CARB Law Takes Effect in California

On January 1st, 2023, the latest California Air Resources Board (CARB) Law goes into effect, affecting heavy diesel trucks and buses. The regulation states that commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicles Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14,001 lbs and above must be powered by an engine with a model year of EMY 2010 or newer. Just like with any law, there are some exceptions, options, and exemptions.  

For a tow company, it means that they will have to replace or retrofit their diesel-powered vehicles with ones having an engine and emissions control system that is at least a model year 2010 or newer. Since this applies to any diesel powered vehicle above 14,000 pounds, even their light duty trucks will need to be replaced. 

According to TIW business editor Brian Riker: “Although this regulation has been in place for many years, and it is now in its most recent phase, this latest CARB change has really hurt the trucking industry, and towers, especially with replacement vehicles being hard to source currently and when you can find one, they are way overpriced. Many towing equipment distributors are still 9-12 months out on delivering a new tow truck after it is ordered, leaving all the folks that waited until the last minute to upgrade their fleet in California scrambling for a suitable replacement.” 

Source: tfltruck.com/Source: Brian J. Riker, Tow Industry Week