Update and clarification on CARB and diesel motorhomes operating in Ca from FCOC

[Rich W.]

Freightliner Chassis Owners Club sent this by email this morning. Knowing how things really operate in California I think some of the claims by CARB on enforcement are BS/scare tactics but their intent is ominous none the less. For your reading pleasure:

 

[Jabber Jaw]

Hmm.....Guess I will NEVER venture into California!!
And those of you that live there and have to endure such "BS", You have my sympathy!
Also, they want to penalize those that would consider visiting California! WOW!!
CARB should stand for (C)razy (A)nd (R)idiculous (B)uttholes!!!!!!!!

 

[Scooterfan]

The above seems to imply the new regulations do not apply to diesel motorhomes older than (SAY) 15 years. Hmmm...been eyeing some circa 2007 Country Coach's and kind of put it on hold when I first read the new CARB compliance nonsense. The craziness in CA is even worse than you might imagine unless you live here. I am buying a weed whacker for use way down the road because our libtard bureaucrats have threatened to outlaw them. Honda will no longer sell gas weed whackers in CA. The price we pay for weather Blessings

 

[redbaron]

I don't know how CA could enforce a coach that I own as a resident of another state, using the federal highway system.

They may be able to enforce if I want to venture off the federal highway, but even that is suspect.

I think the reality of Carb is that residents of CA will have to adhere to it, even if they have a MT or SD registation. Showing a drivers license from out of state will most likely be the key that lets the rest of us ignore the CARB.

 

[redbaron]

Update: I went to the website and registered. After getting an account, I then went to add a vehicle. As I thought, I was able to claim exemption being a NON-CA Motorhome.

I didn't use any real information, but was able to complete the process all the way thru and received a validation email.

I don't plan on traveling thru CA anytime soon, but if I where to do so, I wouldn't bother doing anything with the registration or trip planning any different than the remaining 47 lower states. As stated earlier, this really only applies to those that live within the state of CA.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

My bride and I already removed California from our travel list - as they would not approve our request for a permit to travel with our coach and trailer (extra length).
This just seals the deal.
The only way we have visited CA and can do so in the future will be to drive the RV close to CA, then take the car across the CA border.
Unlike FL, they seem to want to discourage tourism.

 

[Crazydog]

I seriously doubt CA is going to post law enforcement at EVERY road, highway or freeway that enters the state. Stopping and checking every RV, that would be impossible.
Scare tactics is all this is.

 

[mjeds]

I seriously doubt CA is going to post law enforcement at EVERY road, highway or freeway that enters the state. Stopping and checking every RV, that would be impossible.
Scare tactics is all this is.

they already have permanent immigration check points along several highways and alongside those are typically scales check points for semi's, that infrastructure is already in place and will be what is used to enforce this.

I towed my 26ft Travel Trailer from CA to CO and back and got stopped by CHP both times at scales for a weight certification test to be sure I was within the tow rating of my vehicle.

this is another CA cash grab and they will do anything to grab that cash.

 

[Diesel Pusher]

This CARB website Overview Fact Sheet-Clean Truck Check | California Air Resources Board contradicts the information in the FCOC letter. The CARB fact sheet clearly shows "Motorhomes registered out of California" as ".....not subject to the regulation" So, who are we to believe?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

None of you seem to pay attention to anything happening in the real world!

When I was young, California was known for their hippie communities. Sadly those hippies mostly found their way into the establishment they fought against!

Those were the days!!!

Anyhow, they would have rejoiced with the decision SCOTUS made concerning Chevron just a short while ago!!!

I have no sympathy for those that Will allow government to brake the law!!!

Just saying!!!

 

[Crazydog]

they already have permanent immigration check points along several highways and alongside those are typically scales check points for semi's, that infrastructure is already in place and will be what is used to enforce this.

I towed my 26ft Travel Trailer from CA to CO and back and got stopped by CHP both times at scales for a weight certification test to be sure I was within the tow rating of my vehicle.

this is another CA cash grab and they will do anything to grab that cash.

Yeah? I call BS because how many THOUSANDS of RV's and travel trailers go by these "checkpoints" every day?
They are not going to stop recreational RVers for weight checks.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Yeah? I call BS because how many THOUSANDS of RV's and travel trailers go by these "checkpoints" every day?
They are not going to stop recreational RVers for weight checks.

Not BS!!!
Back in the day a cop drove by trucks and determined over weight, just by how the tires sung! Any suspect was routed to the scale. Today in motion scales
will do the job.

Border check points are only a means to stop you for many different mandate violations. Aircraft are what is used to find unsuspecting travelers!

Things will change drastically, when people realize the difference between the words driver and traveler!

If you did a survey on just these forum goers, they wouldn't know!!!

 

[mjeds]

Yeah? I call BS because how many THOUSANDS of RV's and travel trailers go by these "checkpoints" every day?
They are not going to stop recreational RVers for weight checks.

They do. not all, but those they think are at or over the tow capacity of their vehicles, I am very close, doesn't surprise me I was stopped.

Also, those that have mis-matched license plates like me. CO plates on the Trailer, CA plates on the car

 

[mjeds]

Not BS!!!
Back in the day a cop drove by trucks and determined over weight, just by how the tires sung! Any suspect was routed to the scale. Today in motion scales
will do the job.

Border check points are only a means to stop you for many different mandate violations. Aircraft are what is used to find unsuspecting travelers!

