FAQ
Find answers to common questions about CARB testing, bookings, and platform features.
For Truck Owners
How do I book a CARB test?
You can search for certified testers in your area using the Find Testers page. Filter by distance, price, and availability. Once you find a suitable tester, click Book Now and select a convenient time slot.
What is a Mobile Tester?
Mobile testers are certified technicians who can travel to your truck's location to perform the required emissions testing, saving you time and compliance hassle.
What happens if my truck fails the test?
If your truck fails the emissions test, the tester will provide a report detailing the issues. You will need to repair the vehicle and schedule a re-test.
How long does a test take?
A standard CARB compliance test usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the truck and testing environment.
Do I need Clean Truck Check if I only drive in California occasionally?
Most heavy-duty diesel vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds that operate in California must comply, even if registered out of state. If your truck enters California for commerce, you likely need CTC-VIS registration and periodic testing. Check CARB’s “who needs to comply” guidance on arb.ca.gov for your specific scenario.
What is the difference between OBD and smoke opacity testing?
Clean Truck Check uses OBD-based inspections for many newer diesel engines (commonly 2013 model year and newer) and smoke opacity testing for older engines. The required test type for your VIN appears in CTC-VIS. Only a CARB credentialed tester can perform either method and submit results electronically.
Where do I find my testing due date?
Log in to the Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. Each registered vehicle shows its compliance status, fee payment history, and assigned testing window. CARB assigns windows based on registration data—do not rely on generic calendar dates from forums.
Can any diesel shop perform my Clean Truck Check test?
No. Only testers credentialed under CARB’s Clean Truck Check program may perform compliance inspections and submit pass/fail results to CTC-VIS. General repair shops without credentialing cannot satisfy the requirement, even if they perform diesel diagnostics.
What should I bring to my emissions test appointment?
Bring vehicle registration, proof of CTC-VIS enrollment, and any prior test reports if retesting after a failure. For OBD tests, ensure dash lamps related to emissions systems are not illuminated. Testers need access to the cab and may inspect visible exhaust components during opacity tests.
Does paying the CARB compliance fee mean I am compliant?
No. The annual state compliance fee (commonly cited at $32.13 per vehicle—verify current amount on arb.ca.gov) registers your obligation in CTC-VIS, but you must also pass the required emissions test within your due window. Fee payment alone does not create compliant status.
How soon do test results appear in CTC-VIS?
After a credentialed tester completes the inspection, results are submitted electronically to CARB. Most passes appear in CTC-VIS within a short processing window, though timing can vary. If results seem delayed, contact your tester first—they can confirm submission status.
For Fleets
How do fleet managers track compliance across many trucks?
Use CTC-VIS as the system of record: export or review each VIN’s status, due window, and fee payment history. Many fleets assign one compliance owner who checks CTC-VIS weekly and maintains a spreadsheet keyed to VIN and due date. Zurfex helps schedule tests in bulk, but official compliance status always lives in CTC-VIS.
Can we schedule multiple trucks at one location?
Yes. Mobile credentialed testers often visit yards, terminals, or distribution centers and test several units in sequence. When booking on Zurfex, coordinate with the tester on how many trucks you need tested and expected time per unit—typically 30–45 minutes each.
What happens if one truck in our fleet fails?
A failed unit must be repaired and retested within CARB timelines before it returns to compliant status. Non-compliant vehicles can trigger registration holds and enforcement. Isolate failed trucks from revenue routes until CTC-VIS shows a passing result. See CARB guidance on arb.ca.gov for retest requirements.
Should we test all units at once or spread across the window?
Spread testing across your CTC-VIS window rather than batching every unit in the final month. Prioritize tractors with the nearest due dates, units approaching DMV registration renewal, and trucks showing maintenance lights that could fail OBD inspections. This reduces downtime risk if multiple units fail.
Do out-of-state tractors in our fleet need Clean Truck Check?
If a heavy-duty diesel vehicle with GVWR over 14,000 pounds operates in California—even when plated elsewhere—it generally must register in CTC-VIS and complete periodic testing. Interstate fleets should register each unit that enters California and monitor due windows per VIN. Confirm specifics on arb.ca.gov.
How should we budget for Clean Truck Check annually?
Budget per truck for: (1) CARB’s state compliance fee paid in CTC-VIS, (2) credentialed tester fees (market rates, often $60–$350 per inspection on Zurfex), and (3) contingency for repairs and retests after failures. Quarterly testing phase-in may increase inspection frequency—see CARB’s timeline on arb.ca.gov.
Can we assign different staff roles for compliance on Zurfex?
Fleet accounts can coordinate bookings across multiple users depending on your organization’s setup. Compliance ownership should still map to one person monitoring CTC-VIS, because Zurfex facilitates testing appointments but does not replace CARB’s official compliance records.
For Testers
How do I become a CARB credentialed Clean Truck Check tester?
CARB credentials testers through its official program—not through Zurfex. Apply via CARB’s Clean Truck Check tester credentialing process on arb.ca.gov, meet equipment and training requirements, and maintain your credential in good standing. Once credentialed, you can create a tester profile on Zurfex to receive bookings.
