EPA Blocks California Clean Truck Check for Out-of-State Trucks
Published Friday, January 30, 2026
On Jan. 27, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final decision denying California's heavy-duty inspection and maintenance regulation, or HD I/M, as it applies to vehicles registered out of state or out of the country.
The agency determined that California's Clean Truck Check program, which required all heavy-duty trucks entering the state to undergo periodic emissions testing and pay compliance fees, likely violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution by interfering with interstate trade. While EPA's ruling allows California to continue enforcing these requirements for in-state vehicles, it prevents the state from counting emissions reductions from out-of-state trucks toward federal air quality goals.
Staff contact: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com.
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