Things will change drastically, when people realize the difference between the words driver and traveler!

If you did a survey on just these forum goers, they wouldn't know!!!

SCOTUS has struck down that Traveler non-sense many times.

They have made it clear that yes, we have a right to "travel" across the USA and the Federal Government has no jurisdiction to enforce traffic laws, mandate vehicle registration or driver licensing, those tasks are left to the individual states, and the States have the right to enforce Vehicle Codes, require drivers' licenses, insurance and vehicle registration as well require inspections of vehicles within their State's borders.

a person can travel freely and not be hindered in said traveling by Federal Authorities, but they do not have the right to drive unlicensed or in an unregistered vehicle if the State they are traveling through has laws or mandates.

This is what make CA CARB legal and gives them the right to inspect.

This is why each state has different licensing and vehicle registration requirements and there is no Federal Driver's License or Vehicle Requirements for privately owned and operated vehicles, commercial vehicles/drivers have a whole different set of requirements on the State and Federal Level. because they are "for hire" and cross state lines.

 

[Rich W.]

Yes this is the latest - guess the earlier version was just wishful thinking on the part of the CARB folks.

 

[flyboy013]

Well that's still not completely accurate. The CARB website states that motorhomes registered out-of-state "are only [exempt] during the first four years of Clean Truck Check implementation (2023-2027)". So both Freightliner notices were accurate some degree ... but they seem to be missing vital clarifying information.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

One thing for sure!!
REGARDLESS of the CARB publication, or otherwise, CALIFORNIA does not have to worry about me crossing the border into their State! SAD, because there is so much beauty there to be seen!
And probably, most could care less, if I go, or if I don't!
There 49 other States to see and enjoy! And I'm so old the pages of time turn faster than my ability to travel!
Safe travels to all!

Allan

 

[Scooterfan]

Another Newscum delusion...In a State that enjoyed a budget surplus but now faces severe deficits, they enact a regulation that may affect tourism (income). Enforcement will cost more than revenue from compliance, and the air will not change as a result. RV'ers provide communities substantial revenue and yet that industry is not promoted and/or supported.

REGARDLESS of the CARB publication, or otherwise, CALIFORNIA does not have to worry about me crossing the border into their State!

Others have expressed the same sentiment and that means one less "camper" spending money for an RV park, fuel, provisions, and tourism. We just contributed to the Oregon RV parks, restaurants, gas stations, Fred Meyers (gotta love Fred Meyers ) and curio stores in Bandon Beach, Coos Bay and Florence. And they were happy to have us! Each CA County has a clean air board...we do not need another money pit like CARB. Just my humble opinion. Blessings

 

[Diesel Pusher]

Well that's still not completely accurate. The CARB website states that motorhomes registered out-of-state "are only [exempt] during the first four years of Clean Truck Check implementation (2023-2027)". So both Freightliner notices were accurate some degree ... but they seem to be missing vital clarifying information.

I don't know how much more clear this could be? Diesel motorhomes not registered in California are EXEMPT! California cannot regulate diesel motorhomes registered in other states and especially those snowbirding from Canada.

By FMCA Governmental And Legislative Affairs Committee
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) — part of California Environmental Protection Agency — has implemented the Clean Truck Check. This directly regulates nearly all diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds that operate on California roads. The regulation includes motorhomes registered in the state but exempts those registered outside the state.

In response to RVers’ concerns, FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee contacted CARB for more information on the impact of the regulations. Owners of diesel motorhomes registered in California must register with CARB and pay a $30 annual fee prior to operating their coach in the state. Motorhomes may be registered at https://cleantruckcheck.arb.ca.gov. The compliance fee requirement started in 2023, and the deadline to pay the fee for 2023 was January 31, 2024.
Owners need to take steps to register the vehicle to avoid a DMV registration block on the vehicle and to avoid penalties.

Beginning October 1, 2024, emissions compliance testing requirements take effect.

Owners of California-registered motorhomes are required to submit to emissions compliance testing once annually. Deadlines ultimately will align with the vehicle’s DMV registration date, but this may vary from the 2024 compliance deadline. In 2024, all vehicles will have a compliance deadline between July 1 and December 31, 2024. Testing cannot be completed more than 90 days prior to your compliance date.

Our research has indicated that at press time, some California Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employees were unaware of the program and thus may not be able to provide motorhome owners information. The DMV does, however, receive hold orders from CARB for those trying to renew a registration on a non-compliant vehicle in California. Penalties can be up to $10,000 per vehicle per day.

CARB publications are a bit difficult to decipher. FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee members have been researching this program for many weeks and finally received the above interpretation of applicability directly from CARB.

For more information, visit ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/CTC or contact the CARB directly at [email protected].

 

[Rich W.]

That all seems quite accurate. As I was unable to pay the compliance fee on line due to their dysfunctional website, I stopped at the DMV and they said they have no control over it and yes there is a hold on my registration. I called CARB and the automated response invited me to leave a message and advised that there are (no exaggeration here) 1,436 callers ahead of me - I could hold or wait for a call back.

An email response directed me back to the dysfunctional website that didn’t work in the first place. I told them this was an inadequate response so a second email directed me to a you tube how-to video of the dysfunctional website narrated by someone who clearly only speaks English as a second or third language. I couldn’t understand any of it but it didn’t matter since it was the same website that doesn’t work anyway. Fun times…