Periodic Smoke Inspection Program
The Periodic Smoke Inspection Program is an annual compliance requirement for California commercial fleets, stating that all qualifying vehicles have annual smoke opacity test, and that the smoke test records are maintained for at least two years, and are available for audit by California's Air Resources Board. Failure to comply can result in a penalty fine of $500.00 per vehicle, per year. The state of California is serious about clean air and their enforcement division has grown considerably over the last year. Stiff fines for non-compliance are issued monthly and are documented on California's Air Resource website.
ENFORCEMENT OF CALIFORNIA'S PERIODIC SMOKE INSPECTION PROGRAM (PSIP)
Since October 1, 1999, owners of California-based fleets have had to comply with all of the following:
All heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles that are 6,000 lbs. GVWR or greater in fleets of two or more (except those equipped with engines that are four years old or less and those vehicles used exclusively for personal use, such as motor homes), must be tested annually with a smoke opacity meter according to the SAE J1667 specifications and test procedures;
All heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles must meet the applicable opacity standards of 55% for pre-1991 engines and 40% for 1991 and newer engines;
All heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles determined to be in non-compliance must be promptly repaired and brought into compliance; and,
For each vehicle, records of the initial opacity test, repair information, post-repair opacity results, and meter calibration must be maintained for at least two years.
The ARB has the authority to audit the inspection records of all heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles at the owner/operator designated fleet location and to test vehicles for compliance. To keep your fleet in compliance and avoid legal action and pay costly penalties, you must adhere to Section 2194, Title 13, California Code of Regulations, which states the following:
(a) The owner of a vehicle subject to the requirements of this chapter shall record the following information when performing the smoke opacity testing:
- The brand name and model of the opacity meter.
- The date of the last calibration of the opacity meter must be within manufacturer specifications (it is recommended that meters be calibrated at a minimum of once every 6 months).
- The name of the smoke meter operator who conducted the test.
- The name and address of the contracted smoke test facility or vehicle repair facility that conducted the test (if applicable).
- The applicable smoke opacity standard for the tested vehicle.
- Vehicle identification number, vehicle engine year, engine make/model, and test date. Fleet designated vehicle identification numbers are also acceptable.
- The initial smoke test opacity levels (for three successive test readings.)
- An indication of whether the vehicle passed or failed the initial smoke test.
- The post-repair test date.
- The post-repair smoke test opacity levels (for three successive test readings.)
- An indication of whether the vehicle passed or failed the post-repair smoke test.
- For vehicles that have failed the smoke test and have been repaired, the vehicle repair information specified in Section 2186(a), Title 13, California Code of Regulations. ED - Form #075 (Rev. 07/04)
A smoke emissions test printout that includes the above information provides more accurate documentation for ARB Audits. Documentation that does not include the required information may be considered invalid.
Beginning July 1, 1999, SAE J1243 smoke opacity meters became obsolete. Any smoke test performed with a SAE J1243 smoke opacity meter on or after January 1, 1999 is invalid.
NEW CHANGES TO SMOG CHECK (INCLUSION OF DIESEL VEHICLES
Beginning January 1st, 2010, Assembly Bill 1488 (Mendoza) requires diesel vehicles (passenger cars and trucks) manufactured after model year 1997 with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 14,000 pounds or less to be included in the California Smog Check Program. The Smog Check Program is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) and requires vehicles to receive a biennial Smog Check. The Smog Check is required for the registration of the vehicle by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At the time of the Smog Check a "Vehicle Inspection Report" (VIR) will be issued to those vehicles which are examined. A passing VIR is required for the registration of the vehicle in the year the vehicle is required to be SMOG checked.
For January 1, 2010 through October 21, 2010 a passing VIR will be accepted in lieu of an annual PSIP smoke test for those years when a Smog Check by BAR is required for DMV registration requirements or change of ownership.
As this pertains to the PSIP, starting October 21, 2010 all heavy duty diesel powered vehicles registered in California with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,000 pounds and above with engines that are over 4 years old are subject to annual PSIP inspections and record keeping requirements (13 CCR 2190 et seq.) UNLESS they meet one to the following exclusions:
1. If you own a 1998 and newer diesel powered vehicle garaged in an air quality non-attainment area of the state with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds or less, you are NOT subject to the requirements of the PSIP any longer. You ARE subject to biennial smog check inspections.
If you own a 1998 and newer diesel powered vehicle garaged in an air quality attainment area of the state with a GVWR of 14,000 pounds or less, you are NOT subject to biennial smog check inspections but you ARE required to have a passing PSIP inspection on a BIENNIAL BASIS. Vehicles with a VIN ending in an odd number will be tested during years ending with and odd number and vehicles with VINs ending with an even number will be tested during years ending with an even number.
If you own a 1997 model year or earlier diesel powered vehicle with a GVWR between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds you are still subject to the ANNUAL PSIP inspection and record keeping requirements. These changes were approved at the October 2010 public hearing of the ARB and are pending approval by the Office of Administrative Law and promulgation by the Secretary of State to become final. This is anticipated to occur in the 4th quarter of 2011.
Penalties:
Applicable civil penalties under the Health and Safety Code and California Code of Regulations will be assessed for violations. Case settlements are posted and can be viewed on CARB's website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/casesett.htm
On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (In-Use) Regulation
2011 Truck & Bus Regulations Summary
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info@ca-diesel.com
