HD I/M TESTING REQUIREMENTS

HD I/M TESTING REQUIREMENTS

by | Jun 26, 2023 | News

HD I/M TESTING REQUIREMENTS

 

PERIODIC COMPLIANCE TESTING

  • Periodic compliance testing requirements will be imposed semiannually (2x per year) commencing in 2024.
  • California-registered mobile homes and agricultural vehicles will be subject to annual (1x per year) testing regulations.
  • Board-directed change: three years from the commencement of HD I/M periodic inspections, testing frequency for OBD-equipped vehicles increases to four times per year.
    • Mobile homes and agricultural vehicles registered in California are still subject to annual inspections.
  • When the HD I/M periodic test requirements begin, PSIP ends.

RECURRENT TESTING DEADLINES: VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA

A passing compliance test must be filed within 90 days of the compliance deadline for a vehicle.

  • California-registered vehicle deadlines are based on the vehicle’s DMV registration date. Semiannual deadlines are depending on the vehicle’s registration expiration date.
  • The test is needed by the registration date and 6 months later (within a 90-day interval).
  • If the registration date month has more days than the 6 month due date, the test is due on the last day of that month.
  • For example, if the registration date is October 31st, the test is due on the last day of that month. The six-month compliance test is due on April 30th.

Every compliance year is determined by the day and month of the expiration date of a vehicle’s DMV registration.

  • For example, if a vehicle’s registration expiration date is May 21, the semi-annual compliance requirements are May 21 and November 21 of the same year.
  • For OBD cars subject to quarterly testing frequencies, compliance deadlines would be May 21st, August 21st, November 21st, and February 21st.
  • Vehicles subject to yearly testing frequencies would have a compliance deadline on the vehicle’s DMV registration expiration date.

 

VEHICLES REGISTERED IN STATES OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA:

 

  • Deadlines are determined by the final digit of the vehicle’s VIN, with each digit allotted a month.
  • The vehicle’s compliance test deadline is the final day of the month specified in the table.
  • For instance, if your VIN ends in 7, the testing date is May 31.
  • If the vehicle is subject to semi-annual testing, the deadlines for periodic testing are May 31 and November 30.
  • If the inspection frequency is extended to quarterly, the vehicle would have testing deadlines of the last day of the month in May, August, November, and February.

 

HD I/M COMPLIANCE TEST PRACTICES

  • The sort of HD I/M compliance test required for a vehicle is determined on the engine’s model year (MY).

1. All OBD vehicles must pass the OBD compliance test:

  • Diesel engines from 2013 MY and newer, or hybrid systems with diesel engines from 2013 MY and newer.
  • 2018 model year alternative fuel engines or hybrid systems with 2018 model year alternative fuel engines.

2. Non-OBD vehicles (those with engines manufactured before 2013 MY):

  • Opacity test according to SAE J1667.
  • Visual and functional assessment of vehicle emissions control equipment.

 

COMPLIANCE TEST PRACTICES FOR OBD VEHICLES

The OBD test is performed with a testing device that meets CARB requirements.

  • Testing devices may include telematics dongles or scan tools.
  • This test will collect CARB-regulated OBD information to validate the vehicle’s emissions-related system is operating properly.
  • Emissions-related issues, such as an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) or an emissions-related diagnostic problem code, cannot be included in passing test submissions.

 

NON-OBD VEHICLE COMPLIANCE TEST

Please keep in mind that automobiles without on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems have different compliance test requirements than OBD-equipped vehicles. When issued a Notice to Submit to Testing as part of the Clean Truck Check, non-OBD vehicles must undertake the Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection (visual inspection) and a smoke opacity test using an SAE J1667-compatible smoke meter. When periodic testing requirements commence in 2024, these same compliance test requirements will apply to non-OBD vehicles.

Non-OBD vehicles are those with:

  • Diesel engines or diesel hybrid diesel engines from 2012 or earlier model years;
  • Alternative fuel engines or hybrid alternative fuel engines from 2017 or earlier model years;
  • Any on-road vehicle that has an off-road engine

More information on how to execute the visual inspection component of the non-OBD vehicle compliance test properly may be found in the “Information and Instructions for the Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection Form.”

 

WHO CAN PERFORM HD I/M COMPLIANCE TESTS?

  • A compliance test must be performed and submitted to CARB by a Credentialed HD I/M Tester
    • Only exception is for an OBD test submitted via a telematics service provider using a CARB-verified OBD test device.
  • Credentialed HD I/M Testers may be vehicle owners, fleet employees, or private for-hire Testers.

 

FAILURE TO COMPLY

If a vehicle owner fails to meet the HD I/M compliance criteria, they may be issued a ticket.

  • Failure to clear NST within the timeframe specified, failure to submit passing periodic tests by compliance deadlines, and so on.
  • Financial penalties may be imposed for violations.
  • Vehicles will be regarded non-compliant with the HD I/M rule until compliance issues have been remedied and corresponding penalties have been paid.
  • Non-compliant California vehicles will have their DMV registration suspended.
  • Citations must be resolved within the timeframe specified by CARB to prevent further financial penalties and possible removal from service.
  • In addition to passing an HD I/M compliance test, owners may need to engage with the CARB enforcement division to provide other vehicle documents, such as repair details and invoices, to clear a citation.

 

DRIVER OBLIGATIONS

 

CARB and other state enforcement agents will conduct roadside vehicle compliance checks.

  • If an in-person inspection is requested:
    • Drive the vehicle to the inspection location as directed by the inspector.
    • Provide evidence of driver’s license, car registration, and any other relevant papers.
    • Allow the inspector to inspect the vehicle by opening the car door and/or hood to the engine compartment.
  • Failure to allow for such an examination is a breach of the HD I/M Regulation and may result in enforcement action and fines.

 

BECOMING A CREDENTIALED HEAVY-DUTY I/M TESTER

  • Anyone who has completed the HD I/M Tester Training and passed the exam is qualified to perform HD I/M compliance tests.
  • After completing the HD I/M Tester exam, you will be given a Certificate of Completion and a unique tester ID number.
  • The HD I/M Tester certificate is valid for two years from the date of passing the test.

 

 

SUBMITTING TESTING RESULTS

  • All compliance tests described in the HD I/M Regulation must be performed by a Credentialed HD I/M Tester.
  • HD I/M Regulatory Language is available at https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/rulemaking/2021/hdim2021
  • OBD test submissions will be automatically posted to the HD I/M database electronically.
  • Non-OBD test submissions must be made directly to CARB through email.