--- title: "Clean Truck Check FAQ: 50 Questions Answered | CTC Finder" description: "Answers to the most common Clean Truck Check questions: who needs it, how often, cost, CARB fee, test types, CTC-VIS, certificates, out-of-state trucks…" url: "https://ctcfinder.com/faq/" updated: "2026-11-02" publisher: "CTC Finder (independent directory, not affiliated with CARB)" --- # Clean Truck Check FAQ CTC Finder is an independent directory, not affiliated with CARB. ## What is Clean Truck Check? Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/what-is-clean-truck-check/ ### Is Clean Truck Check the same as a smog check? No. Smog Check (run by the Bureau of Automotive Repair) covers cars and light trucks. Clean Truck Check is CARB's program for heavy-duty diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. Some smog stations are also credentialed CTC testers. ### Do pickup trucks need Clean Truck Check? Only if the manufacturer's GVWR is over 14,000 lbs and the vehicle is diesel or alternative fuel. Most full-size pickups are under that rating. ### Does my motorhome need Clean Truck Check? California-registered motorhomes over 14,000 lbs GVWR test once a year. Motorhomes registered outside California are exempt. Motorhomes used commercially follow the twice-a-year schedule. ### What is CTC-VIS? CTC-VIS is CARB's online system where owners report vehicles, pay the annual fee, see deadlines and download compliance certificates. Testers also use it to submit results. ## Who needs it / exemptions Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/who-needs-clean-truck-check/ ### Do gasoline trucks need Clean Truck Check? No. Clean Truck Check covers diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. Gasoline vehicles are not covered. ### Are electric trucks exempt from Clean Truck Check? Yes. Zero-emission vehicles are exempt. ### Do school buses and government trucks need Clean Truck Check? Yes. Government, transit and school vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR that are diesel or alternative fuel are covered. Government vehicles with DMV-exempt plates follow a VIN-based deadline schedule. ### Is there an exemption for low-mileage trucks? No. SB 1064 proposed once-a-year testing for trucks under 1,000 miles a year, but it was vetoed in September 2026. ### Does Clean Truck Check apply to trucks from Mexico? Yes. CARB says the program covers out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles when they operate in California. ## Deadlines 2026–2027 Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/deadlines-2026-2027/ ### How often does a truck need Clean Truck Check in 2026? Twice a year for most heavy-duty diesel and alternative-fuel trucks; once a year for California-registered motorhomes and agricultural vehicles. ### When does Clean Truck Check go to 4 times a year? CARB says OBD-equipped vehicles must test four times per year beginning October 2027. Older non-OBD trucks stay on twice-a-year smoke opacity tests. ### How early can I do my Clean Truck Check test? Up to 90 days before the compliance deadline. ### Where do I find my Clean Truck Check due date? Log in to CTC-VIS at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. For California trucks the deadlines are tied to the DMV registration expiration date. ### Is there a once-a-year option for low-mileage trucks? Not under current rules. A 2026 bill (SB 1064) proposed annual testing for very low-mileage trucks, but the Governor vetoed it on September 20, 2026, so it is not law. Check CARB for updates. ## What changes in 2027 Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/clean-truck-check-2027/ ### Does Clean Truck Check go to 4 times a year in 2027? Yes, but from October 2027, not January. CARB says OBD-equipped trucks (diesel 2013 and newer, alternative fuel 2018 and newer) will test four times a year beginning October 2027. Older non-OBD trucks stay at twice a year. ### What is the Clean Truck Check fee for 2027? $33.12 per vehicle, for compliance deadlines on and after January 1, 2027. The 2026 fee is $32.13. ### Will my motorhome need quarterly testing in 2027? No. California-registered motorhomes (not used commercially) and agricultural vehicles keep an annual deadline. ### Is there a low-mileage exemption in 2027? No. SB 1064, which proposed once-a-year testing for trucks driven under 1,000 miles a year, was vetoed in September 2026. ## Out-of-state trucks Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/out-of-state-trucks/ ### Do out-of-state trucks need Clean Truck Check? Yes, according to CARB, if they operate in California. EPA's January 2026 decision limited federal approval to California-registered vehicles, but CARB says the rule is still in effect and enforced for all vehicles on California roads. ### Can a tester in my state do the Clean Truck Check test? Yes, if the tester holds a CARB credential. CARB's public list includes 506 businesses outside California. ### How are deadlines set for out-of-state trucks? By the last digit of the VIN. CTC-VIS shows the exact dates for each vehicle. ### Do out-of-state motorhomes need Clean Truck Check? No. CARB exempts motorhomes registered outside California. ## OBD vs smoke opacity test Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/obd-vs-smoke-opacity-test/ ### How long does a Clean Truck Check test take? An OBD test takes a few minutes per truck once the device is connected. A smoke opacity test with visual inspection takes longer because the engine must be warmed up and revved several times. ### Can I do the OBD test myself? Only if you are a CARB-credentialed tester. Owners can get credentialed through CARB's free online course and exam and then test their own trucks with a certified device. ### Does my 