The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has issued an enforcement reminder letter for vehicles subject to the Truck and Bus Regulation that have year-end clean-up requirements. The letter reminds fleets that heavier vehicles with 2000 to 2004 model year engines that they must have verified soot filters and/or upgrades to newer vehicles by January 1, 2013. Similar requirements for vehicles with 1996 to 1999 model year engines became effective earlier this year. Vehicles may also be eligible for certain flexibility options.

The letter can be found at:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/pdfs/enf-tb-letter2.pdf

ARB intends to promptly enforce the January 1, 2013 requirements.

Non-compliant vehicles may not be operated in California and will be assessed penalties that start at a minimum of $1,000 per violation per month and increase significantly over time. Do not delay in taking action to clean up your fleet – the installation of a PM filter may take a month or longer to accomplish; however, you may be able to significantly reduce penalties by taking action now.