CARB to block DMV registration of pre-2011 trucks starting 2020

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Updated Feb 25, 2018
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The California Air Resources Board’s new Truck and Bus Regulation will block older trucks from DMV registrations unless they are replaced or repowered with a 2010 or newer engine.The California Air Resources Board’s new Truck and Bus Regulation will block older trucks from DMV registrations unless they are replaced or repowered with a 2010 or newer engine.

Carriers domiciled in California with trucks older than 2011 model, or using engines manufactured before 2010, will need to meet the Board’s new Truck and Bus Regulation beginning in 2020 or their vehicles will be blocked from registration with the state’s DMV, the state has said.

The new “health-based requirements” will need to be met before a driver is allowed to register his or her truck through the Department of Motor Vehicles, CARB says. A new enforcement tool used by the DMV beginning in 2020 will automatically block 2010 and older trucks from registration.

For older vehicles, CARB says they must be either replaced with a 2011 or newer vehicle or repowered with a 2010 or newer engine.

Under these regulations, truckers must meet the following compliance schedule for vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds:

  • 2000 and older trucks must comply by Jan. 1, 2020
  • 2001-2005 must comply by Jan. 1, 2021
  • 2006-2007 must comply by Jan. 1, 2022
  • 2008-2010 must comply by Jan. 1, 2023

CARB adds, however, that the Truck and Bus Regulation is already in effect, and the Board can place a DMV regulation block on vehicles now, before the final compliance dates, if they don’t meet current air quality regulations. The state of California is enforcing all diesel regulations in preparation for 2020, CARB says.

Vehicles weighing between 14,000 pounds and 26,000 pounds are also subject to the regulations, and must meet the following compliance schedule:

  • 2004 and older must comply by Jan. 1, 2020
  • 2005-2007 must comply by Jan. 1, 2021
  • 2008-2010 must comply by Jan. 1, 2023

Vehicles that have met all upgrade requirements or are exempt from heavy-duty diesel regulations in the state will be allowed to register with the DMV. CARB says VIN numbers may be required to ensure your vehicle isn’t mistakenly denied registration.

Vehicles that are exempt from other California heavy-duty diesel regulations, such as cargo handling equipment, drayage vehicles and solid waste collection vehicles, may still be subject to the Truck and Bus Regulation, CARB adds. Drayage and solid waste collection trucks with 2007 to 2009 model year engines are required to meet the new regulation by Jan. 1, 2023.