California has implemented a few changes for the trucking industry through its Air Resources Board. Its goal is to prevent air pollution and monitor emissions thoroughly.

There’s an annual compliance fee that vehicle owners must pay before a certain deadline. In 2023, the deadline was extended to January 31, 2024, allowing people to comply with their initial legal requirements. However, the program doesn’t stop there.

Sending a passing compliance test in 2024 involves several factors, which we’ll cover below.

We’ll talk about the Clean Truck Check Program below and how implementing heavy-duty inspection software like Record360 will help you while sending a passing emissions test and getting the necessary certifications to keep managing your business.

About the Clean Truck Check Program

The Clean Truck Check Program was directed from Senate Bill 210 (Leyva; Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019) to the California Air Resources Board. It involves a thorough “heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance (HD I/M) regulation.”

The program ensures that vehicles’ emission control systems are working correctly. Some of the testing methods used by the program include:

  • Portable Emission Acquisition System (PEAQS)
  • Onboard Diagnostics (OBD)
  • Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP)
  • SAE J1667 Smoke Opacity Tests and Inspections for Non-OBD-Equipped Vehicles

Who Is This Program for?

According to the CARB, it’s meant for heavy-duty, non-gasoline vehicles/trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 lbs or higher. The regulation applies to most diesel vehicles/alternative fuel vehicles as long as they operate in California and meet the weight requirements.

Of course, the program doesn’t apply to zero-emission trucks, historical vehicles, authorized emergency vehicles, and other trucks operating under experimental permits.

Back in 2022, CARB created “Roadside Emissions Monitoring Devices” (or REMD) that can easily flag any vehicles suspected of high emissions. These are strategically located in several places, such as state border crossings.

Those involved in the heavy-duty transportation industry must ensure they’re complying with all the deadlines mentioned and indicate ownership of their fleet in their reports by providing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Must Read: How a truck inspection form can improve your truck rental business

About the Three-Month Open Reporting Season and Other Deadlines

CARB implemented a three-month reporting season from October 1 to December 31, 2023. All vehicle owners were expected to complete their reporting in the Clean Truck Check database and pay their annual compliance fee.

According to CARB, vehicle owners must submit a passing compliance test for any trucks with a compliance deadline on (or after) July 1, 2024. It applies to most in-state fleets, including federal government vehicles.

Those with vehicles subject to semiannual compliance testing must provide only one test for the 2024 calendar year. To comply, you must send a passing compliance test to CARB within 90 days before the deadline.

Must Read: Electronic DVIR for Truck Inspections: Improving Safety and Efficiency

Discover How Record360 Can Help You Ensure Compliance and Quality Standards

As you can see, the Clean Truck Check program and its compliance deadlines can easily become overwhelming.

Thankfully, most fleet owners can work around these issues by ensuring compliance through inspection software.

Record360 and its innovative solutions allow you to track your fleet’s maintenance and provide thorough and seamless inspections.

It’s no surprise that the process of testing a fleet can be tedious for fleet operators, especially if there’s something to fix in their emission control systems.

Thanks to Record360, you can create detailed reports with photos, videos, and annotations about your fleet, which ensures your documents are as accurate as possible.

Being thorough in your investigation is what will ensure regulatory compliance. If you want to stay ahead of deadlines and get all the certifications you need, ensure your fleet meets emission standards by inspecting it with the right software.

Must Read: The benefit of Using a Truck and Trailer Inspection App

Bottom Line

Promoting a safer environment with less air pollution is everyone’s responsibility. If you manage a fleet, implement advanced inspection software like Record360.

Not only does the software help you track all your maintenance sessions and get accurate reports, but it also allows you to ensure your fleet is in its best shape all year long. All of this will ensure you’re compliant and safe.

To learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us,  contact Record260 today!