CARB Clean Truck Check

A California Requirement

What is Clean Truck Check (CARB)?

Clean Truck Check (CARB) is a comprehensive program implemented by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce harmful emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses significantly. While recognizing these vehicles’ substantial impact on air quality, this initiative mandates that all heavy-duty diesel vehicles undergo regular inspections and maintenance. The program is designed to ensure that these vehicles consistently meet stringent state emissions standards, critical for protecting public health and the environment. Additionally, the initiative promotes awareness among operators about the importance of maintaining their vehicles in optimal condition to minimize their carbon footprint further. Through Clean Truck Check, CARB seeks to foster a cleaner, healthier future for all Californians while encouraging the trucking industry to adopt sustainable practices. Schedule an appointment at CSAI Smog Check Center.

Emissions compliance testing requirements are effective October 1, 2024. All compliance deadlines on or after January 1, 2025 will require the submission of a passing emissions compliance test as part of the vehicle’s compliance demonstration. Emissions compliance testing must be performed by a CARB credentialed tester and passing tests may be submitted by the tester up to 90 days prior to the vehicle’s compliance deadline to allow time for any necessary repairs.

For example, a vehicle with a compliance deadline of February 1, 2025 may submit a passing emissions test as early as November 3, 2024.

*DMV Registration Notice with CARB Non-Compliant Vehicle Warning*

If your vehicle’s model year is 2010 or older, it is possible that your vehicle does not comply with the Truck and Bus regulation and may be the reason you have a registration hold on your vehicle.

Am I required to report and pay an annual compliance fee?

For vehicles operating in California in 2023, the deadline to pay the 2023 annual compliance fee was January 31, 2024. If you have not reported your vehicle in (CTC-VIS) and paid your 2023 fee, your vehicle is in non-compliance. To avoid a DMV registration block and potential enforcement action, you should complete these actions immediately.

In 2024, the annual compliance fee deadline is due based on the vehicle’s compliance deadline that falls between July 1 and December 31, 2024. Check your CTC-VIS account for your vehicle’s specific deadline.

Payments made through any other CARB portals or paper check mailing will NOT be accepted. CTC-VIS will ONLY allow use of the following payment methods:

Credit/Debit Card
Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
Debit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard
TeleCheck (eCheck)
You will need your bank routing number and account number
Please allow 5-7 business days for processing the TeleCheck payment

Payments made in any other system or by any other method do not comply with the Clean Truck Check requirement and affected vehicles may be subject to registration holds. For guidance on how to report owner and vehicle information and pay your annual compliance fee, please go to: Reporting Database.

Clean Truck Check Reporting Database:

If you have additional questions, contact CARB?

Contact staff at hdim@arb.ca.gov. CARB also has a hotline (1-866-634-3735) that provides compliance assistance for multiple CARB regulations.