CARB REGULATIONS
Understanding California's emission requirements for commercial vehicles
Important Notice for Canadian Carriers (2025)
As of January 1, 2025, the Clean Truck Check program is fully enforceable. All heavy-duty vehicles (over 14,000 lbs GVWR) operating in California must be compliant, regardless of where they are registered. Non-compliance results in DMV registration blocks and significant fines.
Key CARB Regulations
California's roadside inspection program targeting trucks and buses. Non-compliant vehicles can be cited with significant fines per violation.
Requires diesel trucks and buses operating in California to meet specific PM and NOx emission standards based on engine model year.
Annual self-inspection requirement for California-based fleets. Out-of-state carriers must demonstrate compliance before entering.
Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) — The New 2025 Standard
As of January 1, 2025, the Clean Truck Check program replaces older smoke inspection programs and applies to all heavy-duty vehicles operating in California, regardless of where they are registered.
DMV Registration Block: The primary penalty is a registration hold if non-compliant (unpaid fees or missing tests).
Out-of-State/Canadian Trucks: May be flagged at border crossings or weigh stations. Can be issued citations and denied entry until cleared.
Citation Amount: Base penalty of $500 per vehicle if caught operating non-compliant.
Annual Compliance Fee: $30 in 2024, rising to $31.18 in 2025. Failure to pay prevents obtaining compliance certificate.
3-Day Pass for Canadian Carriers: If not frequently in California, you can buy a 3-day pass for approx. $100 via the Clean Truck Check system (limited to once per year per vehicle).
Fines & Penalties
For commercial vehicles entering or operating in California, non-compliance with CARB regulations in 2025 falls into three categories: Administrative Fees/Blocks, Citation Fines, and Civil Penalties.
Standard Citation Fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
Periodic Smoke Inspection (PSIP) Per vehicle for failing to test or maintain records | $500 |
Excessive Smoke Varies by opacity level | $300 - $500 |
Emission Control Label (ECL) Missing or illegible engine tag | $300 |
Idling (over 5 minutes) Starts at $300; increases for repeat offenses | $300 - $1,000 |
Drayage Truck Violation For non-compliant trucks entering ports/railyards | $1,000+ |
Tampering / Defeat Devices Per violation; can be per part removed | Up to $37,500 |
Civil Penalties (Worst Case)
* Civil penalties are negotiated and depend on fleet size, history, and cooperation with CARB.