CARB Clean Truck Check Compliance Testing is the core of California’s new emissions program for heavy-duty vehicles. We provide official Clean Truck Check inspections to verify that your trucks meet state emissions standards and help you obtain/maintain registration. As a CARB credentialed tester, California Clean Truck Inspection Station is authorized to perform these tests and submit results on your behalf, ensuring you stay in full compliance with the law.
Clean Truck Check (formally the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance program) is a CARB initiative requiring heavy-duty vehicles over 14,000 lbs – including trucks, buses, and motorhomes – to undergo regular emissions inspections. In other words, it’s essentially a “smog check” for diesel trucks. Both in-state and out-of-state vehicles operating in California are subject to these rules. The goal is to ensure that key engine and emissions components are functioning properly and to reduce excessive smoke and pollution.
If your truck has received a DMV Non-Renewal notice or CARB compliance letter, it means a Clean Truck Check is required before you can complete registration. During a Clean Truck Check, our certified inspector will:
Verify your vehicle’s model year and engine information to determine the correct test type (OBD or smoke/visual).
Perform the required test: either connect to the OBD system to download emissions data for OBD-equipped vehicles, or conduct a smoke opacity test with visual inspection for non-OBD vehicles, per CARB guidelines.
Evaluate the results: We check for any emissions-related faults or excess smoke. If issues are found (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes or high opacity), we’ll explain what repairs or actions are needed to pass.
Submit results to CARB: Once your vehicle achieves a passing result, we electronically submit the test report to CARB’s database. You don’t need to upload anything yourself – we handle it for you.
Provide Clean Truck Check certificate: After a passing test, you can download your Clean Truck Check certificate from the CARB portal (we’ll guide you if needed) to show proof of compliance for DMV registration. We’ll also provide a copy of the inspection report for your records.
Testing frequency: Most heavy-duty vehicles will need a passing test every 6 months (semi-annually) under this program. CARB ties the deadlines to your DMV registration cycle (for CA-registered trucks) or VIN number (for out-of-state trucks). Starting in 2025, you must have a current passing test on file to renew your registration, and starting in 2027, OBD-equipped trucks will require tests every 3 months (quarterly). We help you keep track of these deadlines and can schedule reminders for your fleet’s next test dates.
Keep in mind that even between scheduled tests, CARB is monitoring trucks on the road. Roadside emission sensors can flag high-polluting vehicles; if your truck is identified, CARB will issue a Notice to Submit to Testing (NST) and you’ll have 30 days to get a new passing test. If this happens, contact us right away – we prioritize these retests to get you back in compliance quickly.
Convenience: Our mobile team comes to your yard or job site, so you avoid downtime driving to a test station. We operate on your schedule to minimize disruption.
Expertise: Our inspectors are trained on the latest CARB procedures and have extensive diesel knowledge. We can often identify and fix minor issues (like a loose sensor or a needed filter replacement through our parent company’s repair services) to help your vehicle pass.
Compliance Assurance: We use CARB-approved testing devices and strictly follow all testing protocols, so you can trust that your results are valid. If your vehicle passes, it is truly in compliance. If it fails, we’ll give clear guidance on next steps.
Hassle-Free Results: We directly upload results to CARB and can even assist you in obtaining your Clean Truck Check documentation. Our goal is to make the compliance process as painless as possible for you.
Don’t let new regulations catch you off guard. Our CARB Clean Truck Check service keeps your diesel trucks compliant, your registration up-to-date, and your business moving. Schedule your Clean Truck Check today and drive with peace of mind knowing you meet all California emission requirements.
