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

What is the history of truck emissions regulations in California?

The history of truck emissions regulations in California shows how the state has worked for many years to keep the air clean and protect people's health. In 1970, the Clean Air Act gave California the power to make stricter rules for vehicle emissions than the federal government. Over time, the state made limits lower and lower for carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and tiny particles in exhaust called particulate matter. These changes pushed engine makers to create new technologies for cleaner trucks. From the first diesel rules in 1974 to modern rules for zero-emission trucks under the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, California has led the country in controlling truck pollution. The rules in California also affect the whole country and even other parts of the world. This history shows how rules can help both technology and the health of people living in the state.

Clean Truck Check Program

Table of Contents

Early Federal and State Emission Standards for Trucks

The story of truck emissions rules in California starts with the first regulations made in the 1970s. The 1970 Clean Air Act allowed California to set stricter standards than the federal government. In 1974, the first rules for diesel trucks were established. Carbon monoxide emissions could not exceed 40 grams per brake horsepower-hour, and hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides could not exceed 16 grams per brake horsepower-hour. At that time, there were no rules for particulate matter. In 1979, the rules were tightened: carbon monoxide could not exceed 25 grams per brake horsepower-hour, and hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides were limited to 10 grams per brake horsepower-hour. In 1985, the rules became stricter again, with carbon monoxide limited to 15.5 grams per brake horsepower-hour and nitrogen oxides limited to 6 grams per brake horsepower-hour in California. Particulate matter still did not have a rule. These early regulations helped California lead the way in establishing clean truck air standards. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in Pico Rivera, CA.

California’s Clean Air Act Influence on Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The Clean Air Act gave California a special authority to set stricter rules for trucks. In 1988, California established a rule for particulate matter at 0.60 grams per brake horsepower-hour. In 1991, the rules became even stricter: nitrogen oxides were reduced to 5 grams per brake horsepower-hour, and particulate matter to 0.25 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Carbon monoxide remained at 15.5 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Around this time, trucks began using electronic controls to manage emissions more effectively. These early efforts set the stage for even stricter regulations later. California demonstrated that strong rules could significantly reduce pollution from trucks. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Key Milestones in Diesel Engine Emission Regulations

Important milestones in California for diesel trucks include changes in 1993. The urban bus particulate matter limit was lowered to 0.10 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Low sulfur diesel fuel was also introduced at 500 parts per million. In 1994, the rules for trucks set particulate matter limits even lower at 0.10 grams per brake horsepower-hour, while urban buses had to meet an even stricter limit of 0.07 grams per brake horsepower-hour. In 1996, California established a nitrogen oxide standard of 4 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Cummins, a major engine manufacturer, began using exhaust gas recirculation on 5.9-liter engines. In 1998, the Consent Decree required all engines to use electronic controls, and four-valve heads became common. These steps ensured that trucks could comply with stricter rules for many years. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in Redondo Beach, CA.

Transition to Low Sulfur Diesel and Electronic Controls

In the mid-2000s, California trucks underwent significant changes. By 2004, rules from the EPA and CARB required hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides to be no more than 2.4 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Exhaust gas recirculation and diesel oxidation catalysts were used on many trucks. Between 2006 and 2007, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with a maximum of 15 parts per million sulfur was introduced. Trucks also began using higher-pressure fuel injection systems and variable geometry turbochargers. These changes helped trucks produce much less particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. These improvements made engines cleaner and helped protect the air. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in Rosemead, CA.

Introduction of NOx and Particulate Matter Standards

In 2007, Diesel Particulate Filters were introduced, reducing particulate matter to 0.01 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Between 2007 and 2010, trucks utilized throttle valves, advanced exhaust gas recirculation, and high-pressure common-rail fuel systems. In 2010, selective catalytic reduction became standard, enabling trucks to meet nitrogen oxide limits of 0.2 grams per brake horsepower-hour. In 2013, California added optional low-NOx certifications, allowing trucks to meet limits as low as 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour. These steps demonstrate how California continued pushing for cleaner trucks. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in San Gabriel, CA.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies: EGR, DPF, and VGT

California used new technologies to meet stricter rules. Exhaust gas recirculation lowers combustion temperature to reduce nitrogen oxides. Diesel particulate filters capture tiny particles in the exhaust. Variable geometry turbochargers improve airflow for cleaner burning. Trucks also use electronic engine management and high-pressure fuel systems. These technologies help trucks comply with strict rules while remaining powerful and reliable. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in South Gate, CA.

2010 and Beyond: Stricter Emission Standards and SCR Systems

After 2010, rules became stricter. Selective catalytic reduction became required to meet nitrogen oxide limits of 0.2 grams per brake horsepower-hour. The CARB Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus Regulation in 2021 added new limits for nitrogen oxides and introduced special testing and extended useful life rules for model years 2024 to 2031. Nitrogen oxide limits on FTP and RMC cycles will decrease to 0.05 grams per brake horsepower-hour by 2024 to 2026. By 2027, light- and medium-duty trucks will meet 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Heavy-duty trucks will gradually reach limits of 0.035 to 0.04 grams per brake horsepower-hour by 2031. Particulate matter limits remain very low at 0.005 grams per brake horsepower-hour. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in South Pasadena, CA.

California’s Role in Influencing National and Global Standards

California’s rules not only affect the state but also influence the rest of the country and the world. Other states often adopt CARB standards, and engine manufacturers globally design trucks to meet California rules. Programs like Averaging, Banking, and Trading allow companies to trade emission credits while still complying with strict regulations. This demonstrates how California’s leadership encourages cleaner engines worldwide. Learn more about Clean Truck Check in Walnut, CA.

Clean Truck Check in Homeland, CA

Clean Truck Check in Homeland, CA