California is taking pollution seriously. Though the Truck and Bus regulation first went into effect on December 31, 2014, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will take a more significant step to enforce compliance. Beginning January 1, 2020, vehicles out of compliance will be blocked from registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Carriers domiciled in California with diesel-powered vehicles over 14,000 GWVR must “reduce exhaust emissions by meeting particulate matter filter requirements and upgrading to a 2010 or newer engine model year.” This means if your truck has an engine from before 2010, you may need to replace it.
This regulation applies to nearly all diesel-fueled trucks, buses and school buses with a GVWR over 14,000. But there are exemptions, and if you’re exempt, you may not want to spend the money to replace your engine if you don’t have to. On the flip side, you don’t want to find out you’re not exempt when your registration is denied.
Your vehicle is exempt if it is
If you’re wondering about those three in the middle and asking yourself why those groups are exempt, don’t worry. It’s not regulators being unfair. Public agency and utility vehicles, drayage trucks and transit/urban buses are exempt from this regulation because each category has their own regulation tailored to the unique needs of the industry.
And those aren’t the only exemptions available. There are two that may be just what you’re looking for. Your vehicle may be eligible for an exemption if:
If your vehicle is not eligible for an exemption, what do you need to do to comply? First you should figure out the model year of your engine. That will determine your compliance date, if any. Then visit the California Diesel Truck Resource Website and fill out their Engine Replacement Guide. This guide will tell you what your date of compliance is.
If replacing your engine sounds impossible, there are also plenty of financial assistance programs to help you get your vehicle into compliance. Find those resources here.
Though this law has been in effect for a few years, the consequences are getting serious in 2020. Take steps to ensure your truck is in compliance.
Resources
Cargo theft used to mean someone cutting a lock or hooking up to an unattended trailer. Now it just as often means someone impersonating a carrier, hijacking a load board profile, or using a driver’s or fleet owner’s credentials to walk away with freight. This guide is built for owner-operators, fleet managers, and transportation teams…
Resources
Mack currently offers six engine options across its truck lineup: three everyday diesels built around the MP7 and MP8, two 13-liter flagship engines in the MP13 line, and the Cummins X10 — the newest engine in Mack’s long-running Cummins option, now offered in the redesigned Granite. Picking the right one shapes your fuel bill, your…
Resources
Which Volvo Truck Engine Is Right for You? Choosing the right engine is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a Volvo truck. Your engine impacts fuel economy, performance, payload capacity, maintenance costs, and long-term operating expenses. Whether you’re hauling freight across the country, making regional deliveries, or tackling demanding vocational work, Volvo offers…
Resources
Trucking is one of the hardest jobs in America, and the people doing it know that better than anyone. With a growing driver shortage now compounded by federal enforcement actions shrinking the eligible CDL pool, keeping the drivers you have has never mattered more. Replacing a single truck driver costs an average of $11,500, and…
Resources
Whether you’re an owner-operator buying your first truck or a fleet manager expanding your operation, purchasing a used semi truck is one of the most important equipment decisions you’ll make. The right truck can support profitability for years through reliable performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced downtime. The wrong truck can quickly become an expensive liability,…