles subject to the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP).

Zonar can help your fleet comply.

Our smart fleet solutions are adapting to support California fleets with CARB-validated testing and easily available results during roadside inspections. Plus, our dedicated, in-house team of safety and compliance experts know the ins and outs of this new regulation. Work with them to determine next steps for ensuring your fleet complies. If you’re a Zonar customer, this team of experts is already in your corner. If you’re not a Zonar customer yet, schedule your complimentary consultation.

Also speak with them about complying with California’s new ELD mandate, which will start being enforced in January 2024 as well. While you’re at it, see which Zonar vehicle health solutions are ideal for maintaining peak, efficient operating condition.