---
title: "How Much Does a Clean Truck Check Test Cost? (2026 Prices)"
description: "Clean Truck Check test prices in California for 2026: published OBD test prices are mostly $50–$135 per truck, smoke opacity about $190–$200, plus CARB's…"
url: "https://ctcfinder.com/guide/cost/"
updated: "2026-10-30"
publisher: "CTC Finder (independent directory, not affiliated with CARB)"
---

# How much does a Clean Truck Check cost?

Updated 2026-10-30. Source: CTC Finder (https://ctcfinder.com/guide/cost/). Independent; not affiliated with CARB.

**Short answer:** Based on testers' published prices (checked October 27, 2026), an **OBD Clean Truck Check test** in California usually costs **$50–$100 at a shop** and **$75–$135 per truck from a mobile tester**. A **smoke opacity test** for older (2012 and earlier) diesel trucks costs about **$190–$200** in the few published prices; many testers quote it by phone. On top of the test, CARB charges an **annual compliance fee of $32.13 per vehicle in 2026** ($33.12 in 2027), paid in CTC-VIS. CARB does not set test prices; each tester sets their own.

## Published prices we found

These are prices published by California testers on their own websites or on the California Trucking Association's tester list, checked October 27, 2026. They change often; always confirm with the tester.

| Tester (region) | Published price |
|---|---|
| IRP Inc. (Fontana) | $50 per test, plus mobile fee |
| Utility Trailer Sales (Fresno, Central/Northern CA) | $50 in-house or on the road, plus travel time |
| J & L Towing (Shasta, Tehama) | $50 (OBD) |
| Central Valley Trailer Repair (Fresno) | $70 (OBD) |
| Affinity Truck Center (Fresno–Bakersfield) | $72.04 (OBD) |
| NorCal CARB Mobile (Sacramento, Stockton, Bay Area) | OBD $75; smoke opacity $199; 50% off a second test per truck |
| Clean Diesel Specialists (Anaheim, Colton) | $95 |
| Clean Truck Check Mobile Testing (LA, Orange County) | $95, fleet discounts |
| Clean Truck Check Mobile (San Diego, Imperial) | $125 for 1 truck, $99 for 2–9, $79 for 10+ |
| Titan Tank Lines (Fresno area) | $125 |
| Betts Truck Parts & Service (Central CA) | $125, plus mobile fee if needed |
| Diesel Master (French Camp, Stockton, Tracy) | $135 per unit, plus mobile fee |
| Advanced Emission Control Solutions (Fresno, mobile) | $190.95 including opacity and visual |

## Typical ranges

Ranges below come from the published prices above, not from CARB. Always ask the tester for a quote.

| Service | Typical price |
|---|---|
| OBD test at a shop or dealer | $50–$100 |
| OBD test, mobile at your yard | $75–$135 per truck |
| Fleet pricing (several trucks per visit) | about $79–$100 per truck |
| Smoke opacity + visual inspection (MY2012 and older diesel) | about $190–$200 (few published prices) |
| Pre-check / readiness scan | about $49–$79 |
| Mobile travel fee | often free within ~30 miles, then about $1–$1.25 per mile |
| CARB annual compliance fee (per vehicle) | $32.13 (2026), $33.12 (2027) |

## Yearly cost per truck

For an OBD truck at $75 per test plus the 2026 fee:

- **2026 (2 tests):** 2 × $75 + $32.13 = **$182.13**
- **After October 2027 (4 tests):** 4 × $75 + $33.12 = **$333.12** (2028 fee not yet published; 2027 fee used)

For a non-OBD truck needing smoke opacity tests at about $199: 2 × $199 + $32.13 = **$430.13 a year**.

## How to pay less

- **Test several trucks in one visit.** Most mobile testers discount fleets.
- **Ask about a pre-check** if your truck has warning lights or recent repairs; a failed official test may mean paying again.
- **Compare a shop and a mobile tester.** A shop is usually cheaper per test; mobile saves driver time.
- **Pay the CARB fee early in CTC-VIS** so the certificate is ready before your deadline (card payments clear in 1–2 business days, eChecks up to 7).

[Find testers near you](https://ctcfinder.com/testers/) or [mobile testers](https://ctcfinder.com/mobile-testers/) on CTC Finder.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is a Clean Truck Check test?

Published prices are usually $50–$135 for an OBD test, depending on whether you go to a shop or use a mobile tester, and about $190–$200 for a smoke opacity test on older trucks. Prices vary, so ask the tester for a quote.

### How much is the Clean Truck Check annual fee?

$32.13 per vehicle for compliance deadlines in 2026 and $33.12 in 2027, paid to CARB in CTC-VIS by card or eCheck.

### Is the CARB fee included in the tester's price?

No. The tester charges for the test; the annual compliance fee is paid separately to CARB in CTC-VIS.

### Why is the smoke opacity test more expensive?

It needs a smoke meter (SAE J1667) and a visual inspection, takes longer than an OBD scan and fewer testers offer it.

## Sources

- CARB, [Clean Truck Check FAQ](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/clean-truck-check-faq-0)
- CARB, [Compliance fee update effective January 1, 2026](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/clean-truck-check-compliance-fee-update-effective-112026)
- CARB, [Annual vehicle compliance fee update for 2027](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/annual-vehicle-compliance-fee-update-2027)
- California Trucking Association, [preferred tester list](https://www.caltrux.org/?p=57985)
- Tester websites: norcalcarbmobile.com, cleantruckcheckmobile.com, carbtruckcheck.com, ctcmobiletesting.com (checked October 27, 2026)