Clean Truck Check FAQ

Staying compliant with California’s CARB Clean Truck Check program can be confusing — especially with new testing rules, portal updates, and changing deadlines. Rollin’ VIN Verifiers simplifies the process for fleets, truck owners, and businesses by handling your on-site testing, CTC-VIS reporting, and compliance tracking.

Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from fleet managers, owner-operators, and motorhome owners about emissions testing, reporting, and registration.

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1. Do my trucks need to participate in the Clean Truck Check Program?

Yes. Any diesel or alternative-fuel vehicle over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating in California must be reported and tested — even if registered out of state. That includes heavy-duty trucks, Sprinter vans, buses, tow trucks, and diesel motorhomes.

2. What are the steps to stay compliant?

There are three required steps:

Report your vehicle in the CTC-VIS portal.
Pay the annual compliance fee (about $31 per vehicle).
Submit a passing emissions test on time.
We can help with all three steps.

3. How often do I need to test?

Most vehicles test twice per year (every 6 months).
Agricultural vehicles and diesel motorhomes test once per year.
OBD-equipped trucks will soon move to quarterly testing.

4. What kind of test do I need?

2013 + diesel / 2018 + alt-fuel: OBD plug-in test.
2012 and older diesel: Opacity (“snap idle”) + visual inspection.
Pre-OBD alt-fuel: Visual inspection only.

5. What if my truck fails?

You can retest anytime — only your last passing test before the deadline counts.
Fix the issue and retest; there’s no penalty for failed attempts.

6. What if my parts are on back-order?

Email HDIM@arb.ca.gov at least 30 days before your deadline explaining the delay (include the VIN). CARB can work with you if parts are unavailable.

7. My CTC-VIS account isn’t updating — is that normal?

Yes. It can take a few weeks for new test results or fees to appear.
If it still hasn’t updated after a month, email HDIM@arb.ca.gov with your VINs.
We can help verify your records.

8. DMV is holding my registration. What do I do?

Print your Clean Truck Check certificate and call the DMV Field Office Support Unit. They can release your registration once compliance is confirmed.
We can help you gather the paperwork.

9. Can I test early?

Print your Clean Truck Check certificate and call the DMV Field Office Support Unit. They can release your registration once compliance is confirmed.
We can help you gather the paperwork.

10. What if my trucks are low-mileage or seasonal?

Mileage doesn’t matter — if the vehicle operates on California roads and is over 14,000 lbs, it must test.
Agricultural vehicles that meet CARB’s definition only test once per year.

11. How do I know my tester is credentialed?

Use CARB’s public Credentialed Tester Search to confirm.
All Rollin’ VIN Verifiers are CARB-certified testers using approved equipment.

12. What if a VIN was entered incorrectly?

Deactivate the incorrect VIN and add the correct one in CTC-VIS within 30 days.
If you can’t edit it, email HDIM@arb.ca.gov or let us assist you.

13. What happens if I get a “Notice to Submit to Testing”?

Your vehicle was flagged by CARB’s roadside sensors as a possible high-emitter.
You must complete a passing test within 30 days to stay compliant.
Call us right away — we handle these priority tests.