California-Registered Vehicles
Covered California-registered vehicles must be reported in CTC-VIS. Owners must also pay the applicable annual compliance fee and complete any required emissions testing by the assigned deadlines.
How It Works
How Clean Truck Check Reporting Works
- Step 01
Enter Vehicle Details
Provide VIN, license plate number, year, make, model, fuel type, GVWR, and registration details shown on your vehicle records.
- Step 02
Choose an Application
Choose the reporting service you need: new account setup, annual renewal, vehicle addition, or an eligible 5-Day Pass.
- Step 03
Review Your Details
Review all details carefully, especially the VIN and license plate number, to help prevent CTC-VIS reporting errors.
- Step 04
Submit and Pay
After submission, you’ll receive a payment receipt, followed by your registration confirmation, status, and next steps.
Clean Truck Check Reporting Services
Choose the CTC-VIS reporting and account support service that fits your vehicle’s current compliance needs.
Eligibility
Vehicles Subject to Clean Truck Check
Clean Truck Check applies to diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating on California roads, including both in-state and out-of-state fleets. Requirements may vary based on the vehicle’s registration, classification, and use. This includes diesel, diesel-hybrid, natural gas, and other alternative-fuel vehicles.
Eligible Vehicle Types
14,000+ lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight RatingDiesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds.
- Commercial trucks and buses
- Transit and school buses
- Motorcoaches
- California-registered motorhomes
- Agricultural vehicles
- Heavy-duty hybrid vehicles
- Box trucks
- Single-vehicle operations and fleets
- Refrigerator trucks
Out-of-State Vehicles
Covered out-of-state vehicles must also meet Clean Truck Check requirements when operating on California public roads. Out-of-state registration alone does not provide an exemption. However, noncommercial motorhomes registered outside California are excluded from the program.
Ongoing Renewal
All vehicles subject to the Clean Truck Check must maintain ongoing CARB compliance through regular renewal. Heavy-duty commercial vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR complete compliance checks semi-annually, while motorhomes and agricultural vehicles renew annually. Keeping records up to date ensures the vehicle remains compliant and legally operable in California.
Exemptions
Who Doesn’t Need to Comply with the Clean Truck Check?
Not all vehicles are subject to Clean Truck Check compliance. The vehicles below are exempt. Low annual mileage is not an exemption — a vehicle driven under 1,000 miles a year must still comply.
Zero-Emission Vehicles
Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not required to register.
Emergency Vehicles
Fire trucks, ambulances, and other vehicles used solely for emergency services.
Historical Vehicles
Only vehicles registered with the DMV as historical vehicles are exempt. Age alone does not qualify — a vehicle 25 years or older that is still operating and not registered as historical must comply.
Military Tactical Vehicles
Designed and used exclusively for military operations.
Out-of-State Motorhomes
Motorhomes registered outside California are not required to register for Clean Truck Check.
Requirements
What Are the Requirements to Obtain the Clean Truck Check Certificate?
To qualify for the Clean Truck Check certificate, vehicles must meet specific requirements related to weight, fuel type, testing, and registration.
Compliance Checklist
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Applies to vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds, which includes the vehicle’s empty weight and maximum load capacity.
Fuel Type
Applies to vehicles powered by diesel, a diesel hybrid, natural gas, or another alternative fuel — regardless of engine model year. Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not covered by the program.
Testing Frequency
Semi-Annual Testing: most heavy-duty vehicles are tested twice per year.
Annual Testing: motorhomes and agricultural vehicles are tested once per year.
Quarterly Testing (starting October 2027): vehicles with on-board diagnostics (OBD) will transition to quarterly testing for stricter emissions monitoring.
Emissions Standards
Vehicles must meet or exceed CARB’s emissions thresholds for pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during testing.
Registration
All vehicles must be registered in the Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS).
Registration requires the following details:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number
- GVWR
- State and country of registration
Annual Compliance Fee
An annual fee must be paid for each vehicle to participate in the program.
Ready to Get Compliant?
The online application takes about 2 minutes — new certificate, renewal, or a 5-Day Pass.
Apply NowTesting
Testing Requirements with Credentialed Testers
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires emissions testing for certain vehicles to meet air quality standards. These requirements ensure vehicles comply with regulations aimed at reducing harmful emissions.
Vehicle Eligibility
Who Needs Testing?
Diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds must undergo emissions testing as part of CARB's Clean Truck Check program.
Testing Frequency
Semi-Annual Testing
2× per yearMost heavy-duty vehicles must complete emissions testing twice a year.
Annual Testing
1× per yearMotorhomes and agricultural vehicles are tested once per year.
Quarterly Testing
4× per yearStarting in October 2027, vehicles equipped with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) systems will transition to quarterly emissions testing.
Procedures
Testing Procedures
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Testing
For vehicles with OBD systems, emissions data is collected directly from the onboard computer. This ensures that emissions controls are functioning correctly.
Opacity and Visual Inspection (OVI)
For older vehicles without OBD systems, an opacity and visual inspection measures the density of exhaust smoke and checks the emissions control equipment.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to meet testing requirements can result in fines, registration holds, and other enforcement actions. Ensure compliance to avoid disruptions to vehicle operations.
Pricing
Simple and Transparent Pricing
The total cost is $95 per vehicle, providing a straightforward and hassle-free process for compliance.
- California state emissions fee already included
- No hidden fees — the price you see is the total
- Same flat process for single trucks and full fleets
All-in price
$95for the first vehicle
$75each additional vehicle
California state emissions fee included. No surprises at checkout.
Apply NowFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does California-CARB.com do?
We submit Clean Truck Check vehicle information and related requests through CTC-VIS. Our service covers reporting only; we do not conduct inspections or emissions tests.
Do you perform Clean Truck Check emissions testing?
No. A CARB-credentialed tester must perform the emissions test and submit the result. The tester's fee is separate from our reporting fee.
Do you issue the Clean Truck Check compliance certificate?
Official certificates are issued directly by CARB once all program steps are met. We handle the heavy lifting for you filing your reporting in CTC-VIS, tracking your vehicle's status, and sending over your official state confirmation as soon as CARB clears your account.
What happens after I submit my application?
You receive a payment receipt immediately. Our team then submits the reporting in CTC-VIS and emails the registration confirmation, reported status, and any next steps that apply.
Does a 5-day pass make my vehicle compliant?
The 5-Day Pass provides temporary travel permission for five consecutive days but it is not full compliance. It does not clear a DMV registration hold or resolve a non-compliant status in CTC-VIS. Permanent compliance still requires complete database reporting, fee payments, and emissions testing.
Can you add another truck to my CTC-VIS account?
Yes. We can report an additional eligible vehicle under an existing account using the information supplied in the application.
Contact
Have Questions?
Call, email, or send a message — our Burbank team is here to help.
Disclaimer
Legal and Transparency Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with or endorsed by California Air Resources Board.
Our services are limited to third-party reporting assistance through the CTC-VIS system.
The California state emissions fee is already included in the total price of $95 per vehicle.
Emissions testing must be completed by CARB-authorized facilities.