Clean Truck Check Goes Quarterly in October 2027: What Truck Owners Need to Know
California’s Clean Truck Check is about to get stricter. Starting October 2027, Clean Truck Check quarterly testing begins: CARB will require heavy-duty trucks with on-board diagnostics (OBD) to pass an emissions test four times a year instead of twice. If you own or dispatch trucks that run in California, including Nevada-plated trucks on the I-15, here’s what changes, what it costs, and how to stay ahead of it.
- Clean Truck Check applies to almost all non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR that operate in California, no matter which state they’re registered in.
- Most trucks test twice a year today. Beginning October 2027, OBD-equipped trucks test four times a year.
- You can submit a passing test up to 90 days before your deadline.
- Non-compliant trucks can face DMV registration holds and may be denied entry to ports and railyards.
$110 in Southern California · $85 in Las Vegas · No trip fee · Free pre-check included
Who Has to Comply With Clean Truck Check?
According to CARB’s Clean Truck Check FAQ, almost all non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 lbs that operate in California must be compliant. That includes diesel and alternative-fuel trucks, and it includes trucks registered in Nevada, Arizona and other states that drive into California. CARB’s testing requirements page lists the vehicles covered and the type of test each one needs.
Testing Frequency: Today vs. October 2027
Now through September 2027
2 tests per year for most heavy-duty trucks (semi-annual).
Starting October 2027
4 tests per year for OBD-equipped trucks.
Source: CARB, Clean Truck Check Emissions Compliance Testing Requirements. Agricultural vehicles and non-commercial motorhomes stay on annual schedules. Check your own deadlines in your CTC-VIS account.
CARB puts it plainly: “Beginning October 2027, on-board diagnostics (OBD) equipped vehicles will be required to undergo testing four times per year.” OBD-equipped generally means 2013 and newer diesel engines and 2018 and newer alternative-fuel engines. Older non-OBD diesel trucks use a smoke opacity test and equipment inspection instead.
What Clean Truck Check Quarterly Testing Means for a Fleet
| OBD trucks in your fleet | Tests per year now | Tests per year from Oct 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | 10 | 20 |
| 10 | 20 | 40 |
| 25 | 50 | 100 |
Simple math based on CARB’s semi-annual (current) and quarterly (October 2027) schedules for OBD-equipped trucks.
Doubling the number of deadlines is where fleets get caught: one missed test can mean a registration hold right when you need to renew. Testing up to 90 days early is allowed, so the easiest fix is batching your trucks into scheduled visits.
We schedule Clean Truck Checks at your yard, send reminders before each deadline, and handle 2290 and registration in the same visits.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
- DMV registration hold: CARB’s FAQ explains that once a registration hold is placed, DMV transactions for that vehicle are restricted until it’s back in compliance.
- Enforcement: CARB works with the California Highway Patrol on enforcement actions, including penalties and registration holds.
- Ports and railyards: non-compliant vehicles may be denied entry.
Don’t Forget the Annual Compliance Fee
Separate from the test itself, each vehicle owner pays CARB an annual per-vehicle compliance fee in the CTC-VIS portal. CARB’s FAQ says the fee started at $30 per vehicle and adjusts with the California Consumer Price Index, so check CARB’s site for the current amount. CARB accepts debit cards, credit cards and eChecks.
Out-of-State Trucks: The 5-Day Pass
If a truck only enters California occasionally, CARB offers a five-consecutive-day pass, once per vehicle per calendar year. It must be submitted 7 business days before entering California. For trucks that run into California regularly, a Clean Truck Check is the practical option. Las Vegas carriers can test with us for $85.
How to Get Ready for Clean Truck Check Quarterly Testing
Set up your CTC-VIS account
Create your account and report your vehicles at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. See our step-by-step signup guide.Pay the annual compliance fee
Pay for each vehicle inside CTC-VIS so your compliance certificate can be issued.Put every deadline on one calendar
Your deadlines appear in CTC-VIS. Plan for four per OBD truck per year from October 2027.Test early with a credentialed tester
Book up to 90 days before each deadline. We come to your yard with a free pre-check and no trip fee.Book your next Clean Truck Check today: $110 in Southern California, $85 in Las Vegas.
Official Sources
- CARB: Clean Truck Check program
- CARB: Emissions Compliance Testing Requirements
- CARB: Clean Truck Check FAQ
- CARB: CTC-VIS reporting portal
American Trucking Compliance LLC is a private, CARB credentialed Clean Truck Check tester and is not affiliated with CARB or any government agency. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with CARB.
