Diesel Emission Compliance Verification for Regulatory Compliance

Beginning January 1, 2020, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin verifying with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that your diesel vehicle(s) is compatible with, or exempt from, the CARB’s Truck and Bus Regulation.

  • What vehicles are required to comply with the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulation?

The CARB Truck and Bus Regulation applies to diesel vehicles having a manufacturer gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 pounds.

Based on model year, a phased verification strategy was used.

The two schedules below show when this modification may affect your car. One schedule is for vehicles with a GVWR of 14,001 to 26,000 pounds, and the other is for vehicles with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds. The model year determines the timetable.

1. Vehicles with a GVWR of 14,001 to 26,000 pounds that run on diesel:
EFFECTIVE DATEVEHICLE MODEL YEAR
January 1, 20202004 and Older
January 1, 20212007 and Older
January 1, 20232010 and Older
2. Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds that run on diesel:
EFFECTIVE DATEVEHICLE MODEL YEAR
January 1, 20202000 and Older
January 1, 20212005 and Older
January 1, 20222007 and Older
January 1, 20232010 and Older
Verification of Diesel Emission Compliance
  • What happens if my vehicle fails to meet the CARB Truck and Bus Regulation before the deadline?

You will be unable to register your car or transfer ownership to another party if CARB notifies to DMV that your vehicle does not comply with the CARB Truck and Bus Regulation.

  • How will I be able to comply? How will the DMV be notified that my car is now compliant?

On its website, The Truck Stop. CARB provides compliance information. You may register your car at the DMV once CARB has updated your vehicle’s record with the DMV to demonstrate compliance.

  • Are there any exceptions to the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulations?

For information on compliance exemptions, go to the CARB’s website, The Truck Stop.

  • What was the catalyst for this shift?

Senate Bill 1 (Beall, Chapter 5, Statutes of 2017) mandates the DMV refuse to register or transfer ownership of certain diesel vehicles that do not meet CARB Truck and Bus Regulations.