CARB Clean Truck Check · Heavy-duty diesel
CARB Clean Truck Check testing in Vista.
Vista Smog Center handles California Clean Truck Check (Heavy-Duty I/M) compliance testing for heavy-duty diesel, alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles — OBD, smoke-opacity and visual inspections, with results filed to CARB. Single trucks and whole fleets welcome. Ask about mobile testing at your yard. Se habla español.
OBD · opacity · visual — filed to CARB
The program
What Clean Truck Check is.
Clean Truck Check is the California Air Resources Board’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program. Its goal is to keep heavy-duty emissions systems working properly for the life of the vehicle — the diesel equivalent of a car’s smog check.
For most affected vehicles the program has three parts: report your vehicle and pay an annual compliance fee in CARB’s CTC-VIS system, and pass periodic emissions testing by a credentialed tester. That testing is what we do here.
Program deadlines and fees are set by CARB and can change. Report, pay, and check your vehicle’s exact due dates in your CTC-VIS account at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov.
What we test
The Clean Truck Check inspection.
Which tests your vehicle needs depends on its year and whether it has on-board diagnostics.
OBD testing
For most 2013-and-newer vehicles, we connect to the on-board diagnostics, capture the emissions data snapshot, and upload it to CARB in real time.
Newer / OBD-equippedSmoke-opacity testing
For older vehicles without OBD, we run a SAE J1667 smoke-opacity test to confirm particulate emissions are within legal limits.
Pre-2013 / non-OBDVisual inspection
Non-OBD vehicles also get a visual check for tampering, missing or disconnected emissions components, and visible smoke or leaks.
With opacity testRoadside monitoring
CARB screens vehicles on the road with remote sensors and plate readers. If yours is flagged, you’ll get a Notice to Submit to Testing — bring it to us and we’ll get you compliant.
If you’re flagged (NST)Who must comply
Does your vehicle need it?
Clean Truck Check applies to nearly all non-gasoline vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR operating on California roads — even if they’re registered in another state.
Typically included
- Diesel, alternative-fuel and hybrid vehicles over 14,000 lbs
- Commercial and personal trucks, box trucks and tractors
- Buses, motorcoaches, shuttles and school buses
- Motorhomes over 14,000 lbs and many government vehicles
- Out-of-state trucks that operate in California
How often
Testing schedule.
| Vehicle | How it’s tested | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 & newer (OBD) | OBD data snapshot | Periodically — twice a year now, rising toward four times a year by 2027 |
| Pre-2013 (non-OBD) | Smoke opacity + visual | Periodically per your CARB schedule |
| Flagged on the road | Compliance test | Within the deadline on your Notice to Submit to Testing |
You can test up to 90 days before your compliance deadline — leave time in case repairs are needed. Confirm your dates in CTC-VIS.
Getting compliant
How Clean Truck Check works, step by step.
- Register in CTC-VISCreate your account at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov and add your vehicle and owner details.
- Pay your annual compliance feePay the CARB fee for each vehicle by its due date to stay compliant.
- Bring your vehicle to usWalk in or book mobile service up to 90 days before your deadline. We perform the right test for your vehicle — OBD, or opacity plus visual.
- We file your result to CARBPassing results are submitted electronically, so your compliance is on record.
- If it fails, repair & retestWe’ll explain what failed. Once repairs are made, bring it back for a retest before your deadline.
Mobile Clean Truck Check — we come to you.
Can’t bring the fleet in? We offer mobile diesel and Clean Truck Check testing at your yard or worksite, with flexible times. Call to set it up for one truck or many.
Why test with us
Fast, credentialed, and filed for you.
What you get
- Credentialed Clean Truck Check testing — OBD and non-OBD
- Smoke-opacity and visual inspections for older trucks
- Results filed to CARB electronically
- Single trucks and full fleets
- Mobile testing at your location
- Bilingual service — se habla español
Why compliance matters
- Avoid DMV registration holds and CARB enforcement
- Keep trucks road-legal and ports/terminals accessible
- Respond to a Notice to Submit to Testing on time
- Cleaner air and better fuel efficiency
Smog FAQ
Good to know
What is Clean Truck Check?
A CARB program requiring periodic emissions compliance testing for most heavy-duty vehicles operating in California.
Which vehicles need it?
Most non-gasoline vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR. Call us and we’ll confirm whether yours qualifies.
What does the test involve?
OBD and smoke-test compliance checks performed to CARB standards, with results filed on your behalf.
Do you test fleets?
Yes — single trucks and fleets are both welcome. Call to arrange multiple vehicles.
How often is testing required?
Periodically, per the CARB schedule for your vehicle. We can help you keep track of deadlines.
Do I need an appointment for a truck?
It helps for heavier vehicles — call ahead and we’ll get you in quickly.
Is this different from a car smog check?
Yes — Clean Truck Check is a separate CARB compliance program for heavy-duty vehicles, distinct from the DMV smog check for cars and light trucks.
$39.75 smog in Vista. In and out while you wait.
1725 E VISTA WAY SUITE C · VISTA · STAR STATION · SE HABLA ESPAñOL
(760) 536-3977