To comply with California’s Clean Truck Check regulations you’ll need to get 2 diesel smog checks a year, and starting in 2027 that will jump to 4 tests a year.
If you’re an OTR trucker or small fleet owner that’s a real pain in the butt, not only because you have to remember to get the Clean Truck Check tests done, but also, depending on how you decide to get the testing done, you may have to account for some down time. And when your wheels aren’t turning you’re not making money.
Luckily you have three ways to get the tests done, and one of them is actually smart.
The first, and most common, option is to find a CARB-Credentialed Clean Truck Check Tester. You can search our nationwide directory to find a CARB Clean Truck Check tester near you.
The second option is to test your own truck. This makes sense if you have a fleet of trucks and they are going to be at the same location where your testing equipment and credentialed tester are located at least once every 90 days. This “test it yourself” option requires CARB-approved equipment and software. The equipment will cost you about $800 and a software subscription runs about $600 a year. You’ll also need one employee (or yourself) to get HDIM CARB credentials and renew them every two years. Unfortunately the equipment and software license is only for one tester, so make sure your choose a reliable employee who will be available and stick with you long term, or be prepared to subscribe to multiple software licenses.
The third option is to use remote testing devices. Many truckers consider this the best option because the devices will test their rig anywhere in the country (and even Canada) without visiting a Clean Truck Check location. And the devices, which are approved by CARB, carry their own credentials so you don’t need to jump through the hoops of taking the classes and renewing your credentials every two years. Learn more about Clean Truck Check remote testing devices here.
One note regarding Clean Truck Check testing frequency is that California-registered motorhomes and some agricultural vehicles are only required to have one test done annually.
Regardless of which way you decide to go, be sure to get the testing one on time and keep up with your annual compliance fee, or else you could be looking down the barrel of a $1,000/day fine.
A lot of people consider the Clean Truck Check program another California money grab. If it is, the money is in the fines, not the annual $31 annual compliance fee.