By Paul Sousa, Director of Regulatory & Environmental Affairs

Lately, I’ve received a growing number of calls from WUD members with questions about heavy-duty truck regulations. When that happens, it’s usually a sign that more members are looking for the same answers.

California has been tightening emissions rules for heavy-duty trucks for years. While there have been recent headlines suggesting the federal government might roll back some of these regulations, the rules remain in effect, for now. This article focuses on the Clean Truck Check (CTC), California’s smog check program for trucks, which is currently active and enforceable.

What Is the Clean Truck Check?

The Clean Truck Check applies to both diesel and alternative-fuel trucks, including those powered by natural gas and propane. It is separate from other rules like the Truck and Bus Regulation, which applies to trucks with engines from model year 2009 or older.

Starting in 2025, trucks must pass a smog check to be eligible for registration renewal. Many members are receiving notices from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stating that their truck is ineligible for renewal due to noncompliance with CTC. Others are running into issues when trying to register newly purchased trucks.

How to Comply

To comply with the Clean Truck Check, truck owners must:

1. Register the vehicle in the Clean Truck Check database, shared by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the DMV.
2. Pay an annual fee, originally set at $30 but adjusted yearly for inflation.
3. Pass an emissions test on a specific schedule. For trucks used in agriculture, the test is required once a year. Non-agricultural trucks may require more frequent testing.

You can create an account and register your truck at the Clean Truck Check website:
https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov

If you need help navigating the process or have questions about your specific situation, I’m here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at paul@wudairies.com or 209-556-2490.