The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has issued an enforcement reminder letter for vehicles subject to the Truck and Bus Regulation that have year-end clean-up requirements.  The letter reminds fleets that heavier vehicles with 2000 to 2004 model year engines must have verified soot filters and/or upgrades to newer vehicles by January 1, 2013. Similar requirements for vehicles with 1996 to 1999 model year engines became effective earlier this year. Vehicles may also be eligible for certain flexibility options.

The letter can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/pdfs/enf-tb-letter2.pdf

ARB intends to promptly enforce the January 1, 2013 requirements. Non-compliant vehicles may not be operated in California and will be assessed penalties that start at a minimum of $1,000 per violation per month and increase significantly over time. Do not delay in taking action to clean up your fleet - the installation of a PM filter may take a month or longer to accomplish; however, you may be able to significantly reduce penalties by taking action now.

For additional information about in-use diesel engine requirements, you can visit the Truck Stop at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/truckstop, call 866-6DIESEL (866-634-3735), email the Truck Stop at: 8666diesel@arb.ca.gov, or review Team Run Smart's article "CARB Regulations - What You Need to Know and How to be Prepared."

Have your truck prepared for the CARB regulations so you aren’t blind-sided with a penalty if you drive through the state of California.

Background:

The Air Resources Board has adopted a number of regulations that require diesel engine owners to reduce toxic air pollution emissions.  These regulations are part of the State’s plan to meet federal ambient air quality standards and to protect public health.  Between 2012 and 2023, nearly all trucks and buses that operate in California with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 pounds will need to upgrade to reduce exhaust emissions.  To comply with these requirements, fleet owners may retrofit existing engines by installing ARB verified diesel PM filters or by upgrading to newer cleaner engines.

Comments (7)

Bill McClusky

I have been in the trucking and construction equipment service industry for 23 years as a service technician, component rebuild specialist (engine, transmission, and axle), service department manager, instructor and consultant. I was a class 8 truck driver for 3 years pulling wet and dry tanks. I have been with American Truck Business Services for 4 years serving as a Business Consultant, Maintenance Consultant, and Instructor.

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Why is CARB doing this? They say it's to reduce pollution, but I think they are trying to nickel and dime those who didn't buy a brand-new truck last year and want the money that comes from sales taxes from DPF retrofits and new truck sales. I'm glad I don't run to California, and neither does my boss!

January 23, 2013 18:31:37 PM

Kim, will you please pay for my upgrade, I have already spent 20 k in upgrades to lower the consumption of fuel. Apu, low rolling resistance tires, its worth the expense as long as someone else is footing the bill right? There is only so much $ to be earned before one cannot be profitable and 20 k is out of sight. Now one told us about this when this truck was purchased, I've maintained this 10 year old truck to be better than when it was new. To Ban those of us who purchased for the long term, this stinks.

January 12, 2013 13:54:19 PM

I wish people would stop using scare tactics.
1)If you have 3 or less trucks with MY2004 engines and you register with CARB you have until 1Jan 2014 to upgrade exhaust or get a newer truck.
2) Checked with Cummins last month on the exhaust upgrade ($22,000) and an inframe($20,000). Was told it would be cheaper to get a reman engine. Plus you get a better warranty. Cummins also said these add on filters will not work properly if your exhaust temp where the filter mounts, does not stay at 280 degrees of more 80% of the time.

December 25, 2012 4:29:42 AM

Thanks for the infor, I am glad mine is a 2009.

December 07, 2012 19:34:15 PM

With all the changes in the weather patterns and global warming the upgrades are worth the cost.

December 05, 2012 11:36:04 AM

Thanks for the advice Jimmy!

December 04, 2012 14:34:34 PM

Given the amount of time and money necessary for PM filter installation, it may be more feasible for some owner-operators to replace rather than retrofit. Having an '05 engine has left me considering this very possibility. With quotes for PM installation ringing in upwards of $10K and my truck getting upwards in mileage, the price of an inframe and PM installation could be right around $25K. That, plus profit from the sale of my current truck, makes for a nice down payment on an already equipped truck.

December 04, 2012 14:04:05 PM