Short answer: If a truck misses a Clean Truck Check deadline, CARB can block its DMV registration, issue notices of violation and citations, and seek civil penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 per day per vehicle under Health and Safety Code § 42402 (as cited in CARB's FAQ). Tampering with emissions equipment can cost up to $37,500 per violation. The fastest fix is to get a passing test, pay the annual fee and clear any notices in CTC-VIS.
The often-quoted "$10,000 a day" is a maximum, not an automatic fine. CARB's FAQ gives a range of $1,000 to $10,000 per day per vehicle.
How enforcement works
| Step | What it means |
|---|---|
| Notice of Non-Compliance | CARB tells you a vehicle is out of compliance |
| Notice of Violation | Formal violation, which can include penalties |
| Compliance certificate denial | No certificate, which leads to a DMV registration hold (SB 210 / Q212) |
| Citation | CARB can cite directly; you have 45 calendar days to respond (75 for agricultural vehicles) |
| Removal from service | A vehicle can be ordered out of service under Vehicle Code § 27159 |
CARB also publishes enforcement data; its enforcement page has reported thousands of notices of non-compliance and notices of violation.
Roadside screening (REMD)
Since January 2023 CARB has used remote emissions monitoring devices (REMD) and license-plate readers to spot high-emitting trucks. A flagged truck gets a Notice to Submit to Testing and has 30 calendar days to submit a passing test. Refusing an inspection counts as failing it.
Ports and railyards
Seaports and intermodal railyards in California must ensure that only compliant trucks enter, or keep records of non-compliant trucks and give them to CARB within 72 hours of a request. Port and railyard operators may turn away non-compliant trucks.
How to fix non-compliance
- Log in to CTC-VIS and check which item is missing: vehicle report, fee or test.
- Pay the annual fee ($32.13 per vehicle in 2026).
- Book a credentialed tester. If you are short on time, a mobile tester can come to your yard.
- Respond to any notice or citation within the deadline on it.
- Contact CARB at HDIM@arb.ca.gov or (866) 634-3735 for DMV holds.
Sources
- CARB, Clean Truck Check FAQ
- 13 CCR § 2198.2, enforcement
- CARB, Requirements for seaports and railyards
- CARB, Clean Truck Check overview fact sheet
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for not doing Clean Truck Check?
CARB's FAQ cites potential civil penalties of $1,000 to $10,000 per day per vehicle (HSC § 42402). The actual amount depends on the case; non-compliance also blocks DMV registration.
Can DMV refuse to renew my registration because of Clean Truck Check?
Yes. Without a compliance certificate CARB can place a hold (SB 210 / Q212), and DMV will not renew registration until it is cleared.
What happens if my truck is flagged by a roadside monitor?
You receive a Notice to Submit to Testing and have 30 calendar days to submit a passing test.
What is the penalty for tampering with emissions equipment?
Up to $37,500 per violation under HSC §§ 43016 and 43154, according to CARB's FAQ.
CTC Finder is an independent directory and is not affiliated with CARB. Rules change; check CARB's Clean Truck Check pages for the official version.