A California CARB Clean Truck Check Guide

If you haul freight in California, Clean Truck Check (CARB HD I/M) is mandatory — not optional. As of 2026, the program is fully enforced for nearly every diesel and alternative-fuel heavy-duty vehicle with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs that operates on California roads. This includes trucks registered out of state.

Skip compliance and you risk DMV registration holds, roadside citations, denied access to ports and rail yards, and penalties starting at $1,000+ per day per vehicle. Enforcement is active right now.

What Is Clean Truck Check?

It’s California’s Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance program designed to reduce emissions from big rigs and keep trucks cleaner and more efficient. Every applicable vehicle must:

  • Be reported in the official system
  • Pay an annual compliance fee
  • Pass periodic emissions testing by a CARB-credentialed tester

Most trucks require testing semi-annually. Your exact deadlines appear in your account.

6 Simple Steps to Get Compliant in 2026

  1. Confirm it applies — Almost all trucks/buses over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating in California (exemptions are narrow).
  2. Create your free Entity Account — Go to the official CTC-VIS Portal. Register with your email as the username and select “Entity Account.” Watch the short official videos on the site first.
  3. Report your vehicles — Add each truck by VIN, license plate, make, model, year, fuel type, and GVWR. Update the portal within 30 days if you buy or sell a vehicle.
  4. Pay the annual fee — $32.13 per vehicle (2026 rate). Pay directly inside the portal.
  5. Get your emissions test — Use only a CARB-credentialed tester. Most 2013+ diesel trucks use quick OBD testing. Passing results get uploaded straight to your account (you can submit up to 90 days early).
  6. Download your compliance certificate — Once the fee is paid and a passing test is recorded, download proof you’re legal.

We Make Step 5 Easy

We are CARB-credentialed testers and handle Clean Truck Check testing across California. Let us take care of the emissions test quickly and correctly so you avoid downtime and stay on the road hauling freight.

Quick FAQ

  • Who must comply? Nearly all heavy-duty vehicles over 14k GVWR powered by diesel or alternative fuels operating in CA — including out-of-state trucks.
  • How often is testing required? Usually semi-annually. Your specific deadline shows in the CTC-VIS portal.
  • What happens if I miss it? Your vehicle goes non-compliant, leading to holds, fines, and operational delays.

Official Resources (Bookmark These)

Stay Compliant. Stay Moving. Don’t let paperwork or missed deadlines park your truck. Contact our credentialed team today to schedule your Clean Truck Check testing. We keep it fast, reliable, and mobile-friendly across California.

This page is for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest requirements directly on the official CARB website. Last updated: April 2026.