A Guide to California's Clean Air Regulations for Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles

February 2020

A Guide to California’s

Clean Air Regulations for

Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles

DMV Compliance

Veriﬁcation

Began in 2020

Gear Up, Breathe Easy

CARB is actively enforcing heavy-duty diesel vehicle regulations in

support of California’s clean air goals. Enforcement of clean diesel

vehicle rules also provides a level playing eld for those who have

already done their part and are in compliance.

This booklet provides basic information and resources to help take the

guesswork out of California’s clean truck and bus requirements. If your

vehicle does not meet state clean air laws, you could be subject to

nes or temporarily lose the ability to operate in California.

Disclaimer

While this booklet is intended to assist vehicle owners with their

compliance efforts, it is the sole responsibility of eets to ensure

compliance with all applicable regulations.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit CARB’s comprehensive website for more detailed information

regarding diesel vehicles and compliance options at arb.ca.gov/truckstop

Para obtener más informacíon en español, por favor visite

arb.ca.gov/truckstop/espanol

8666 DIESEL@arb.ca.gov 1-866-6DIESEL (1-866-634-3735)

Contents

What diesel rules apply to you? 3

Trucks & Buses 4

Truck & Bus Regulation Compliance Options 5

DMV Compliance Verication Begins in 2020 6

Drayage Trucks 7

Transportation Refrigeration Units 8

Tractors & Box-Type Trailers 9

Other Diesel Programs 10

Diesel Particulate Filter Care & Maintenance 11-12

Funding Assistance 13

Quick Tips 14

What diesel rules apply to you?

Check all diesel rules that apply to you.

Does your vehicle have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

of 14,000+ lbs.?

See Trucks and Buses (private and federal eets): page 4

Other rules may apply, see below.

Is your eet publicly owned, a solid waste collection vehicle,

or a transit agency or utility?

See Public Fleets and Others: page 10

Do you visit ports or intermodal rail yards?

See Drayage Trucks: page 7

Do you own or operate a reefer (transport refrigeration unit)?

See Transport Refrigeration Units: page 8

Do you own or pull 53-foot or longer box-type trailers?

See Tractors and Box-Type Trailers: page 9

Do you own a vehicle with a GVWR of 6,000+ lbs.?

See Idling Limits: page 10

See Emission Control Labels: page 10

See Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program: page 10

See Periodic Smoke Inspection Program: page 10

Truck & Bus Regulation

On-road diesel vehicles with a GVWR that is 14,001+ lbs. must

reduce exhaust emissions by meeting particulate matter (PM) lter

requirements and upgrading to newer engines. Vehicles with 2010

engine model year (EMY) or newer are fully compliant.

Heavier Vehicles with a GVWR greater than 26,000 lbs. must upgrade

as shown in the table. Reporting is optional when exclusively using the

Engine Model Year schedule for heavier vehicles below.

EMY Schedule for Heavier Vehicles (>26,000 lbs. GVWR)

EMY Level 3 PM Filter 2010 EMY by

Pre-1994 Not required January 1, 2015

1994-1995 Not required January 1, 2016

1996-1999 January 1, 2012 January 1, 2020

2000-2004 January 1, 2013 January 1, 2021

2005 or newer January 1, 2014 January 1, 2022

2007-2009 If already equipped January 1, 2023

Lighter Vehicles with a GVW

between 14,001 and 26,000

lbs. need to be upgraded wit

2010 or newer EMY. Check

the table to determine your

replacement date. Older

vehicles may be upgraded to

newer used equipment that

is still in compliance with the

schedule. No retrot PM lter

or reporting is required for

lighter vehicles.

For more information call

1-866-6DIESEL (866-634-3735)

or visit arb.ca.gov/truckstop

EMY Schedule for Lighter Vehicles

(14,001-26,000 lbs. GVWR)

EMY 2010 EMY by

1995 and older January 1, 2015

1996 January 1, 2016

1997 January 1, 2017

1998 January 1, 2018

1999 January 1, 2019

2003 and older January 1, 2020

2004-2006 January 1, 2021

2007-2009 January 1, 2023

her compliance options may help you comply with the regulation

(see page 5). Reporting is required by January 31 of the compliance

year to claim any available options.

Compliance Options

Requires reporting in CARB's TRUCRS system

Listed below are the remaining compliance options available for 2019

and future compliance years. If you do not qualify for these options, you

must follow the Engine Model Year (EMY) schedule found on page 4.

Low-Use Exemption

The mileage limit is 1,000 miles per year in California. If you have

vehicles designed to power other equipment while stationary, the limit

is 100 hours per year in California.

