What Fleets Should Verify Before a Clean Truck Check Deadline

A completed emissions test does not automatically make a truck compliant with California's Clean Truck Check. The Clean Truck Check-Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) must show an accurate vehicle record, a processed annual fee, a passing result under the correct VIN, and no outstanding enforcement violations.

Clean Truck Check generally applies to diesel and alternative-fuel heavy-duty vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR that operate on California public roads and highways, including many vehicles registered outside California. Some vehicle types are not subject, but CARB may require reporting or supporting documents.

Log in at CTC-VIS and compare the VIN with the DMV registration. Review the deadline, test due date, fee status, and existing results before scheduling a tester. For deadlines on or after January 1, 2026, the annual fee is $32.13. A passing test may be submitted up to 90 days early. Card payments can take one to two business days; e-checks can take up to seven.

The engine emissions control label determines the test method. Diesel engines from 2013 or newer and alternative-fuel engines from 2018 or newer require an OBD scan with a CARB-certified device. Older non-OBD diesel engines receive opacity and visual inspections. Older non-OBD alternative-fuel engines receive a visual inspection. A CARB-credentialed tester must submit the result.

After repairs, code clearing, or battery work, confirm OBD readiness before testing. A Not Ready result does not meet the requirement. Most vehicles currently test twice a year. Qualifying agricultural vehicles and certain California-registered motorhomes test annually. OBD-equipped vehicles move to four tests per year in October 2027, while annual categories remain annual.

There is no low-use exemption. A qualifying short-term operator may request one consecutive five-day pass per vehicle each calendar year at least seven business days before entering California. After testing, verify the VIN, payment, passing result, and enforcement status in CTC-VIS. If an SB 210 DMV hold exists, allow one to three business days after current requirements are completed, then contact DMV to finish the registration transaction.