CA Signs Heavy Duty Truck Smog Inspection Program Into Law

Gov. Newsom signed the Heavy Duty Truck Smog Inspection Program bill into law that directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and implement a new smog inspection program for heavy duty on-road diesel trucks. Similar to passenger cars, the bill would seek to bring heavy duty vehicles older than 6 years with a GVWR of more than 14,000 pounds into a permanent testing program. The American Trucking Association (ATA) stated that the new system would eventually take place of the current program requiring motor carriers to conduct annual smoke opacity tests.

CARB is looking to implement an emissions testing program that is not limited to the station based program of the smog check program currently in place for cars. The program would begin with a two year pilot to develop and demonstrate potential technologies. The agency has been exploring options to use telematics and other collection devices from the vehicle’s location. As part of the program, CARB would be authorized to assess fees and penalties that creates the Truck Emission Check Fund; which would be available for appropriation by the legislature for regulatory purposes.

According to CARB, 2019 estimates indicate that heavy duty trucks contribute about 58% of the statewide on-road sources of nitrogen oxide emissions and 82% of the state’s on-road particulate matter.

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