Carb regulation

New CARB regulation begins January 1st

Please check the official website of the California Air Resources Board for the most up-to-date information.

Does your truck meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) clean air requirements?

If not, new compliance checks will affect your DMV registration. Diesel trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating that is greater than 14,000 must reduce exhaust emissions by meeting particulate matter filter requirements and upgrading to a 2010 or new engine model year.

On January 1, 2020, trucks that are not in compliance with the regulation will be unable to register their vehicle with the DMV.

Compliance Schedule

TB timeline

Deduct up to $1 million in tax incentives on trucks purchased this year

The IRS tax code has Section 179 deductions that can be used to help offset the cost of CARB-compliant trucks. Now through December 31, 2019, eligible business owners can write off up to $1,000,000 when you purchase or lease new or used equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting in 2020, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) begins compliance verification to ensure that vehicles subject to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Truck and Bus Regulation meet the requirements prior to obtaining DMV registration.

Q: What are the CARB requirements I must meet to ensure that the DMV can register my vehicle in 2020?
A: The Truck and Bus Regulation is currently in effect and your vehicle must meet the compliance deadlines. In 2020, the DMV will begin checking compliance with the regulation in order to register your vehicle.

Q: How does my vehicle comply?
A: You must replace your 2010 or older vehicle (2009 or older engine) based on the Truck and Bus Regulation schedule or be using an allowable compliance option and reporting in the Truck Regulation Upload, Compliance and Reporting System (TRUCRS).

Q: What if I am currently out of compliance with the Truck and Bus Regulation?
A: CARB can place a DMV registration hold on your vehicle if it does not meet the current regulatory requirements.

Q: Which vehicles are subject to the Truck and Bus Regulation?
A: The Regulation applies to nearly all diesel-fueled trucks, buses and school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds.

If your vehicle is exempt from another heavy-duty diesel regulation (see below for example), it is likely subject to the truck regulation.

  • •  Solid waste collection vehicles
  • •  Drayage trucks
  • •  Cargo-handling equipment

If your vehicle is example from the regulation, or has met the regulatory requirements, you will be able to register with the DMV. Reporting fleet and vehicle information to CARB, such as VIN numbers, may be needed to ensure that you are not mistakenly denied registration.