Clean Truck Check Los Angeles
Clean Truck Check in Los Angeles
CARB Clean Truck Check Testing in Downtown Los Angeles
If you run a diesel or alternative-fuel truck over 14,000 lbs GVWR in California, CARB’s Clean Truck Check program requires periodic emissions testing. Most vehicles need it twice a year. If you miss a deadline, the DMV can block your registration renewal. Star Smog Check Station at 1520 S Santa Fe Ave handles the test so you stay on the road.
Who Needs a Clean Truck Check?
Clean Truck Check is CARB’s Heavy-Duty Inspection & Maintenance program. It applies to:
- Diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs GVWR on California roads
- Single-truck owner-operators and large fleets alike, since there is no minimum fleet size
- Box trucks, tractors, dump trucks, tow trucks, buses and work trucks
- California-registered motorhomes and agricultural vehicles, which are tested once a year
Zero-emission, emergency, military tactical and historical vehicles are exempt.
Which Test Does Your Truck Need?
| Engine | Test Type |
|---|---|
| Diesel, 2013 and newer | OBD scan |
| Alternative fuel, 2018 and newer | OBD scan |
| Diesel, 2012 and older | Smoke opacity test + visual inspection |
| Alternative fuel, 2017 and older | Visual inspection |
How a Clean Truck Check Works at Our Shop
- Call or stop by. Bring the truck and its VIN and plate information.
- We run the test. A credentialed tester performs the OBD scan or smoke opacity test with CARB-approved equipment.
- Results go to CARB. We submit your passing result electronically to CARB’s CTC-VIS system.
- You’re compliant. Once your annual compliance fee is paid in CTC-VIS, CARB issues your certificate and you’re clear until your next deadline.
Tip: You can test up to 90 days before your deadline, so there’s no reason to wait until the last week.
Failed Because of a Check Engine Light?
An active check engine light is an automatic fail. Clearing the codes right before the test won’t work either. The truck has to complete enough drive cycles for its OBD system to confirm the repair. Fix the problem early, drive the truck, then come back for the retest.
What’s Changing: 2026–2027 Updates
- 2026 compliance fee: $32.13 per vehicle per year, paid in CTC-VIS. CARB adjusts it again on January 1, 2027.
- Quarterly testing is coming: Starting October 2027, trucks tested by OBD scan move from 2 to 4 tests per year.
- Stricter enforcement: Missed tests can lead to fines and DMV registration holds, and each missed deadline counts as a separate violation.
- Roadside monitors: If roadside monitors flag your truck as a high emitter, you have 30 days to pass a test, even with a current certificate.
Why Truck Owners in Downtown LA Choose Star Smog
- Licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair to test all vehicle types, including heavy-duty trucks and diesels
- Easy access from the Fashion District, Arts District, Produce Market and the Vernon industrial area
- Open six days a week, including Saturdays until 3:30 PM
- One stop for your truck’s Clean Truck Check and your cars’ regular DMV smog checks
Don’t Let a Missed Test Put a Hold on Your Registration
Call (213) 537-0086 or visit us at 1520 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM · Sat 8:00 AM–3:30 PM · Sun Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my truck need a Clean Truck Check?
Most diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs need testing twice a year. Starting October 2027, trucks tested by OBD scan need four tests a year. California motorhomes and agricultural vehicles are tested once a year.
When is my Clean Truck Check due?
For California-plated trucks, the deadline follows your DMV registration expiration month. Out-of-state trucks follow the last digit of the VIN. You can test up to 90 days early.
How much is the CARB compliance fee in 2026?
The annual fee is $32.13 per vehicle, paid in CARB’s CTC-VIS system. It’s separate from the shop’s testing charge.
What happens if I miss my Clean Truck Check?
CARB can place a hold on your DMV registration renewal and issue fines. Each missed deadline counts as a separate violation.
Will my truck fail with the check engine light on?
Yes. An active check engine light is an automatic fail. Repair the problem and drive the truck long enough for its OBD system to confirm the fix before you retest.
My truck is from 2012 or older. What test does it need?
Diesel trucks with 2012 or older engines get a smoke opacity test plus a visual inspection instead of an OBD scan.
Is Clean Truck Check the same as a regular smog check?
No. Regular BAR smog checks cover cars and light trucks for DMV registration. Clean Truck Check is CARB’s separate program for heavy-duty trucks over 14,000 lbs GVWR.
Where can I get a Clean Truck Check in Downtown LA?
At Star Smog Check Station, 1520 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021. Call (213) 537-0086. We’re open Monday through Saturday.
Internal links: In the body text, link “Star Smog Check Station” to /star-station/, “1520 S Santa Fe Ave” to /location/, and “Call” to /contact-us/. Also link to the new page from the homepage bullet “Smog Check Heavy Duty Trucks.”
Before you publish, check two things with the shop. The page says it’s approved by CARB to do Clean Truck Check tests. It also says it has smoke-test equipment for older diesels. If it doesn’t have that equipment, delete the smoke-test rows from the table and the FAQ about 2012-and-older trucks.
Our Clean Truck Check & CARB Services
- Clean Truck Check Testing
Required periodic emissions testing for diesel and alternative-fuel trucks over 14,000 lbs GVWR. - CARB Compliance Testing
Testing to CARB heavy-duty standards, with your results submitted to CARB’s CTC-VIS system. - OBD Emissions Testing
OBD scan for 2013-and-newer diesel and 2018-and-newer alternative-fuel engines. - Smoke Opacity Testing
Smoke test plus visual inspection for diesel trucks with 2012-and-older engines. - Visual Emissions Inspection
Visual inspection for alternative-fuel trucks with 2017-and-older engines. - Heavy-Duty Truck Smog Check
Emissions testing for box trucks, tractors, dump trucks, tow trucks and work trucks. - Diesel Smog Check
Smog checks for diesel cars and pickups, plus heavy-duty diesel trucks. - Motorhome & RV Testing
Clean Truck Check testing for California-registered motorhomes, which are tested once a year. - Fleet Testing
Testing for owner-operators and fleets of any size, scheduled around your deadlines. - Retests After Repair
Retesting once the check engine light issue is fixed and the truck has been driven enough for its OBD system to confirm the repair. - CARB Registration Hold Help
Get a passing test submitted so you can clear a CARB compliance hold on your DMV registration renewal. - Roadside Notice (NST) Testing
Fast testing for trucks flagged by roadside monitors, which have 30 days to pass.
