3 Simple Steps to CARB Clean Truck Compliance
A Practical Playbook for Staying Compliant with California’s Truck Regulations
In December 2021, the California Air Resources Board approved the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation, now known as Clean Truck Check.
The regulation affects almost all diesel and alternative fuel on-road vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating in California, even if they are not registered in California.
This includes trucks owned by federal, state, and local government agencies; personal use vehicles; owners of a single vehicle; and California-registered motorhomes.
The law applies to owners and operators of affected vehicles that operate in California, and any entity that contracts with them—including freight brokers, freight dispatchers, and freight facilities.
Compliance for Freight Brokers and Freight Contractors
Compliance for freight brokers, and anyone who contracts with affected vehicles, means confirming that the vehicles are compliant with Clean Truck Check and maintaining documentation.
This can be done by updating your carrier packet to include a Clean Truck Check compliance certificate, which vehicle owners can download from the CTC-VIS portal. Remember that ongoing compliance requires periodic Clean Truck Check inspections performed by CARB-Credentialed HD I/M testers, so you’ll need to obtain updated compliance certificates as often as 4 times a year.
Compliance for Vehicle Owners and Operators
Owners and operators of vehicles that fall under this regulation need to take three steps to comply:
Step One: Create an Account on the CTC-VIS portal
Step Two: Add Vehicles and Pay Fees
Step Three: Get Periodic Clean Truck Check Inspections
How to Use the CTC-VIS Portal for Clean Truck Check
The CTC-VIS portal (Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System) is CARB’s online database. You can access it at https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. You’ll need to register, and enter your company details. When creating your account, use your email as your username. The deadline for CTC-VIS registration is October 1, 2025.
Adding Vehicles and Paying Fees on CTC-VIS
Once you’ve created an account, you can add vehicles manually, or upload them in bulk from a spreadsheet.
Clean Truck Check Compliance Fee
Finally, after you’ve added your vehicles, you’ll need to pay $30 per vehicle. This is CARB’s annual compliance fee.
Periodic Clean Truck Check Inspections and Deadlines
Finally, you’ll need to get your vehicles inspected by a CARB-credentialed compliance technician. The mandatory Clean Truck Check inspections, sometimes called a Diesel Smog Check, begin January 1, 2025.
Clean Truck Check Testing Frequency
In 2025 and 2026 vehicles will need two Clean Truck Check Inspections annually. Starting in 2027 vehicles will need quarterly inspections. Vehicles can be inspected up to 90 days before the deadline.
Testing Deadlines for Vehicles Registered in California
The Clean Truck Check inspection deadline for vehicles registered in California is based on the registration renewal month.
For example, if registration renewal is due March 7, the first Clean Truck Check inspection is due by March 7, 2025. The second annual compliance inspection is due on September 7, 2025, six months later.
Testing Deadlines for Out-Of-State Vehicles
The deadline for vehicles registered outside of California is based on the last number of the VIN (see chart below).
For example, if a vehicle’s VIN ends in 3, the first Clean Truck Check test is due in January, and the second inspection would be due in July, six months later.
Nationwide Directory of Credentialed Clean Truck Check Technicians
If you need assistance finding a CARB-credentialed technician for your Clean Truck Check inspections, use our nationwide directory to connect with qualified professionals near you. Stay compliant and keep your fleet on the road!
If you need assistance finding a HD I/M inspection location near you, use our nationwide directory of a CARB-credentialed Clean Truck Check testers to connect with qualified technicians in your area. Stay compliant and keep your fleet on the road!
Get–and Stay–Clean Truck Check Compliant
In summary, complying with the Clean Truck Check regulation involves setting up a CTC-VIS account, registering vehicles, paying the required fees, and scheduling periodic inspections with CARB-credentialed technicians. Keeping your fleet in compliance avoids downtime and helps you avoid hefty fines.