The California Air Resources Board (CARB) — part of the California Environmental Protection Agency — has implemented the Clean Truck Check (CTC). This directly regulates nearly all diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 14,000 pounds that operate on California roads. The regulation includes motorhomes registered in the state but exempts those registered outside the state.
In response to RVers’ concerns, FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee contacted CARB for more information on the impact of the regulations. Owners of diesel motorhomes registered in California must register with CARB and pay a $30 annual fee prior to operating their coach in the state. Motorhomes may be registered at https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. Once registered, the CTC will email monthly updates to the registered owner. The update will include any fees or testing coming due for their vehicle(s). The compliance fee requirement started in 2023, and the deadline to pay the fee for 2023 was January 31, 2024. Owners need to take steps to register their vehicle to avoid a DMV registration block on their vehicle and avoid other possible penalties.
Beginning January 1, 2025 emissions compliance testing requirements take effect. Owners of California-registered motorhomes are required to submit to emissions compliance testing once annually. Deadlines will align with the vehicle’s DMV registration date. In 2024, all vehicles will have a compliance deadline between July 1 and December 31, 2024. Testing will begin on October 1, 2024, to allow owners with registration dates in early 2025 to get their vehicles tested. Testing cannot be completed more than 90 days prior to your compliance date.
Our research has indicated that at press time, some California Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employees were unaware of the program and thus may not be able to provide motorhome owners information. The DMV does, however, receive hold orders from CARB for those trying to renew a registration on a non-compliant vehicle in California. Penalties can be up to $10,000 per vehicle per day.
CARB publications are a bit difficult to decipher. FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee members have been researching this program for many weeks and finally received the above interpretation of applicability directly from CARB.
For more information, visit ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/CTC or contact the CARB directly at hdim@arb.ca.gov.
