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What You Need to Know About California’s Clean Truck Check Program (HDIM)
If you own or operate a diesel-powered truck in California, the Clean Truck Check (formerly known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program, or HDIM) is a new regulation you must comply with. This program, enforced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is designed to ensure heavy-duty trucks maintain emissions compliance.
Who Must Comply?
The Clean Truck Check program applies to:
- Diesel-powered vehicles over 14,000 lbs operating in California
- Both in-state and out-of-state trucks, including those based outside of California but driving within state borders
What Are the Compliance Requirements?
To legally operate in California, truck owners must:
- Register Their Vehicles
- Create an account and report vehicle details in CARB’s Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS).
- Pay an Annual Compliance Fee
- This must be paid per vehicle before emissions testing is completed.
- Complete Periodic Emissions Testing
- Required at least twice a year (or more frequently, depending on vehicle type).
- Testing is done remotely through On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) data submissions.
- Non-OBD trucks (pre-2013 models) must undergo a periodic opacity test.
- Repair and Retest If Needed
- If a truck fails an emissions test, it must be repaired and retested before continuing operations in California.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply can result in:
- Hefty fines
- Vehicle registration holds preventing renewal
- Possible out-of-service violations affecting business operations
How to Get Started
- Visit CARB’s official Clean Truck Check page.
- Set up an account in the CTC-VIS system.
- Register all heavy-duty vehicles operating in California.
- Pay the annual compliance fee and start periodic testing.
Why This Matters
The Clean Truck Check program aims to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality in California. Compliance is mandatory, and enforcement is already in effect. Avoid penalties by registering and staying up to date with testing requirements.