How do I sign up as a tester on Zurfex?
Visit the Become a Tester page and complete the signup flow. You will need proof of CARB credentialing, service area information, pricing, and availability. Zurfex verifies credential status before your profile goes live to truck owners searching for testers.
When do testers get paid on Zurfex?
Payments are processed through Stripe. Funds are held in escrow until you complete the test and submit results to the CARB database. After successful submission, payout follows your connected Stripe account schedule.
Can I offer mobile testing through Zurfex?
Yes. Many credentialed testers offer mobile service and set travel fees or minimums in their Zurfex profile. Indicate mobile availability, service radius, and any surcharges so fleet customers can compare options accurately.
What equipment do I need for Clean Truck Check testing?
CARB defines approved equipment for OBD and opacity test methods as part of credentialing. Requirements include calibrated OBD interfaces or opacity meters, data submission capability, and adherence to CARB test procedures. Full equipment lists are on arb.ca.gov under Clean Truck Check tester resources.
How do I submit test results after an inspection?
Credentialed testers submit pass/fail results electronically through CARB’s systems as part of the Clean Truck Check workflow—not through Zurfex directly. Zurfex tracks booking completion; official compliance records update in CTC-VIS after CARB processes your submission.
Can I set my own prices on Zurfex?
Yes. Tester fees are market-set, not regulated by CARB. You control your pricing on Zurfex based on test type, location, mobile service, and fleet volume. Transparent pricing helps owner-operators and fleets compare and book confidently.
About Clean Truck Check
What is Clean Truck Check?
Clean Truck Check is California’s Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) program administered by CARB. It requires periodic emissions testing for most heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California, with compliance tracked in CTC-VIS. It is separate from passenger-car smog check programs.
Is Clean Truck Check the same as smog check for cars?
No. Clean Truck Check targets heavy-duty commercial vehicles, uses OBD or smoke opacity methods suited to diesel powertrains, and runs through CTC-VIS and credentialed testers—not the STAR smog network used for light-duty passenger vehicles.
What is CTC-VIS?
CTC-VIS (Clean Truck Check Vehicle Inspection System) is CARB’s online portal where owners register vehicles, pay state compliance fees, view testing due dates, and see pass/fail status. Access it at cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. It is the authoritative source for your compliance status.
How often must trucks be tested?
Most operators currently follow annual testing cycles assigned in CTC-VIS. CARB is phasing in more frequent testing for many fleets, with quarterly requirements expanding through October 2027 per program announcements on arb.ca.gov. Check your VIN’s schedule in CTC-VIS for the exact frequency.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Non-compliant vehicles can face registration holds with DMV, roadside enforcement, and civil penalties under CARB authority. Penalty amounts and enforcement policies are defined in CARB regulations—see arb.ca.gov for current penalty schedules rather than relying on outdated third-party lists.
Are any vehicles exempt from Clean Truck Check?
Some low-use, specialty, or alternative-fuel vehicles may qualify for exemptions or different treatment under CARB rules. Exemption criteria change through regulatory updates. Review CARB’s exemption FAQs on arb.ca.gov and confirm in CTC-VIS before assuming a unit is out of scope.
Does routine shop maintenance replace Clean Truck Check testing?
No. Diesel PM services, oil changes, and general inspections do not substitute for CARB compliance testing. You must complete the required test type on schedule through a credentialed tester, with results recorded in CTC-VIS.
About Zurfex
How are payments handled?
Payments are securely processed through Stripe. Funds are held in escrow until the test is completed and uploaded to the CARB database.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What is Zurfex?
Zurfex is a marketplace operated by Zurfex LLC that connects truck owners and fleets with independent CARB credentialed emissions testers. You can search testers by location, compare pricing and reviews, and book mobile or fixed-site Clean Truck Check testing online.
Does Zurfex administer the Clean Truck Check program?
No. CARB administers Clean Truck Check and CTC-VIS. Zurfex is a private booking platform that helps you find and schedule credentialed testers. Registration, fee payment, and official compliance status remain in CTC-VIS on arb.ca.gov.
Do I need a Zurfex account to find testers?
You can browse testers on the Find Testers page. Signing in lets you save vehicles, receive protocol-matched quotes, and complete bookings. Creating an account is free for truck owners seeking compliance testing.
How do I contact Zurfex support?
Use the Contact page at zurfex.com/support/contact or email support@zurfex.com for booking, payment, or account questions. For official Clean Truck Check rules, fee disputes, or CTC-VIS access issues, contact CARB directly through arb.ca.gov.
Is my payment information secure on Zurfex?
Yes. Zurfex uses Stripe for payment processing. Card details are handled by Stripe’s PCI-compliant infrastructure—not stored on Zurfex servers. Escrow holds funds until the tester completes the inspection and submits results.
Can I leave a review for my tester?
After a completed booking, you can rate and review your tester on Zurfex. Reviews help other truck owners and fleets choose reliable credentialed testers in their area.