Low Mileage Construction Truck Option

Eligible vehicles with a particulate matter lter that don't meet the

EMY schedule may operate up to 15,000 miles per year, and up to

20,000 miles for dump trucks. Lighter vehicles can no longer claim this

exibility option. No longer available for opt-in.

Agricultural Vehicle Extension for Replacement Vehicles

Agricultural vehicles that reported for this exibility option cannot

operate more than 10,000 miles per year until January 1, 2023. No

longer available for opt-in.

Exempt Area Extension

The counties that were added to the list of NO

Exempt Areas under

the 2014 amendments have been removed, and a PM lter must

already be installed to claim the NO

Exempt Area Extension.

Retroﬁt by 2014 and Additional Time for Engine Replacement

Lighter vehicles with pre-2000 model year engines and heavier vehicles

with pre-1996 model year engines that were retrot by January 1,

2014 and reported to use this compliance option have until January 1,

2020 to delay engine replacement. If all the vehicles in your eet had

a diesel particulate lter by January 1, 2014, they may operate until

January 1, 2023. No longer available for opt-in.

Options No Longer Available

• Heavy Cranes Phase-In Option.

• The twenty-ve percent annual vehicle upgrade limit.

• Cattle livestock trucks are no longer eligible for Specialty Ag Extension.

Note that the 2017 Lawson Lawsuit impacted many of the previously

xisting options and deadlines, and many are no longer available or

have expired.

DMV Compliance Veriﬁcation

Began in 2020

A new enforcement tool ensure that vehicles subject to CARB’s Truck

and Bus Regulation must meet the health-based requirements of that

rule prior to obtaining registration through the California DMV. As of

January 1, 2020, the DMV cannot register any vehicle that does not

meet the requirements of the Truck and Bus Regulation.

2020 DMV Registration Requirements

You must be in compliance with the Truck and Bus Regulation in one

of the following ways in order to register your vehicle with the DMV:

• The vehicle is using an allowable compliance option

and is reported into the TRUCRS reporting system

• The vehicle is compliant with the Engine

Model Year Schedule (see page 4)

• The vehicle is equipped with a 2010 or newer model year

engine (usually a 2011 or newer model year vehicle) OR

is repowered with 2010 or newer model year engine

Currently out of compliance?

CARB can issue DMV registration blocks now if your vehicle does not

meet air quality requirements.

Drayage Trucks

Diesel-fueled trucks transporting cargo destined for or coming from

California’s ports and intermodal rail yards (including bobtails and

transporting chassis) must be registered in the statewide Drayage Truck

Registry prior to entry. Drayage eets must comply with requirements

by operating only vehicles with 2007 MY engines or newer.

Drayage Compliance Schedule (GVWR 26,001 lbs. or more)

Truck Engine Model Year Emission Requirements

2006 and older Not allowed

2007-2009 Compliant through 2022

2010 and newer Fully compliant

By January 1, 2023, all class 7 and 8

diesel-fueled drayage trucks must

have 2010 or newer engines. Trucks

with 2010 or newer engines are fully

compliant with both the Truck and

Bus and Drayage regulations.

The exchange of marine or rail cargo

(e.g. containers) between compliant

and noncompliant drayage trucks is

not allowed anywhere in California.

Note: If you are considered exempt from the Drayage Truck

Regulation, you are currently subject to the Truck and Bus Regulation.

Drayage Truck Regulation

1-888-247-4821 | arb.ca.go v/drayagetruck

Transport Refrigeration Units (Reefers)

All transport refrigeration units

(TRU) and TRU generator sets that

operate in California must meet the

in-use performance standards (see

compliance table below).

Every California-based TRU and TRU

generator set must be registered

in Air Resources Board Equipment

Registration (ARBER) and be labeled

with a CARB Identication Number.

All terminals that are located in California where TRUs are based must

submit operator reports to CARB at arber.arb.ca.gov.

TRU and TRU Generator Set Compliance Schedule

Engine Model

Year

Low-Emission TRU

(50% PM Reduction)

Ultra-Low-Emission TRU

(85% PM Reduction)

2001 or older December 31, 2009 December 31, 2015

2002 December 31, 2009 December 31, 2016

2003 December 31, 2010 December 31, 2017

2004 (<25 hp) December 31, 2011 December 31, 2018

2004 (>25 hp) Not Applicable December 31, 2011

2005 and newer Not Applicable

December 31

of the model

year plus 7 years

Fleets may comply by using Alternative Technologies (e.g. hybrid-

electric TRUs or TRUs equipped with electric standby) or retrotting

with a veried diesel particulate lter. For guidance on using electric

standby and hybrid-electric TRUs as an Alternative Technology

compliance option, visit arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru/documents/guidance_

electricstandby_ets.pdf.

