Short answer: Based on testers' published prices (checked October 27, 2026), an OBD Clean Truck Check test in California usually costs $50–$100 at a shop and $75–$135 per truck from a mobile tester. A smoke opacity test for older (2012 and earlier) diesel trucks costs about $190–$200 in the few published prices; many testers quote it by phone. On top of the test, CARB charges an annual compliance fee of $32.13 per vehicle in 2026 ($33.12 in 2027), paid in CTC-VIS. CARB does not set test prices; each tester sets their own.
Published prices we found
These are prices published by California testers on their own websites or on the California Trucking Association's tester list, checked October 27, 2026. They change often; always confirm with the tester.
| Tester (region) | Published price |
|---|---|
| IRP Inc. (Fontana) | $50 per test, plus mobile fee |
| Utility Trailer Sales (Fresno, Central/Northern CA) | $50 in-house or on the road, plus travel time |
| J & L Towing (Shasta, Tehama) | $50 (OBD) |
| Central Valley Trailer Repair (Fresno) | $70 (OBD) |
| Affinity Truck Center (Fresno–Bakersfield) | $72.04 (OBD) |
| NorCal CARB Mobile (Sacramento, Stockton, Bay Area) | OBD $75; smoke opacity $199; 50% off a second test per truck |
| Clean Diesel Specialists (Anaheim, Colton) | $95 |
| Clean Truck Check Mobile Testing (LA, Orange County) | $95, fleet discounts |
| Clean Truck Check Mobile (San Diego, Imperial) | $125 for 1 truck, $99 for 2–9, $79 for 10+ |
| Titan Tank Lines (Fresno area) | $125 |
| Betts Truck Parts & Service (Central CA) | $125, plus mobile fee if needed |
| Diesel Master (French Camp, Stockton, Tracy) | $135 per unit, plus mobile fee |
| Advanced Emission Control Solutions (Fresno, mobile) | $190.95 including opacity and visual |
Typical ranges
Ranges below come from the published prices above, not from CARB. Always ask the tester for a quote.
| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| OBD test at a shop or dealer | $50–$100 |
| OBD test, mobile at your yard | $75–$135 per truck |
| Fleet pricing (several trucks per visit) | about $79–$100 per truck |
| Smoke opacity + visual inspection (MY2012 and older diesel) | about $190–$200 (few published prices) |
| Pre-check / readiness scan | about $49–$79 |
| Mobile travel fee | often free within ~30 miles, then about $1–$1.25 per mile |
| CARB annual compliance fee (per vehicle) | $32.13 (2026), $33.12 (2027) |
Yearly cost per truck
For an OBD truck at $75 per test plus the 2026 fee:
- 2026 (2 tests): 2 × $75 + $32.13 = $182.13
- After October 2027 (4 tests): 4 × $75 + $33.12 = $333.12 (2028 fee not yet published; 2027 fee used)
For a non-OBD truck needing smoke opacity tests at about $199: 2 × $199 + $32.13 = $430.13 a year.
How to pay less
- Test several trucks in one visit. Most mobile testers discount fleets.
- Ask about a pre-check if your truck has warning lights or recent repairs; a failed official test may mean paying again.
- Compare a shop and a mobile tester. A shop is usually cheaper per test; mobile saves driver time.
- Pay the CARB fee early in CTC-VIS so the certificate is ready before your deadline (card payments clear in 1–2 business days, eChecks up to 7).
Find testers near you or mobile testers on CTC Finder.
Sources
- CARB, Clean Truck Check FAQ
- CARB, Compliance fee update effective January 1, 2026
- CARB, Annual vehicle compliance fee update for 2027
- California Trucking Association, preferred tester list
- Tester websites: norcalcarbmobile.com, cleantruckcheckmobile.com, carbtruckcheck.com, ctcmobiletesting.com (checked October 27, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
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.
CTC Finder is an independent directory and is not affiliated with CARB. Rules change; check CARB's Clean Truck Check pages for the official version.