Dealing with a registration hold at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) can be a frustrating experience for any vehicle owner. If you operate a heavy-duty vehicle in California, a registration hold might be due to non-compliance with the Clean Truck Check program. This guide will clarify what Clean Truck Check is, why it might lead to a DMV registration hold, and, most importantly, how to get that hold removed so you can get back on the road legally.
Understanding Clean Truck Check and DMV Holds
California is committed to improving air quality, and the Clean Truck Check program, mandated by Senate Bill 210, is a key part of this effort. It’s designed to ensure that the emissions control systems of heavy-duty vehicles are functioning correctly when operating in California.
What Exactly is Clean Truck Check?
Clean Truck Check is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance regulation targeting heavy-duty vehicles. It applies broadly to almost all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds that operate on California public roads and highways. This is regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in California or not.
The program encompasses a wide range of vehicles, including:
- Commercial vehicles
- Public vehicles (federal, state, and local government)
- Motor coaches
- Transit, shuttle, and school buses
- Hybrid vehicles
- Personal vehicles, including California registered motorhomes
- Single vehicle fleets
- Vehicles registered outside of California (excluding motorhomes)
To comply with Clean Truck Check, vehicle owners must report their vehicles in the Clean Truck Check – Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS), pay annual compliance fees, and undergo emissions testing. Failure to meet these requirements can result in an automatic CA DMV registration hold being placed on the vehicle.
Why a DMV Registration Hold?
The CA DMV registration hold is a direct consequence of non-compliance with the Clean Truck Check program. It’s an enforcement mechanism to ensure that heavy-duty vehicle owners adhere to the emissions standards set by California. If your vehicle is not reported in CTC-VIS, or if compliance fees are unpaid, or if required emissions tests are not completed, the system automatically flags your vehicle, leading to a registration hold. This hold prevents you from completing most DMV registration transactions until the compliance issues are resolved.
Removing a CA DMV Registration Hold: Step-by-Step
Getting your vehicle’s DMV registration hold lifted involves demonstrating compliance with the Clean Truck Check program. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the process:
1. Report Your Vehicle in CTC-VIS
The first crucial step is to report your vehicle in the Clean Truck Check – Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS). This online portal is where you officially register your vehicle within the program. You can access CTC-VIS at https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov.
CARB provides a helpful video walkthrough of the vehicle reporting process in CTC-VIS: Clean Truck Check Reporting Database Training (youtube.com). While this video will be updated to include emissions testing instructions in the future, it currently provides valuable guidance on the initial reporting steps.
2. Pay Compliance Fees and Obtain a Certificate
Once your vehicle is reported, you’ll need to pay any outstanding compliance fees. These fees are annual and contribute to the program’s operation. After reporting your vehicle and paying any due fees, you will be able to obtain a compliance certificate through CTC-VIS.
Keep in mind that payment processing times vary. Card payments typically take 1-2 business days, while Telecheck (eCheck) payments can take up to 7 business days to fully process within CTC-VIS. Your compliance certificate will be available for download in the “Vehicles” section of your “My Entity” homepage on CTC-VIS once the payment is processed.
3. DMV Hold Removal Process
The good news is that the DMV hold removal process is largely automated after you obtain your compliance certificate. CARB sends a daily update to CA DMV with a list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for vehicles that are now compliant with Clean Truck Check.
The DMV hold should be automatically removed within 1-3 business days from the date your compliance certificate is issued. You do not need to physically present or send your compliance certificate to the DMV.
Once the hold is removed, you will need to contact the DMV to finalize your registration transaction. It’s important to note that the DMV will not automatically send your registration tags when the hold is lifted. CARB recommends visiting a DMV field office in person if possible to complete the transaction efficiently.
Alternatively, you can explore the DMV Virtual Office: DMV Virtual Office – California DMV or contact the DMV Field Office Support Unit at (916) 657-8035 for assistance.
As another option, you can mail a copy of your renewal notice or registration card to the DMV at the following address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Emissions Testing Requirements: What to Expect
Emissions compliance testing is a critical component of Clean Truck Check, with requirements effective from October 1, 2024. For all compliance deadlines on or after January 1, 2025, submitting proof of a passing emissions compliance test will be mandatory to demonstrate vehicle compliance.
Vehicle owners have the flexibility to conduct testing up to 90 days before their vehicle’s compliance deadline. This buffer period allows time for any necessary repairs if a vehicle fails the initial test and ensures there’s enough time to submit a passing emissions test by the deadline.
For example, if your vehicle has a compliance deadline of February 1, 2025, you can submit a passing emissions test as early as November 3, 2024.
For detailed information on compliance deadlines specific to your vehicle type, refer to these resources:
- Vehicles subject to semi-annual deadlines: Clean Truck Check Requirements for Vehicles Subject to Semi-Annual Compliance | California Air Resources Board
- Vehicles subject to annual deadlines: Agricultural Vehicles & California Motor homes Annual Compliance Requirements | California Air Resources Board
Permitted DMV Transactions with a Clean Truck Check Hold
While a Clean Truck Check registration hold restricts most DMV transactions, there are a few exceptions:
- Planned Nonoperation (PNO): You can place your vehicle on PNO, indicating it will not be operated on California public roads. Vehicles in PNO are exempt from Clean Truck Check. However, to register and operate the vehicle again in the future, Clean Truck Check compliance will be required.
- Junked/Salvaged/Dismantled Vehicles: Processing title for junked, salvaged, or dismantled vehicles and transferring title to insurance companies is permitted.
- Duplicate Title Requests: You can request a duplicate title, provided that registration renewal is not due at the time of the request.
- Out-of-State Transfers: Out-of-state transfers are possible but require specific procedures (outlined below).
Transferring Title Out of State with a Registration Hold
Selling a vehicle with a Clean Truck Check registration hold out of state is possible through two main options:
- Endorsing the CA Title: As the seller, you can sign over the California title to the new owner. The new owner can then take this endorsed title to their out-of-state DMV and surrender it to register the vehicle in their state.
- Transfer Only for Title: If the new owner plans to register the vehicle out of state before it leaves California, they can request a “transfer only” at the CA DMV. This allows them to obtain a California title in their name. They will need to provide the signed CA title from the seller, all necessary transfer documents, pay applicable transfer fees, and request the vehicle be registered as “non-operable with the intention of registering the vehicle out of state.”
If the vehicle is still physically in California but is now registered in another state, a temporary operating permit from the DMV is required to legally move the vehicle out of California. More information on permits can be found here: Vehicle Registration Permits – California DMV.
Even during this period, the vehicle must comply with Clean Truck Check. The program offers a one-time 5-day pass per vehicle per calendar year. This 5-day pass allows operation in California but does not grant full compliance for registration purposes. After the 5-day pass expires, the vehicle must achieve full compliance to be registered and legally operated in California. Details on the 5-day pass are available here: Overview Fact Sheet-Clean Truck Check .
Conclusion: Resolving Your CA DMV Registration Hold
A CA DMV registration hold due to Clean Truck Check non-compliance can be resolved by taking the necessary steps to demonstrate compliance with the program. This involves reporting your vehicle in CTC-VIS, paying any required fees, and meeting emissions testing requirements. By following this guide, you can navigate the process, remove the hold, and ensure your heavy-duty vehicle is legally registered and operating in California. Staying proactive with Clean Truck Check requirements is key to avoiding future registration issues and contributing to cleaner air in California.
