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Clean Truck Check | California's Emissions Program
Truck Maintenance Guide

Are There Clean Truck Check Exemptions?

The Clean Truck Check also called the Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program is a statewide emissions testing program made by the California Air Resources Board or CARB. It applies to heavy duty vehicles that weigh more than 14,000 pounds that drive in California. Most diesel and alternative fuel heavy duty vehicles including trucks buses and motorhomes must take regular electronic emissions inspections. However some vehicles do not have to follow this rule. These include zero emission vehicles authorized emergency vehicles military tactical vehicles motorhomes registered outside of California historical vehicles experimental permit vehicles new vehicles certified to the 0.01 g per bhp hr NOx standard and gasoline powered vehicles. Knowing which vehicles are exempt helps owners follow the law and save time and money.

Clean Truck Check Program

Table of Contents

Understanding the California Clean Truck Check Program

CARB created the Clean Truck Check Program to cut air pollution from high emitting heavy duty trucks. These vehicles make up only about three percent of all traffic on California roads but create more than half of the smog causing pollution. The program uses onboard diagnostics testing, roadside monitoring, and telematics data submission to check compliance. Starting in January 2023, CARB began using roadside emissions monitoring and Automated License Plate Reader cameras to find vehicles that pollute too much. By January 2025, fleets must complete two inspections each year. Starting in January 2027, testing will happen four times a year. This program helps protect public health, reduce hospital visits, and improve air quality across California.Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Los Angeles, CA.

Which Vehicles Qualify for Clean Truck Check Exemptions

Not every vehicle that operates in California must take part in the Clean Truck Check Program. Some vehicles are exempt from the rules. These include zero emission vehicles that run on batteries or hydrogen and make no pollution. Other exemptions apply to authorized emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances, military tactical vehicles, motorhomes registered outside California, and historical or experimental vehicles that are only used sometimes. Gasoline powered vehicles and new engines certified to meet or exceed the 0.01 g per bhp/hr NOx emissions standard are also exempt because they already produce very little pollution. Each category has rules made by CARB and sometimes proof is needed during registration or fleet audits. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Long Beach, CA.

How to Verify if Your Fleet Is Exempt from Clean Truck Check

Fleet owners can check if their vehicles are exempt by looking at the engine type, fuel used, and where the vehicle is registered. CARB’s Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC VIS) helps owners verify exemptions using the vehicle identification number, registration, and engine certification details. Vehicles from outside California that still drive in the state must meet out-of-state rules based on the last number in their VIN. That number decides when testing must happen. CARB also sends email alerts about deadlines, needed documents, and new updates. It is important to check the CARB website at arb.ca.gov often because exemption rules may change. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Santa Monica, CA.

Common Reasons Trucks Receive Clean Truck Check Exemptions

A vehicle may get a Clean Truck Check exemption if it is used for a special reason or only part time. Historical vehicles that are shown at events, emergency vehicles that save lives, and military trucks used for defense are usually exempt because of their special purpose. Motorhomes that are registered outside of California are also exempt since they are used only part of the year. Experimental permit vehicles and gasoline powered trucks also do not have to take the test under the current rules. Even if a truck is exempt, the owner still needs to keep the registration correct and tell CARB if anything changes about how the vehicle is used. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Pasadena, CA.

CARB Compliance Deadlines and Exemption Rules Explained

For vehicles that are not exempt, CARB sets testing deadlines based on registration or VIN numbers. Vehicles registered in California must take emissions tests two times a year. The deadlines are six months apart. For example, if a vehicle’s registration expires on January 1, the tests are due on January 1 and July 1. Fleets can send in tests early during the 90-day window before the deadline. If a truck’s test is due February 1, it can be submitted starting November 3. Vehicles without onboard diagnostics must have visual and functional inspections or a smoke opacity test. Vehicles with onboard diagnostics can send the data electronically. If a fleet misses a deadline, CARB can give fines or block DMV registration. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Glendale, CA.

How to Apply for a Clean Truck Check Exemption Certificate

Fleet operators who think a vehicle is exempt can apply for an exemption certificate through CARB’s online Clean Truck Check portal. The application needs the vehicle identification number, gross vehicle weight rating, fuel type, and registration details. The owner must upload proof such as a zero emission certificate, historical registration, or military paperwork for CARB to review. Once CARB approves, it adds the exemption certificate to the fleet’s compliance record. This helps prevent test reminders or enforcement notices. Owners should keep a copy of the certificate and renew it if the vehicle’s status changes. Not updating the information could lead to testing notices or blocked registration. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Burbank, CA.

Penalties for Non Exempt Fleets That Skip Compliance

Vehicles that must take tests but do not can face serious problems. CARB may send a Notice to Submit to Testing, which gives the fleet 30 days to finish an emissions test. If they still do not comply, the fleet can get fines, registration blocks, or civil penalties up to 10,000 dollars per vehicle per day. Common violations include excessive smoke, tampering with emission labels, and refusing inspections. Any vehicle that fails must show proof of correction before it can operate again. These actions can delay fleet schedules and raise costs. Following the rules saves time and keeps operations running smoothly. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Beverly Hills, CA.

Tips to Stay Compliant and Avoid Clean Truck Check Violations

To stay compliant with CARB’s Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program, fleet owners should keep track of all testing dates and records. Using onboard diagnostics systems and telematics tools helps catch problems early. Fleets must register their vehicles, pay the 30 dollar annual fee per vehicle, and confirm all data in CARB’s online system. Only use certified testers and approved devices for emissions testing. Keeping equipment in good shape and staying organized prevents penalties and supports California’s effort to cut smog and protect public health. By staying proactive, fleets can save money and help make cleaner air for everyone. Learn more about Clean Truck Check In Santa Clarita, CA.