CARB Clean Truck Check Failed? Here's Exactly What to Do Next

When your vehicle doesn’t pass the Clean Truck Check, the results go to CARB, but your compliance status remains incomplete. Your DMV registration hold stays active until you complete repairs and successfully retest. The failure itself carries no penalty.

Step 1: Understand why you failed

Get a detailed explanation of the failure reason. OBD test failures typically involve active fault codes in the emissions system, incomplete readiness monitors, or malfunctioning components like the EGR system, DPF, or catalyst.

OVI test failures commonly stem from excessive smoke opacity, missing or damaged emissions control components, or visible fuel leaks.

Step 2: Get the vehicle to a qualified repair shop

Take your vehicle to a repair facility specializing in heavy-duty diesel emissions systems and experienced with CARB Clean Truck Check requirements. For OBD-related failures, request that the shop diagnose the root cause, clear codes following repair, and complete a drive cycle to establish readiness monitors before retesting.

Step 3: Schedule a retest

After repairs are finished, schedule a retest. Mobile testing options allow you to retest at your location. For OBD retests, ensure all readiness monitors are complete before testing to avoid another failure.

Step 4: Confirm compliance status

After passing the retest, verify your compliance status in the CARB Clean Truck Check portal. OBD status updates immediately upon upload, while OVI tests require several business days for CARB processing.

Can you get a waiver or extension?

CARB may grant hardship extensions or repair waivers for operators demonstrating good-faith repair efforts while facing unusually high costs. Contact CARB directly if your situation warrants consideration.

Need a retest after repairs? Call us at (916) 538-7777.