The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is actively working to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles. If you’ve received a postcard from CARB, it’s likely because records indicate you may own a vehicle affected by their regulations. CARB’s efforts are crucial for improving air quality by targeting smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and toxic diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions, which pose significant health risks. California aims to achieve 100% zero-emission transportation where feasible, setting ambitious targets for drayage vehicles and off-road transport refrigeration units (TRUs) by 2035, and for all other heavy-duty vehicles by 2045. These regulations are essential steps towards meeting California’s stringent air quality standards and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, ensuring that trucks and buses operating within the state are as clean as possible. Understanding these regulations is increasingly important, especially when considering how to manage and operate new vehicles coming “off the truck” and into service in California. This article will outline key CARB regulations that may impact your heavy-duty vehicles or TRUs.
Clean Truck Check
The Clean Truck Check program, also known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance program, is designed to ensure emissions compliance for most heavy-duty vehicles. This program applies to diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds operating in California. This broad category includes buses, motorhomes, and agricultural vehicles. Mirroring California’s Smog Check program for light-duty vehicles, Clean Truck Check aims to maintain properly functioning emissions control equipment on heavy-duty vehicles. It mandates timely repairs when issues are detected. Compliance with Clean Truck Check involves reporting, payment of annual compliance fees, and mandatory emissions compliance testing. For businesses integrating new vehicles into their fleet, understanding Clean Truck Check is a crucial step in ensuring operational readiness and avoiding penalties. Thinking about How To Program A New Car Off The Truck in California’s regulatory environment means factoring in these compliance checks from the outset.
Learn more about Clean Truck Check.
In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Off Road Regulation)
The Off-Road Regulation targets emissions from off-road vehicles. It applies to self-propelled off-road vehicles using diesel or alternative fuels, equipped with compression-ignition engines of 25 horsepower or greater. This regulation covers vehicles owned or operated in California, including most two-engine vehicles. To reduce emissions, fleets must adhere to a schedule of retiring older, more polluting vehicles and replacing them with newer, cleaner models. Alternative compliance methods include repowering older engines with cleaner technology or installing verified diesel emission control strategies on existing engines. The regulation also restricts the addition of older vehicles to fleets, promoting modernization towards cleaner technologies. Recent amendments to the Off-Road Regulation further strengthen these requirements. When considering how to program a new car off the truck for off-road applications, fleet managers must be aware of these restrictions and plan for compliant vehicle acquisition and operation.
Learn more about the Off-Road Regulation.
Learn more about regulations at The Off-Road Zone.
Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation (ACF)
The Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation is a key component of California’s strategy to transition to zero-emission vehicles. ACF mandates a phased-in approach for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) within California fleets through 2042. The regulations are structured around three main fleet types:
- State and local government fleets: This includes fleets operated by cities, counties, special districts, and state agencies.
- Drayage trucks: Trucks involved in drayage operations at seaports and railyards are specifically targeted.
- High Priority Fleets: This category encompasses federal agencies and entities with substantial financial規模 ($50 million or more in gross annual revenue) or those operating large fleets (50 or more vehicles).
Important Dates:
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State and local agencies: Starting January 1, 2024, state and local government fleets are required to progressively incorporate ZEVs into their fleets. Initially, 50% of new vehicle purchases must be zero-emission, increasing to 100% by January 1, 2027. Smaller government fleets and those in specific counties have a delayed start, beginning ZEV purchases in 2027. Alternatively, these fleets can choose to meet ZEV targets based on a percentage of their total fleet, prioritizing vehicle types most suitable for electrification.
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Drayage Trucks*: As of January 1, 2024, only zero-emission drayage trucks can be registered in the Truck Regulations Upload, Compliance, and Reporting System (TRUCRS) for drayage operations in California. While legacy drayage trucks registered in TRUCRS can continue operating through their minimum useful life, the transition to a fully zero-emission drayage fleet at seaports and intermodal railyards is required by 2035. For those considering how to program a new car off the truck for drayage, the focus must now be entirely on ZEVs to comply with these timelines.
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High priority fleets*: Beginning January 1, 2024, High Priority Fleets must adhere to either the Model Year Schedule or the ZEV Milestones Option for phasing in ZEVs. From January 1, 2024, only ZEVs can be added to their California fleets. Starting January 1, 2025, internal combustion engine vehicles exceeding their useful life must be removed as per regulation. Similar to government fleets, high priority fleets may also opt to meet ZEV targets as a percentage of their total fleet, focusing on vehicle types best suited for electrification.
*It is important to note that CARB has issued an Enforcement Notice regarding enforcement discretion for drayage and high priority fleet requirements. Enforcement of reporting requirements and registration prohibitions for these fleets is currently deferred until the U.S. EPA grants California a preemption waiver or determines one is not necessary.
Learn more about the Enforcement Notice.
Learn more about ACF.
Further information on CARB regulations is available at: The TruckStop and ZEV TruckStop.
Contact Information
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Hotline
Email: [email protected] Phone: (866) 634-3735 / (866) 6DIESEL
In-Use Off-Road Vehicle Hotline
Email: [email protected] Phone: (877) 593-6677
