USA – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has mandated that all ICE heavy-duty trucks (>14,000 pounds) operating in the state be registered on the state’s Clean Truck Check* database by the end of January 2024 to undergo emissions inspections bi-annually. The purpose of the programme is to ensure all emissions-related equipment (on-board diagnostics) is functioning properly for the life of the vehicle, with the aim of reducing air pollution in California. OBD systems have been required by CARB on heavy-duty vehicles since 2013. CARB said: “The twice-a-year inspections are meant to ensure that emissions control systems maintain the same efficiency as the vehicle ages.”

Vehicle registration is Phase 2 of the Clean Truck Program, which was initially approved in 2021. Truck owners are compelled to pay an annual fee of USD 30 per truck which will be deposited into a new Truck Emission Check Fund that will be used for purposes of administering the program. Phase 3 is set to begin in July 2024, which requires vehicle owners to report their smog check results twice a year.