2012 diesel truck need an OBD test or smoke test? Diesel trucks with model year 2012 and older get a smoke opacity test (SAE J1667) plus a visual inspection. ### Why did my truck fail the OBD test? Usually an active emissions fault code, readiness monitors that are not set (common right after a repair or battery disconnect) or a VIN mismatch. Fix the fault, drive until monitors are ready and retest. ## Remote and telematics testing Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/remote-and-telematics-testing/ ### Can I do a Clean Truck Check from my phone? Not by yourself with an app alone. The test must be run by a CARB-credentialed tester with a CARB-certified OBD device connected to the truck. Some testing businesses offer remote tests where they provide the device and submit the result for you. ### Does my Samsara, Geotab or Motive device count as a Clean Truck Check test? Only if the exact device model is CARB-certified and the test is tied to a credentialed tester. CARB says OBD tests are uploaded automatically only for telematics devices of credentialed testers. Ask your provider for the CARB Executive Order number and how they handle the tester credential. ### Can older trucks be tested remotely? No. Diesel trucks 2012 and older need a smoke opacity test (SAE J1667) with a visual inspection, and alternative-fuel trucks 2017 and older need a visual inspection. Both need a tester on site. ### Is remote testing cheaper than a mobile tester? It depends on the number of trucks and tests. Published mobile OBD prices are usually $50–$135 per truck per test. Remote and telematics services often charge per test or by subscription, so compare the yearly total, especially once OBD trucks test four times a year from October 2027. ## Cost Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/cost/ ### How much is a Clean Truck Check test? Published prices are usually $50–$135 for an OBD test, depending on whether you go to a shop or use a mobile tester, and about $190–$200 for a smoke opacity test on older trucks. Prices vary, so ask the tester for a quote. ### How much is the Clean Truck Check annual fee? $32.13 per vehicle for compliance deadlines in 2026 and $33.12 in 2027, paid to CARB in CTC-VIS by card or eCheck. ### Is the CARB fee included in the tester's price? No. The tester charges for the test; the annual compliance fee is paid separately to CARB in CTC-VIS. ### Why is the smoke opacity test more expensive? It needs a smoke meter (SAE J1667) and a visual inspection, takes longer than an OBD scan and fewer testers offer it. ## Register in CTC-VIS Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/how-to-register-ctc-vis/ ### What is the website to register for Clean Truck Check? CARB's CTC-VIS portal at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. ### Can I pay the Clean Truck Check fee by check? No. CARB accepts the fee only in CTC-VIS, by credit/debit card or TeleCheck eCheck. ### How long until I get my compliance certificate? About 1–2 business days after a card payment clears and up to 7 for eChecks, provided a passing test is on file. DMV can take another 3–5 business days to update. ### Who do I call for CTC-VIS help? CARB's Clean Truck Check hotline is (866) 634-3735, email [HDIM@arb.ca.gov](mailto:HDIM@arb.ca.gov). ## Compliance certificate Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/compliance-certificate/ ### Where do I download my Clean Truck Check certificate? In your CTC-VIS account at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov, after the fee has cleared and a passing test is on file. ### Does the tester give me the certificate? No. The tester submits the test result to CARB. The compliance certificate comes from CARB through your CTC-VIS account. ### How long does it take to get the certificate? About 1–2 business days after a card payment clears, or up to 7 for an eCheck, provided a passing test is on file. The DMV can take another 3–5 business days to update. ### What is a Q212 hold? A DMV registration hold for Clean Truck Check non-compliance (shown as SB 210 / Q212). Fix the missing report, fee or test in CTC-VIS, or contact [HDIM@arb.ca.gov](mailto:HDIM@arb.ca.gov). ## Fines and penalties Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/fines-and-penalties/ ### What is the fine for not doing Clean Truck Check? CARB's FAQ cites potential civil penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 per day per vehicle (HSC § 42402). The actual amount depends on the case; non-compliance also blocks DMV registration. ### Can DMV refuse to renew my registration because of Clean Truck Check? Yes. Without a compliance certificate CARB can place a hold (SB 210 / Q212), and DMV will not renew registration until it is cleared. ### What happens if my truck is flagged by a roadside monitor? You receive a Notice to Submit to Testing and have 30 calendar days to submit a passing test. ### What is the penalty for tampering with emissions equipment? Up to $37,500 per violation under HSC §§ 43016 and 43154, according to CARB's FAQ. ## Become a tester Full guide: https://ctcfinder.com/guide/become-a-clean-truck-check-tester/ ### How much does it cost to become a Clean Truck Check tester? CARB's training course and exam are free. The main cost is equipment: a CARB-certified OBD device, plus a smoke meter if you will do opacity tests. ### How long is a Clean Truck Check tester credential valid? Two years from the date you passed the exam. To renew, retake the course and the exam. ### Can a fleet test its own trucks? Yes, if the person doing the test is a CARB-credentialed tester using a certified device. ### How do I get listed on CARB's tester list? Turn on the "for hire" setting in your CTC-VIS tester account. Listing is optional.