All businesses that hire carriers (e.g. brokers, shippers and receivers)

must only use carriers that supply compliant TRUs.

Transport Refrigeration Unit Regulation Helpline

1-888-TRU-ATCM (1-888-878-2826) | arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru/tru.htm

Tractors & Box-type Trailers

The Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation applies to 53-foot or

longer box-type trailers and 2013 MY or older heavy-duty tractors that

pull these trailers.

Low-Rolling Resistance Tire Requirements*

Tractors Trailers

2013 and

older MY

Required Required

2014 and

newer MY

N/A Required

* Must be SmartWay™-certied.

Tractor Requirements

All 2011 through 2013 MY sleeper-cab

tractors must be SmartWay™ designated

models. 2014 MY or newer tractors are

covered by a federal regulation and are

exempt from this rule.

Trailer Aerodynamic Requirements

All trailers must be either SmartWay™-

certied or aerodynamically retrotted

to a minimum standard.

Delays and Exemptions

Certain trucks subject to the Transportation Refrigeration Unit (TRU)

rule can phase in tire and aerodynamic requirements from 2018 to

2020. This only applies to TRUs with 2003 to 2009 MY reefer trailers

equipped with 2003 or newer TRU engines.

Fleets must register to take advantage of short haul, local haul or

storage trailer exemptions, and to apply for temporary use passes.

For more information, visit arb.ca.gov/tractortrailer_ghg

For a listing of SmartWay™-certied technologies, visit

arb.ca.gov/cc/hdghg/technologies.htm

Other Diesel Programs

CARB continues to actively enforce long-standing requirements

for diesel vehicles including:

Idling Limits

Idling Limits restrict diesel vehicles from

idling more than ve minutes. Idling in school

zones is not allowed, with limited exceptions.

arb.ca.gov/noidle

Emission Control Labels

Emission Control Labels must be afxed to

engines of all commercial heavy-duty diesel

vehicles, and must be legible as proof the

engine, at minimum, meets U.S. federal

emissions standards for the engine model year.

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program

The Periodic Smoke Inspection Program

requires owners of California-based eets of

two or more diesel vehicles to perform annual

smoke opacity tests and to keep records

for at least two years for each vehicle. The

requirement does not apply to cars or trucks

that must undergo a Smog Check.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program

The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program

uses random roadside inspections to verify

that diesel engines do not smoke excessively

and are tamper-free.

arb.ca.gov/enf/hdvip/hdvip.htm

Public Fleets and Others

Vehicles with a GVWR of 14,001+ lbs. that are

owned by state and local government eets,

private utilities, and solid waste collection

vehicles, must already have particulate matter

(PM) lters (retrot or originally equipped).

Use only CARB-veriﬁed soot ﬁlters!

Soot Filter: Buyer Beware

Selecting and installing the right CARB-veried diesel particulate lter

(DPF), also known as a soot lter, for your truck takes time. If your lter

is not installed by January 1

of the applicable compliance year, or

ordered four months prior to the deadline, then you may be in violation.

Visit arb.ca.gov/truckstop and select “Engine Filters” for details.

Be aware, lters must be veried for use on your vehicle. Used lters

are not compliant and may damage your engine.

Compliance options that utilize new lter installation are limited.

Therefore, installation of a lter without being aware of the available

options may result in a non-compliant vehicle. Make sure you

understand your compliance options.

The emissions performance of every DPF technology has been veried

by CARB through rigorous testing. Keep in mind that a DPF is not a “t

and forget” device. Protect your DPF and engine by paying attention to

a few simple but important maintenance requirements.

Resolving DPF-Related Problems

While a DPF undergoes a rigorous verication process prior to sale,

occasional problems may arise. Use the following three-step protocol

to resolve DPF-related performance or reliability problems:

• Contact your installer (most problems are resolved in this manner)

• Contact the device manufacturer (if the installer

cannot resolve your complaint)

• Contact CARB at 866-6DIESEL or 8666DIESEL@arb.ca.g ov

(if the installer or manufacturer cannot resolve your complaint).

Diesel Particulate Filter

Care & Maintenance

Vehicle Maintenance is Critical

Top-notch vehicle engine maintenance is required. Remember to check

fuel injectors, air lters, turbo chargers, fuel lter, fuel, coolant and

lube oil. Failure to maintain the engine can void the DPF warranty!

