So You Got the Notice From CARB...
- Nathan Ament
- Feb 4
- 2 min read

Got a CARB Clean Truck Check Notice? It probably only gave you a few days too huh...
Here's Your Game Plan
Hey truckers! Let's talk about something that might be giving you a headache right now - CARB's Clean Truck Check program. If you've gotten a Notice to Submit to Testing (NST), you might be feeling frustrated, especially if you think there's been a mistake. But don't sweat it - I'm going to walk you through exactly what you can do about it.
First off, know this: you've got rights, and you've got options. While CARB's program plays an important role in keeping our air clean, sometimes the system flags trucks that are actually running just fine. Let's break down what you can do if you disagree with their assessment.
Why You Might Want to Appeal
Listen, there are several solid reasons why your truck might have been flagged by mistake:
Maybe there was a glitch during testing - it happens! Technical equipment isn't perfect, and sometimes the readings just aren't right. If you've got documentation from your testing facility showing different results, that's gold for your appeal.
Did you just sink some money into fixing your emissions system? Those repair receipts in your glovebox? They're not just taking up space - they could be your ticket to clearing this up.
Sometimes it's as simple as wrong info in CARB's system. Maybe they've got your truck's details mixed up with someone else's. It happens more often than you'd think.
Making Your Appeal Count
Here's your step-by-step roadmap to fighting that notice:
Get your paperwork in order. Round up every receipt, maintenance record, or test result that backs up your case. The more evidence you've got, the stronger your position.
Ring up CARB's Heavy-Duty I/M team. They're the folks who can tell you exactly what hoops you need to jump through. You can find them through CARB's website.
File that appeal like a pro. Follow their instructions to the letter, whether they want you to mail it in or submit it online.
Then comes the waiting game. CARB will review everything and get back to you.
Need Some Backup?
That's where we come in at Northern California Diesel Testing. We know these regulations inside and out, and we're here to help you get this sorted. Our team can run a complete check on your emissions system to see what's really going on. And if we do find something that needs fixing? We'll get you back on the road and compliant as quickly as possible.
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