Question 1

What is a smoke-opacity test?

Accepted Answer

A smoke-opacity test uses an SAE J1667-compatible smoke meter during a prescribed snap-acceleration procedure to measure the opacity of diesel exhaust. For a Clean Truck Check non-OBD compliance test, the opacity test is accompanied by the Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection.

Question 2

Which vehicles are generally assigned a non-OBD opacity and visual inspection?

Accepted Answer

Diesel vehicles with 2012-and-older engine model years are generally assigned a non-OBD smoke-opacity test and Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection. Diesel vehicles with 2013-and-newer engine model years are generally assigned an OBD test, which Up in Smoke Smoke Testing does not currently advertise or offer.

Question 3

What about vehicles with off-road engines?

Accepted Answer

Some subject vehicles equipped with off-road engines may be assigned opacity and visual testing regardless of engine model year. The test type and due date shown in the vehicle owner's CTC-VIS account control.

Question 4

Which vehicles does Clean Truck Check generally apply to?

Accepted Answer

Clean Truck Check generally applies to subject heavy-duty diesel and alternative-fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds that operate on California public roads.

Question 5

Are alternative-fuel vehicles smoke tested?

Accepted Answer

Alternative-fuel non-OBD vehicles may be subject to a visual inspection but are not subject to the smoke-opacity portion of the test. Up in Smoke Smoke Testing does not market smoke-opacity testing to alternative-fuel vehicles.

Question 6

How often is testing required?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles subject to semiannual testing generally demonstrate compliance every six months. Qualifying agricultural vehicles and certain California-registered motorhomes may have annual testing requirements. Always use the test type and due date shown in CTC-VIS.

Question 7

How early can a passing test be submitted?

Accepted Answer

A passing test may generally be submitted up to 90 days before the assigned compliance deadline.

Question 8

Are out-of-state vehicles subject to testing?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles registered outside California may still be subject to Clean Truck Check when operating on California public roads. The vehicle owner should review the vehicle's status and deadline in CTC-VIS.

Question 9

Can you tell me whether my vehicle is required to test?

Accepted Answer

We cannot determine a vehicle's legal obligations solely from its appearance, vehicle year or customer description. The test type and due date shown in the vehicle owner's CTC-VIS account control.

Question 10

How does the vehicle need to be prepared?

Accepted Answer

The customer must have the vehicle present, safely accessible and at normal operating temperature before the scheduled test. The tester confirms that the vehicle is ready before beginning the procedure.

Question 11

Are results submitted for me?

Accepted Answer

When the test is performed as a Clean Truck Check compliance test by an active credentialed tester, the required non-OBD test information is submitted through the tester's CTC-VIS account.

Question 12

Do you perform OBD tests?

Accepted Answer

No. Up in Smoke Smoke Testing does not currently advertise or offer OBD testing.

Question 13

Do you perform repairs?

Accepted Answer

No. We perform mobile smoke-opacity testing, the Vehicle Emissions Control Equipment Inspection and test documentation only. We do not perform mechanical repairs and we do not sell replacement parts.

Question 14

Do you guarantee that my vehicle will pass?

Accepted Answer

No. Testing does not include a guarantee that a vehicle will pass or remain compliant, and it does not include repairs or government fees.

Question 15

Is online pricing binding?

Accepted Answer

No. Online pricing is an estimate. Availability, deposits, cancellation terms and travel charges are confirmed in the written quote or service agreement.

Question 16

Does submitting a form create an appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. Submitting a form does not determine whether a vehicle is legally required to test and does not create a confirmed appointment. We respond in writing.

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