Blog Post
California Environmental Agency to Block Select Truck Registrations in 2020
By Natalie Beach
August 6, 2019
To reduce smog and toxic emissions caused by diesel exhausts, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted the Truck and Bus Regulation. It mandates nearly all trucks and buses to contain 2010 or newer model-year engines, which reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide emissions. The regulation results in the replacement or relocation of select trucks older than model year 2010, as they’re no longer eligible for registration renewal by the California Department of Motor Vehicles starting Jan. 1, 2020.
California Compliance Schedule
Vehicles operating in California with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 14,000 pounds are primarily impacted by the regulation. Drayage and solid waste collection trucks with 2007-09 model-year engines must meet the regulations by Jan. 1, 2023. Vehicles exempt from other heavy-duty diesel regulations, such as the Cargo Handling Equipment regulation, may also be subject to this regulation.
Compliance schedule for vehicles with a GVWR between 14,000 and 26,000 pounds:
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
Compliance schedule for vehicles with a GVWR greater 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
Find more information, such as guidelines for heavier and lighter vehicles, check the Truck and Bus Regulation factsheet.
Proactive Fleet Planning
Your fleet management company should devise a plan to replace these vehicles before they fall out of compliance. For Wheels customers, your fleet consulting manager will generate a list of potential units for review.
California Exemptions
Some exemptions to this regulation do apply, such as for low-use vehicles. Those that travel less than 1,000 miles per calendar year in California may be eligible. When selling these vehicles, it might be in the customers favor to sell these before 2020, but we can sell them outside of California if necessary.
Additional facts sheets on specialized exemptions and extensions are available on the Truck and Bus Regulation website.
