California’s emissions standards are critical for keeping commercial vehicles on the road. For truck owners, it’s important to understand the differences between the Clean Truck Check and traditional smog tests to stay compliant.
Whether you manage a small fleet or a lineup of heavy-duty vehicles, complying with California’s Clean Truck Check is essential. This post highlights the key differences between the Clean Truck Check and smog testing, with tips to prepare your diesel trucks and commercial vehicles for these regulations.
What Is California’s Clean Truck Check?
The Clean Truck Check, or Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program, is part of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) initiative to cut emissions from heavy-duty trucks. It applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds, particularly diesel and alternative fuel trucks that contribute significantly to air pollution. Gasoline vehicles are exempt from the Clean Truck Check but still require the traditional smog test.
As of January 2023, roadside emissions monitoring is used to identify high-emission vehicles. If flagged, owners must submit a passing test within 30 days. By 2025, most vehicles will need to pass emissions tests twice a year.
The program ensures compliance with emissions standards and aims to improve air quality. Learn more on CARB’s Clean Truck Check page.
How Does Clean Truck Check Differ From a Smog Test?
At its core, the Clean Truck Check is tailored for heavy-duty vehicles, while the traditional smog test applies primarily to gasoline vehicles and light-duty trucks. Here’s a comparison of the two:
1. Scope of Testing
- Smog Test: Primarily applies to gasoline vehicles and some light-duty diesel vehicles. It measures levels of pollutants like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides to determine whether a vehicle complies with California’s emission standards.
- Clean Truck Check: Targets heavy-duty trucks and buses, especially those powered by diesel. The Clean Truck Check measures particulate emissions and uses onboard diagnostics (OBD), smoke opacity tests, and even Portable Emission Acquisition Systems (PEAQS) for roadside monitoring. Vehicles with older engines (pre-2013 models) may undergo additional visual inspections.
2. Frequency
- Smog Test: For most vehicles, a smog test is required every two years, especially during vehicle registration renewals.
- Clean Truck Check: Heavy-duty vehicles must undergo emission tests twice per year, starting in 2025, and four times per year by 2027. This frequent testing schedule ensures that fleet owners regularly maintain their vehicles’ emissions systems, preventing excessive pollution.
3. Testing Technology
- Smog Test: Utilizes older technology like the dynamometer for measuring pollutants.
- Clean Truck Check: Relies on advanced technologies such as OBD systems, which provide continuous emission data from the vehicle’s internal systems, and roadside PEAQS for real-time monitoring.
Preparing Your Truck Fleet for California’s Clean Truck Check
To meet Clean Truck Check requirements, fleet owners should focus on regular fleet maintenance and repairs, particularly for emissions control systems. Here’s how to prepare your commercial vehicles:
- Schedule Regular Emission Testing
Proactively schedule emissions tests to catch issues early and avoid CARB penalties. At Domestic Diesel and Auto Service, we offer comprehensive commercial vehicle services, including digital vehicle inspections and emissions testing for diesel trucks. We service trucks, including Ford F-450 and F-550 models, as well as Chevy 4500 and 5500 (Silverado) models from 2013 and newer. - Stay on Top of Repairs and Upgrades
Regularly inspect your emissions systems, engine, and diagnostics. Our team at Domestic Diesel specializes in repairs and CARB-compliant upgrades to keep your fleet compliant. - Use Onboard Diagnostic Systems (OBD)
For trucks with OBD systems, continuous monitoring can alert you to issues before they escalate. We recommend using authorized OBD devices for easy compliance. - Stay Updated with CARB Notifications
Subscribe to CARB updates to stay informed about deadlines and avoid penalties. - Leverage Digital Vehicle Inspections
Our digital vehicle inspections offer transparent insights into your truck’s emissions systems, helping you stay compliant.
Do You Need to Sign Up for California’s Clean Truck Check Program?
Yes, signing up for California’s Clean Truck Check program is mandatory for heavy-duty truck owners. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires that all diesel-powered vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds be registered under the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program. Here’s how the process works:
1. Vehicle Registration
Truck owners must register their vehicles with CARB’s Clean Truck Check program to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This includes diesel vehicles and alternative fuel trucks that fall under the program’s guidelines.
2. Online Reporting System
Once registered, owners or operators need to use CARB’s online reporting system to track their compliance. This system monitors emissions testing requirements for every vehicle in your fleet.
3. Regular Emission Testing
Once registered, owners are required to submit emissions test results regularly. By 2025, most trucks must pass emissions tests twice a year, and by 2027, the requirement will increase to four tests annually. Ensuring your vehicles are properly registered and tested will help you avoid fines, registration blocks, or operational delays.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you fail to register or comply with the Clean Truck Check requirements, CARB can block your vehicle’s DMV registration or impose costly fines. It’s critical to sign up for the program and adhere to its testing schedule to keep your fleet on the road.
At Domestic Diesel and Auto Service, we help truck owners comply with these regulations. From registration support to emissions testing, we can guide you through CARB’s requirements and keep your fleet compliant.
Stay Compliant with the Clean Truck Check in Chino, CA
The Clean Truck Check is crucial for reducing emissions from heavy-duty trucks in California. Understanding its requirements versus traditional smog tests helps you prepare your fleet and avoid penalties. At Domestic Diesel and Auto Service in Chino, CA, we specialize in keeping fleets compliant. From preventative maintenance to CARB-compliant upgrades, our ASE-certified technicians are here to support your business.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (909) 627-0500, or visit us at 4588 Carter Ct., Chino, CA 91710.
You can also schedule online through our website.
Stay compliant and keep your trucks on the road with Domestic Diesel!
