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Air Resources Board Enforcing Smoke Inspection Program on Heavy Duty Fleets

Owners with California-based fleets are now required to have annual smoke opacity tests on heavy-duty, diesel-powered vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 6,000 lbs.

The Air Resources Board (ARB) implemented the program on July 1, 1998, and will require California-based fleets to comply with the following Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP) requirements by October 1, 1999:

• Complete annual test with an ARB-approved smoke opacity meter on all heavy-duty, diesel-powered vehicles, except those with engines four years old or newer, or those used exclusively for personal use such as motor homes.

• Conduct smoke opacity tests according to the SAEJ1667 test procedure designated by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a snap idle test done in neutral, available from ARB upon request.

• Meet applicable opacity standards of 55 percent for pre-1991 engines and 40 percent for 1991 and newer engines.

• Repair and bring into compliance all heavy-duty, diesel-powered vehicles determined to be out of compliance.

• Maintain for at least two years, records of opacity tests, repair information, and post-repair opacity tests for each vehicle.

ARB has authority to audit all heavy-duty, diesel-powered inspection records at owner/operator-designated fleet locations and to test vehicles for compliance. ARB is currently conducting the audits and will implement them on an enforcement basis by October 1, 1999.

In addition to the PSIP, ARB randomly administers the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection Program (HDVIP) at roadside CHP truck inspection facilities and resumed enforcement activities on that mandatory program last year after SAEJ1667 standards were set.

Both programs are designed to reduce excessive smoke emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, and are required under California Health and Safety Code Sections 44011.6 and 43701(a). Additionally, Title 13, Section 2180 and Section 2190 et seq. of the California Code of Regulations specify the test procedures, standards, and applicable penalties for non-compliance.

Fleet maintenance personnel are encouraged to attend California Council on Diesel Education and Technology (CCDET) training programs, which are offered through an educational partnership cosponsored by government, private industry, and the California community colleges. The programs offer training on how to comply with the two smoke-testing programs.

For more information on the programs, contact ARB offices in Northern California at (916) 322-7061 or in Southern California at (626) 450-6161, or visit ARB's website at http://www.arb.ca.gov/