Fuel for Thought
Easy CARB Emissions Testing
Most of you should be aware by now that California is currently requiring trucks who run in their state to be registered with CARB (California Air Resources Board) for CTC (Clean Truck Check) emissions testing. In 2024, trucks were required to create a profile and pay the annual fee on the CTC-VIS website, but emission testing was not required. Here in 2025, emissions tests are required by registered trucks twice per year. The due dates for your emissions tests are determined by the last digit of your VIN for Non-California registered vehicles. Nearly all diesel trucks with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs. are required to test in order to operate in California.
Compliance Deadlines for Non-California Registered and DMV Exempt Plated Vehicles
Bold months indicate the month the compliance fee will be due.
Finding a shop to perform these tests outside of California can be time consuming and costly. Each test can cost anywhere from $150 up to $200 per test. That can be anywhere from $300 - $400 per year for just 2 tests, not including failed tests that need to be retested after repairs for additional fees. This is just the current testing schedule, beginning in 2027, testing is slated to increase to 4 times per year. The cost can really add up quickly.
Recently, I found an ingenious device to handle my California emissions testing. It is called SmartCTC from Clean Truck Check Pro. This plug’n’play device connects to the data port in your truck, performs the testing automatically and then transmits the data directly to CARB via cellular networks so that CARB can use the data to determine whether you pass or fail.. Admittedly, I have simplified the process in my description, but not by much.
When you order your device, you need to give some basic information about your truck and the registration, like the VIN, model year, etc. Once you submit your order, you will receive a call from SmartCTC in a day or two (my call came the next morning) to verify the truck details and to ensure you receive the correct product to fit your truck. Whether you need a J1939 or J1979 OBD connector, if you need a splitter, etc. After the phone call to confirm your details and needs, you will receive an email invoice. Once you pay for it, your device is shipped to you pre-programmed to your specific VIN and test schedule needs, ready to use.
9 Pin OBD J1939
16 Pin OBD J1979
When you receive the device, follow the simple, included instructions to install the device and testing will take place when you are within 90 days of your test due date. From my experience with the device, testing only requires that you idle for up to 10 minutes, you can not be moving or the test will halt and re-try again the next time you are at idle . My test took less than 5 minutes.
According to Taylor Dye from SmartCTC, these devices have been tested on and work on trucks with 2013 and newer Engines. I can say without a doubt that it works great on my 2025 Freightliner.
One thing I would suggest when using this device is that you go to the CARB website to verify your test results AND set a reminder in your calendar for every 6 months to check the CARB website to verify your test results as a passed test. Should you fail a test, you will need to contact SmartCTC to schedule a retest after any necessary repairs have been made. Personally, I set my 6 month calendar reminder for 45 days into my 90 day test window, this way, if I should have a failed test, I have time to address the issue and retest before the deadline.
Now for the part many of you have been waiting for… the cost. This plug’n’play, automatic onboard CTC emissions testing device only costs $299 per year. This could be higher or lower than the cost of shop tests in your area, but this device allows me to spend more time earning revenue and less time in the shop, waiting for someone to perform the emission testing. It is convenient and cost effective. By the way, retesting is included with your annual subscription fee at no additional cost.
Where can you find this device?
The website is SmartCTC.com
The phone number is 888.306.7664
Note: I receive no compensation from SmartCTC, I found an excellent product and wanted to share it with everyone that could benefit from it. I’m sure you have more questions about the products and services from SmartCTC, I encourage you to reach out to them directly. Their customer service, like their product, is outstanding.
The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.
- Bill Gates
See you down the road,
Greg
