Carb Info

Overview of Diesel engine emission regulations

California air resource board, CARB, a department in the California State government, has the responsibility to oversee the air quality in California. CARB has identified and in most instances, has begun to regulate the sources of air pollution in the state.

In Construction, Trucking and Agricultural operations, emission standards apply to separate areas each with different regulations and time lines for the different types of equipment listed below:

On-road diesel trucks
Off-road diesel powered mobile equipment
Off-road diesel powered agricultural mobile equipment
Portable and Stationary units with diesel engines
LSI, (large spark ignition) forklifts

Each type of equipment has different guidelines and rules for compliance.

Whatever your diesel powered equipment, there are regulations you need to comply with, some have taken effect already, and the rest are taking effect presently and down the road. Not complying with these regulations can result in severe fines being issued to the owners of this equipment. The government expects that it is up to you to know and comply with these regulations. These regulations are complicated and we can help you get and stay in compliance. Additionally, sometimes it makes sense to change out some of your fleet to save money in the long run. We can help you decide if that is best. There are multiple grants established to help replace old equipment and we can help you.

On-road diesel trucks.

Trucks over 14,000 GVWR, with engines built before 2010 will need to be replaced either now or sometime in the near future. There are exemptions available depending on how the truck is used. Exempt trucks need to be registered with CARB.

Off-road diesel powered equipment.

Most off road equipment, except for equipment used in Ag, were all supposed to be registered with CARB by 2009. Depending on the size of your fleet, you are required to meet the engine standards now or in the near future. Off-road diesel powered mobile agricultural equipment is currently exempt from CARB regulations.

Portable and Stationary diesel powered equipment.

Most Portable and Stationary diesel powered equipment were all supposed to be registered with CARB by 2008. This equipment is regulated by local air districts and, with a few exceptions, need to comply with local regulations. The regulations require replacing older engines with new cleaner burning engines.

LSI, (large spark ignition) forklifts.

Fleets of 3 or more LSI forklifts are subject to regulations. Forklifts used exclusively for Ag are exempt from these regulations.

Please remember that this information is only a general guideline and that each operation is unique. To be sure that your equipment is either exempt or compliant, careful study of the CARB regulations is essential. Let us guide you smoothly through the process!