Paula Ventura of Monarch Truck Center in San Jose, California, recently released a video to help truck buyers better understand California Air Resource Board (CARB) compliance regulations.

Check out details on what the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is and what CARB compliance means for truck owners. 

What is the California Air Resources Board (CARB)?

First, before understanding the compliance side, do you know what the Calfornia Air Resources Board (CARB) is? Acording to the Board's website, CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change. What is CARB's mission? To promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy.

California CARB compliance 2022 impacts all diesel trucks from 14,001 pounds on up. In the video, Ventura focused on medium-duty trucks (14,000 to 26,000 pounds). CARB compliance deals with federal guidelines that reduce the emissions of these vehicles. California decided in 2008 it was going to put a deadline for compliance for businesses running Class C vehicles. Compliance has to do with the engine model year, not the year of the truck.

Enforcement with the California DMV started January 1, 2020. Because of COVID-19, it wasn’t talked about much. Now, there are only two remaining years. All trucks in California will need to have a 2010 or newer engine by December 31, 2022.

What Does CARB Compliance Mean for Truck Owners?

An often asked question is, "Do I need to be CARB compliant?" Currently, there are no exemptions, except for low-mileage use. A low-mileage use vehicle is one that only drives 1,000 miles a year, and you must apply for permission through CARB.

“What happens if you get your registration for a 2005 Isuzu or Hino right now? You may pay the DMV, but the DMV is not going to give you the tags. Good luck trying to get your money back. They expect you, the business owner, to be aware of this compliance,” she explained.

There’s a serious shortage of vehicles in California and across the United States at this time due to the pandemic, and the market expects that to go on for the next two years, according to Ventura.

She recommended buyers reach out to their local dealer to make a plan and get informed so you aren't stuck paying fees. Once you’ve done that, you may want to do a short-term lease from an agency, or look into gas units that are still available.

“If you ordered a diesel truck right now, you wouldn't even get that chassis - best case scenario - until first or second quarter of 2022, which is just about the time you’d need to meet compliance. The time is now to act,” she said.

For more information on California CARB compliance requirements, click here. Remember, register today for Bobit connect, the secure and easy all-access connection to tips and challenges related to work truck purchasing and CARB updates.