Amazon Relay CARB Compliance: Clean Truck Check Rules for Carriers
Amazon Relay CARB compliance is now part of getting loaded. If your truck hauls Amazon freight into or through California, Amazon requires a valid Clean Truck Check (CTC) certificate for that truck, and trucks without one get turned away at the gate. Below is exactly what Amazon asks for, what the California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires behind it, and how carriers in Southern California and Las Vegas can get every truck cleared before the next booking.
- Amazon requires CTC certificates for diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs hauling Amazon loads in California, no matter which state the truck is registered in.
- Trucks without a valid certificate are rejected at check-in, and Amazon says it doesn’t pay for loads that aren’t hauled.
- Amazon’s verification typically takes 2 business days, and your certificate must list every VIN you’ll run in California.
- Reefer trucks and trailers also need ARBER registration and must meet CARB’s TRU rules.
- Zero-emission and gasoline trucks don’t need a CTC certificate.
Send us your VIN and we’ll confirm your Clean Truck Check status before Amazon does. Free, no obligation.
What Amazon Relay Requires for CARB Compliance
In its own carrier guide, CARB compliance requirements to haul with Amazon Relay, Amazon explains that a CTC certificate shows a diesel or alternative-fuel truck over 14,000 lbs meets California’s emissions standards. Because the rule follows the truck, not the plate, a Nevada or Arizona truck running Amazon loads into California needs one too.
During Relay onboarding, Amazon asks you to either upload your CTC documents or attest that you won’t operate in California. After you upload, each truck in your Relay account shows as “CTC compliant” or “CTC not compliant.” Amazon also reminds carriers to certify any new truck before it runs California freight, and to plan ahead for renewals.
Vehicle compliance certificate
Covers one truck. According to Amazon, it renews every 6 months.
Affirmation of fleet-wide compliance
Covers your whole fleet. According to Amazon, it renews every 12 months.
Source: Amazon Relay. Either way, every VIN you’ll use in California must be listed.
What happens if a truck isn’t compliant?
Amazon is direct about it: trucks without valid certificates are “rejected at check-in,” and Amazon doesn’t pay carriers for loads that aren’t hauled. In other words, one expired certificate can cost you the load and the miles you drove to get there.
What CARB’s Clean Truck Check Requires Behind the Certificate
The certificate Amazon wants comes from CARB’s Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS). According to CARB’s Clean Truck Check FAQ, a truck is compliant when three things are done:
Report the vehicle in CTC-VIS
Create your account and add each truck. Our CTC-VIS sign-up guide walks through it.Pay the annual compliance fee
CARB set the fee at $30 per vehicle to start, adjusted each year by the California Consumer Price Index.Pass your emissions test when it’s due
Most heavy-duty trucks test twice a year today. Starting October 2027, OBD-equipped trucks test four times a year. See what quarterly testing means for you.Once your fee processes, CARB says the compliance certificate shows up in the “Vehicles” section of your Clean Truck Check account. That’s the document you’ll upload to Relay. Passing results can be submitted up to 90 days before a deadline, so you can test early and keep your Amazon status green.
Las Vegas and Nevada Carriers: Your Plates Don’t Exempt You
A lot of Relay freight moves between Las Vegas and Southern California on the I-15. CARB’s rule covers nearly all diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs GVWR that operate on California roads, including trucks registered outside California. So if your Nevada-plated truck books an Amazon load into the Inland Empire, it needs Clean Truck Check compliance just like a California truck.
CARB also offers out-of-state trucks a five-day pass once per calendar year, requested 7 business days ahead. However, Amazon’s Relay guide asks for CTC certificates for trucks hauling in California and doesn’t mention the five-day pass, so don’t plan Relay loads around it without confirming with Relay support first.
Enforcement isn’t only at Amazon’s gate, either. CARB lists DMV registration holds, roadside inspections at borders, ports and railyards, and statewide remote emissions monitoring and license plate readers among its tools.
We run Clean Truck Check tests across Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson, plus Southern California for $110. No trip fee, free pre-check included.
Hauling Reefer Loads for Amazon in California
Refrigerated loads carry one more layer. Amazon says reefer carriers running in California must register their refrigeration units in CARB’s ARBER system and meet CARB’s Airborne Toxic Control Measure standards. That applies to every refrigeration-equipped truck and trailer, even ones based outside California.
Free CARB status check
Ready to Haul for Amazon Relay? Check Your CARB Status
Enter the VIN for each truck you’ll run on Amazon loads in California. As you type, we’ll check that each VIN is formatted correctly. Then we’ll confirm your Clean Truck Check status and text you what’s needed, usually within 1 business day.
By submitting, you agree that American Trucking Compliance may call, text or email you about your request. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. See our Privacy Policy. We are not affiliated with Amazon or CARB.
Amazon Relay CARB Compliance in 6 Steps
Confirm which trucks will run California loads
List every VIN. Amazon requires each one to appear on your certificate.Set up or update CTC-VIS
Report each truck and pay the annual fee for each one.Test the truck
We come to your yard as a CARB credentialed tester: $110 in Southern California, $85 in Las Vegas, with a free pre-check.Download your compliance certificate
Find it in the “Vehicles” section of your CTC-VIS account once your fee processes.Upload it to Amazon Relay
Allow about 2 business days for Amazon to verify and switch the truck to “CTC compliant.”Stay ahead of renewals
Track every test date and certificate expiration. With quarterly testing coming in October 2027, our fleet compliance plans keep it on one calendar.Still applying to Relay? Read our guide to Amazon Relay carrier requirements and how to sign up first.
Amazon Relay CARB Compliance FAQ
Does Amazon Relay require a Clean Truck Check certificate?
Yes, for diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs hauling Amazon loads in California. During onboarding you either upload your CTC documents or attest that you won’t operate in California.
My truck is registered in Nevada. Do I still need Clean Truck Check?
Yes, if it operates in California. CARB’s rule applies to trucks registered outside California, and Amazon applies the same requirement to Relay loads.
How long does Amazon take to verify my CTC certificate?
Amazon says verification typically takes 2 business days after you upload.
What happens if my certificate expires?
Amazon says trucks without valid certificates are rejected at check-in and those loads aren’t paid. Amazon sends reminders before expiration, but it’s your responsibility to renew.
Do reefer units need anything extra?
Yes. Amazon requires reefer units hauling in California to be registered in CARB’s ARBER system and to meet CARB’s Airborne Toxic Control Measure standards.
Can you test my truck where it’s parked?
Yes. We’re fully mobile across Southern California and the Las Vegas valley. A Clean Truck Check is $110 in Southern California and $85 in Las Vegas, with no trip fee.
Check your status, test at your yard and get back to booking Relay loads.
Official Sources
- Amazon Relay: CARB compliance requirements to haul with Amazon Relay
- CARB: Clean Truck Check FAQ
- CARB: Emissions Compliance Testing Requirements
- CARB: CTC-VIS Online User Guide
- CARB: ARBER equipment registration
- CARB: Airborne Toxic Control Measures
American Trucking Compliance is a privately owned, licensed service provider. We are not affiliated with Amazon, Amazon Relay, CARB, the DMV or any government agency. Requirements can change; always confirm in your Relay account and on CARB’s website. Last reviewed October 2026.
