What Is Clean Truck Check?

California Clean Truck Check is a heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance program administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The program helps ensure emissions-control systems continue operating properly throughout a vehicle’s service life while identifying vehicles requiring emissions-related repairs.

Core Compliance Requirements

Owners of covered vehicles are generally responsible for:

Official Regulation

1. Reporting the vehicle into CTC-VIS.
2. Paying the annual compliance fee.
3. Completing required emissions testing.
4. Maintaining compliance by required deadlines.

These are separate compliance requirements, and each must be completed independently.

Testing Methods

Depending on vehicle eligibility, testing may include:

• Manual OBD testing.
• Manual OVI (Opacity and Visual Inspection) testing.
• Approved remote monitoring.

Testing requirements vary depending on the vehicle configuration and current CARB requirements.

Testing Frequency

Testing frequency depends on the vehicle category.

Certain vehicle categories, including qualifying diesel motorhomes (RVs) and eligible agricultural vehicles, follow different testing schedules than many other heavy-duty vehicles.

Why Clean Truck Check Exists

Clean Truck Check is designed to improve air quality by ensuring heavy-duty vehicles continue meeting emissions standards after entering service. The program focuses on in-use vehicle compliance rather than manufacturer certification.

Bottom Line

Clean Truck Check is an ongoing compliance program rather than a one-time inspection.

Best Practice

Owners should ensure their vehicles are properly reported, annual compliance fees are paid, required emissions testing is completed on time, and compliance records remain current.