Don’t Ignore the DPF Monitoring System

The cab of the truck features a monitoring system for the DPF that

includes several indicator lights that give important feedback on

DPF operation. The operator must understand and observe the DPF

indicator lights on a regular basis and respond accordingly.

Maintain the Proper Engine Duty Cycle

The duty cycle is the daily pattern of engine use. If the duty cycle of

a truck is changed, it may affect how the lter works, and can lead

to plugging. Notify your installer if you change the way you use your

vehicle and be aware that it may affect the way your lter functions.

Understand Your DPF’s Regeneration System

The soot collected by the DPF must eventually be removed to keep

the lter from clogging. The process of burning the soot in the lter is

called regeneration and is done using high temperatures for a specied

amount of time. Your truck is equipped with either a passive system

that cleans the DPF automatically or an active system that may work

automatically or require driver intervention to start a regeneration cycle.

Handle the Filter with Care

DPFs are commonly made of ceramic, so do not bang or tap on your

lter. A cracked or damaged lter may not be compliant with the Truck

and Bus Regulation and could be a citable violation.

DPF Cleaning Basics

The DPF is a maintenance item. It must be removed and cleaned

periodically to get rid of accumulated noncombustible ash from

the lter. Ash removal is separate from regeneration. Only use lter

cleaning procedures approved by the DPF manufacturer.

A guide to operating your DPF is available at arb.ca.gov/truckstop or

by contacting (866) 6DIESEL or 8666DIESEL@arb.ca.gov.

Funding Assistance

Grant funding is very limited but may be available to help eets

and individuals comply with California regulations earlier than

is required.

Funding is available for vehicle replacements, retrots, and

zero-emission technologies. Please contact the local air district where

you are based to determine if you are eligible for funding

or if an opportunity may become available in the future. One example

is the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission

Reductions (FARMER) Program, which provides funding through local

air districts for agricultural harvesting equipment, heavy-duty trucks,

agricultural pump engines, tractors, and other equipment used in

agricultural operations.

CARB’s loan assistance program (PLACE) helps small businesses with

vehicles that operate at least 50 percent of the time in California. The

program connects truckers to participating lenders to help purchase

trucks, PM lters, aerodynamic retrots or low-rolling resistance tires.

More information is available at arb.ca.gov/loanassist

Equipment owners are encouraged to apply as early as possible to

maximize potential funding options. See the Financial Assistance

section on the TruckStop website for more funding information.

Quick Tips

• All eet owners who use compliance options must report

information about all eligible vehicles in the California

eet into the Truck Regulation Up-load, Compliance, and

Reporting System (TRUCRS). The reporting period is open

from January 1

to January 31

of the compliance year.

• Records must be kept and provided upon request to demonstrate

compliance with exibility options claimed in the reporting system.

• The Truck and Bus Regulation is based on the model year

of the engine. Generally, the model year of an engine is

one year older than the vehicle model year. For example, a

2007 truck is likely to have a 2006 engine model year.

• Vehicles that operate less than 1,000 annual miles within

California can qualify for the low-mileage usage exemption.

Odometer readings must be reported annually to CARB.

• Selecting and installing a diesel particulate lter (DPF),

also known as a soot lter, for your truck takes time.

Make sure to use only CARB-veriﬁed soot lters.

• The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is assigned by the vehicle

manufacturer and represents the maximum weight of the vehicle

and what it can carry when fully loaded. Check the driver’s door

jam for the GVWR label. The GVWR is not the same as the unladen

weight, gross combined weight rating, or registered weight rating.

• The Engine (Emission) Family Name (EFN) can be found on the

emission control label located on the engine. The EFN

is typically 10 to 12 characters, however very old engines

may have an EFN only a few characters long.

• Be aware that tampering with your engine odometer

can put you out of compliance with engine certication

requirements and the Truck and Bus Regulation.

Not sure if your diesel truck, bus or

equipment complies with California

air quality regulations?

Use the TruckStop to ﬁnd out what you

need to do to comply and avoid penalties.

Training

live training

classes.

FAQs

See questions and

answers from our diesel

hotline generated by

truckers like you.

Videos

DPF

View short videos Find out about diesel

that explain diesel particulate lters.

requirements and

reporting systems.

Funding Answers

Financial assistance Visit the TruckStop at

may be available to arb.ca.gov/truckstop

help clean up your

trucks, buses and

equipment.