California Puts Teeth in Pollution Program

Just in case ICSA members aren’t sure that California intends to enforce its Clean Truck Check (CTC) truck registration and smog check requirements, we share with you that a 2020 Freightliner owned by an Arizona-based carrier recently failed a smog check at one of the new smog-check sites. The fleet owner received a $5000 fine. Even after the vehicle underwent repairs to its emissions systems, the best the owner could do was to get the fine reduced to $1000.

What can you do to be sure your trucks will be able to continue operating in California? How much time do you have to comply with registration requirement?

The new CTC requires nearly all trucks over 14,000 lbs. GVWR operating in California to be reported and registered with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) by December 31, 2023. There is a registration fee of $30 per truck due at the time of registration and renewed annually. You can find all the information on how to register your truck(s) but also how to comply with semi-annual emissions testing by logging into CARB’s CTC site: https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov/

You can also listen to ICSA’s recent webinar outlining how to comply with the CTC requirements. Once a fleet is registered, changes to the fleet operating in California – whether adding or deleting a vehicle – must be reported within 30 days of the action.

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On a related issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cracking down on carriers and truck service facilities that have "deleted" emissions controls on trucks. Recently two Michigan carriers and a truck maintenance company were charged with violating the federal Clean Air Act - a felony - and the owners each ordered to pay $500,000 and to serve a year of probation. We are hearing reports of similar enforcement actions all over the country.