If you’ve received a notice from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or your DMV registration is on hold, you might be wondering:
What does it mean if my vehicle is CARB non-compliant?
In short, it means your vehicle is not meeting California’s emissions testing or reporting requirements under the Clean Truck Check (HD I/M) program. Here's what that means in practical terms—and how to fix it before it impacts your business.
What Is a CARB Non-Compliant Vehicle?
A CARB non-compliant vehicle is a heavy-duty truck or motorhome that fails to meet the emissions standards or program requirements outlined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
This includes:
- Failing to complete or pass a required emissions test
- Not registering in the CTC-VIS (Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System)
- Failing to pay the annual compliance fee
- Ignoring reporting deadlines or missing scheduled tests
- Having unresolved check engine lights or emissions system faults
If your vehicle is flagged as non-compliant, you are not legally allowed to operate it on California public roads, and you may face registration holds, fines, or enforcement action.
Why Vehicles Become Non-Compliant
- No Registration in the Clean Truck Check Portal
You must register your vehicle in the CTC-VIS system at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. Check our Step-By-Step Instructions for Registering Your Vehicle(s). - Missed or Failed Emissions Test
CARB requires periodic testing—semi-annual or quarterly depending on your truck. Missing the window or failing to retest makes your vehicle non-compliant. - No Fee Payment
The annual $30 per vehicle Clean Truck Check compliance fee must be paid before you test. - Unresolved Fault Codes
A persistent check engine light or failed OBD system will trigger non-compliance, even if the vehicle appears to run fine.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?
- DMV Registration Holds
Your vehicle will be blocked from registration renewal until compliance is restored. - Increased Penalties
Repeated violations can lead to escalating fines and regulatory action. - Inspection Citations
Enforcement teams may issue citations during roadside inspections or audits. - Loss of Work
Non-compliant trucks may be denied access to ports, freight terminals, or work zones that require CARB compliance.
How to Restore Compliance
- Register or update your vehicle in CTC-VIS
- Pay the compliance fee
- Schedule a test with a CARB-credentialed provider
- Pass the test and confirm results are uploaded to CARB. At FleetFox we automatically upload your results to CTC-VIS.
Once your vehicle status is updated to compliant in CTC-VIS, any DMV holds will be lifted automatically.
Final Thought: Don’t Ignore a CARB Notice
CARB non-compliance isn't just a red flag—it’s a stop sign for your business. Luckily, getting back on track is straightforward when you know what to do.
FleetFox offers mobile Clean Truck Check testing throughout California. We help operators like you get back to compliant—fast, easy, and without taking your trucks off the road.
