Clean Truck Check (HD I/M)
Clean Truck Check DMV Registration Holds for Noncompliance
CA DMV registration holds are actively being placed on vehicles that do not comply with the Clean Truck Check requirements. Avoid a California DMV registration hold by reporting vehicles and paying the annual compliance fee in CTC-VIS. Clean Truck Check Reporting: To access the reporting database to complete reporting requirements, please visit the Clean Truck Check program page.
DMV Registration Notice with CARB Non-Compliant Vehicle Warning
You may have accessed this webpage due to a Department of Motor Vehicle Registration Hold - Notice of Incomplete Renewal as shown below or a similar DMV notice of non-compliance – please visit the TruckStop DMV page.
Clean Truck Check Background
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, in an ongoing effort to meet air quality standards by ensuring heavy-duty vehicle emissions control systems operate properly throughout the life of the vehicle.
How to comply with Clean Truck Check Requirements
- Report affected vehicles and pay the annual compliance fee.
- Prepare for emissions compliance testing. Emissions compliance testing requirements start January of 2025. Tests can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the testing deadline.
- Subscribe to email notifications and select Clean Truck Check (Heavy Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance) to receive emails about program updates.
Reporting Requirements
Vehicle owners are required to use the Clean Truck Check (CTC-VIS) database system to report vehicle and owner information and submit an annual per vehicle compliance fee. Payment methods include: major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic fund transfers. Payments made through any other CARB portals or paper check mailing will NOT be accepted.
Owners need to provide essential company and fleet information, including
- Entity name
- Company contact information
- U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) number.
- Vehicle information, such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Webinars and Training
Webinars and in-person training opportunities are available. For upcoming dates and times, as well as past Reporting Webinars visit Clean Truck Check: Meetings & Workshops.
Know your Emissions Compliance Testing Requirements and Deadlines
Emissions compliance testing requirements start January of 2025. Tests can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the testing deadline.
Due date based on Registration Date
- California Registered Vehicles
Due Date based on Last Number of VIN
- Out-of-state registered vehicles
- California DMV exempt vehicles (e.g., government vehicles)
Implementation Guidance
Implementation Guidance on annual and semi-annual testing requirements, including how to determine each vehicle’s deadline(s), can be found on the FactSheets, Guides, & Videos webpage.
Training Requirements for Testers
Clean Truck Check requires that all emissions testing and submission of results be performed by credentialed testers. Vehicle owners can obtain the testing credential to perform their own tests through the online credentialed tester training course for free once they pass the exam. Credentials must be renewed every 2 years. Upon successfully completing the exam, you may add your name to the Available for Hire Credentialed Tester List or use the list to find a credentialed tester to hire in your area.
Emissions Compliance Testing Methods
The testing method is dependent on whether the vehicle has OBD or not. Below are the methods for OBD and non-OBD vehicles:
Determine Emissions Compliance Testing Type and Frequency
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) equipped vehicles
- OBD test submission: twice per year starting in 2025, increases to four times per year October 1, 2027.
- CA registered Motorhomes and Agricultural Vehicles: once per year
Non-OBD equipped vehicles
- Diesel and alternative fuel vehicles: twice per year
- CA registered Motorhomes and Agricultural Vehicles: once per year
Testing Devices
CARB maintains a list of certified OBD devices and SAE J-1667 Smoke Meter Manufacturers for applicable smoke meters.
Additional Information
More detailed information can be found on the Clean Truck Check program page.
Fact Sheets & FAQs provide further details on program requirements discussed on this page in addition to other requirements for brokers, freight contractors, and applicable freight facilities.
If you have questions regarding Clean Truck Check, please email Clean Truck Check staff at hdim@arb.ca.gov.