Back in 2021 we wrote about mandatory diesel emissions testing that California was cooking up. Come October 1, this year, those new rules are more than just talk: The diesel engine testing rules are kicking in. If you have a diesel engine, will you be affected?
“Heavy-duty” is the operative phrase
First, the new rules apply to what the California Air Resources Board (CARB) defines as “heavy-duty” vehicles. The “heavy” means any diesel-powered rig that scales in at 14,000 pounds or more. If you pull your RV with a pickup, you’re not affected. However, big diesel motorhome owners may well be hit by the diesel engine testing rules. If you have a heavy-duty diesel rig registered in California, you’ve probably already received a card in the mail telling you about the requirements you’ll be facing.
What about non-residents?
But what about non-California big diesel rig owners? What happens when you cross the border into the Golden State? Will you have issues with CARB’s diesel engine testing rules? When CARB took up the issue earlier, there was no exemption. At that time, heavy-duty rigs would all have to have popped into a testing center to be checked out for compliance with California’s new law.
When we originally wrote about this topic, we did issue a prediction: “The big issue for non-residents will be – will they/won’t they get an ‘exemption.’ Already the RV industry is pushing for it to happen. And if California’s economy wants tourist dollars, odds would seem likely it will happen. But as with anything other than death and taxes, nothing is certain.”
Evidently the lure of out-of-state RVers and their motorhomes full of cash won out. Buried deep in an obscure CARB web page is a list of exemptions. Included: “motorhomes” registered out of state are free from inspection requirements. That exemption doesn’t apply to other heavy-duty non-resident rigs.
And if you are a Californian
For those who own a heavy-duty motorhome registered in California, you’ll have to jump through the hoops of diesel engine testing rules. Once a year your rig will need to be tested and, of course, there’s another little “kick in the pants as you go out the door.” You’ll see a $30 annual fee added to the privilege of owning a heavy-duty motorhome in California.
Want more information? You can read the full-monty details in our earlier story. CARB also has a web page that’s a bit short on details, here.
##RVT1124b
RV owners are not the problem, here. Imagine if all the out of state truckers decided to have a complete boycott on deliveries to California if they are all subject to Californias unjust laws. It would cripple the State.
RVers I am sure will get a by in this but I dread what might h happen to shoes wanting to eat and build things etc in California.
Or worse, if no truckers show up at the docks to haul away all those full cargo containers impacting the entire U.S.
If I was a long haul trucker I would think twice before taking a load in or out of the state.
The Golden State will now be known as the gold gathering state as they attempt to empty your pockets of any gold you may have
California continues to cripple itself by re-electing the people that come up with this nonsense. Whatchya gonna do when the truck traffic slows to a crawl. and everything in CA costs twice as much as the states next door?
They move to my state and start voting for the people who come up with the same nonsense here.
I fled California 25 years ago because the writing was on the wall.
“everything in CA costs twice as much as the states next door?” It already does!
I avoid California like the plague. My dad was stationed there in the navy from 1969 to 1971 (San Diego), and 1973 to 1975 (Alameda), and we haven’t been back since. It’s just gotten worse and worse, and under Newsom it’s becoming like a 3rd world dictatorship. The entire West Coast is falling into similar patterns. So, no matter how beautiful the mountains and other natural attractions might be…no thanks.
You ain’t seen anything yet. Wait till Newsom gets elected POTUS. Don’t kid yourselves, it’s his goal and sad to say he could very well achieve it. Lord help us then.
This is so funny. I hate it for the hard working Golden Staters that just want to live in freedom and have a safe comfortable lifestyle but watching the controlled demise if an entire state is getting laughable. How can California ever rally back? Oh yeah, here’s an idea, if your in a hole, quit digging. Problem solved. Simply quit voting for more shovels. My guess, they won’t quit digging so grab the popcorn and enjoy the the real time view of the managed decline of a once great civilization. In the 2nd quarter of the game, an impending doom loop should emerge. The 3rd quarter will inevably see dystopia on the field and in the 4th quarter, Escape From Los Angeles Redux, real time.
All I can add is the governor better electrify all of its developed state campgrounds. Most all are dry campsites, with limited restroom and shower facilities. New electric generators of 25hp or less are already banned for sale in California. Where is all this so called zero emission electricity supposed to come from?
The way you vote has consequences. Unfortunately here in Ca, we have not learned from such mistakes. SMH
Yet another reason to avoid California. @@
True
Another reason among many. I don’t even want to transition through any of their airports.
I thought there were federal laws in place to keep one state laws effecting others in other states? California is becoming an island that no one wants to go to. I don’t need to spend any of my money there!
Well, thank you. We got a card in the mail a while back. Said “you may have to..”, no mention of motorhome(s). Husband threw it out. Used your links and we need an inspection by next August. The CARB website is the worse, especially the info on certified testers. I’ve lived here all but 18 mos of my 74 yrs, my husband all but 4 yrs of his 79. We are so close to leaving for many reasons other than this. My Mom is 95, so can’t really leave yet. If not for my Mom, we would probably leave 2 of our kids w/4 of our grandchildren and follow our son who moved to Texas with his family last year. Extremely happy with the freedom he has vs living in California. Wish the truckers would boycott
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Rats! I was all ready to boycott California, but they made an exception before my first westward trip sans California. Oh well, I’m sure that the longer I wait to travel there, the more likely they, especially CARB, will tick me off; after all, it’s California.
And not one member who sits on the CARB is elected; classic taxation without representation.