The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is implementing stringent regulations for heavy-duty vehicle emissions through the Clean Truck Check program. Starting in 2024, periodic On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) vehicle emissions testing becomes mandatory for eligible vehicles in California. To ensure accurate and compliant testing, CARB has certified specific OBD test devices that meet the requirements outlined in Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 2196.3(a)(1) and (2) of the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) Regulation. Using a CARB-certified OBD scan tool is crucial for performing compliance tests under the Clean Truck Check program.
For fleet owners and operators in California, understanding which OBD2 scan tools are CARB-certified is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CARB-certified OBD test devices, categorized for clarity and ease of use. It is vital to purchase these certified devices directly from the vendors listed to guarantee compliance with California’s emissions testing standards. This list is continuously updated by CARB as more devices undergo and complete the certification process, ensuring you have access to the latest approved tools.
It’s important to note that guidance is available specifically for Volvo/Mack trucks utilizing the SAE J1979-2 (OBDonUDS) Protocol. More detailed information regarding testing vehicles with this protocol can be found by following the provided link.
Non-Continuously Connected OBD2 Scan Tools
Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) devices are designed for periodic testing events across multiple vehicles. These scan tools are ideal for workshops or fleet operators who need to perform emissions checks on various trucks without constant monitoring. Below is a list of CARB-certified NCC devices.
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Non-Continuously Connected (NCC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-001-0001-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH RA Automotive Software Solutions, Inc. 1850 Research Drive, Suite 208 Troy, MI 48083 (586) 782 5121[email protected] | Silver Snap-Tool with Drewtech DrewLinQ | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0002-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with DG Technologies DPA XL | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0003-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0004-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser U100 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0005-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 2 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0006-3 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Nexiq USB-Link 3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-001-0007-2 | RA CONSULTING GmbH (see contact information above) | Silver Snap-Tool with Kvaser Leaf v3 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-002-0001-5 | HEM Data Corporation HEM Data Corporation 17320 12 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 559-5607[email protected] | DAWN OBD Inspector for iOS with CAN Mini Streamer (Wireless) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-003-0001-5 | Noregon Systems LLC Noregon Systems LLC 7823 National Service Road Greensboro, NC 27409 (855) 906-3491 (option 3)[email protected] | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (USB) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-003-0002-5 | Noregon Systems LLC(see contact information above) | Truck Check Up with DLA+ 3.0 (Wireless) | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0001-3 | DG Technologies DG Technologies 33604 West Eight Mile RoadFarmington Hills, MI 48335(248) 888-2000[email protected] | DPA INSPECT with DPA Classic | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0002-3 | DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA XL | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-005-0003-3 | DG Technologies (see contact information above) | DPA INSPECT with DPA 5 Pro | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-008-0001-3 | Opus Inspection, Inc. Opus Inspection, Inc.3225 Gateway Road Suite 450Brookfield, WI 53045(855) 766-4323[email protected] | Opus Clean Truck with Opus CleanTruck OBD Device Kit | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
Continuously Connected OBD2 Devices
Continuously Connected (CC) devices are telematics systems designed for ongoing emissions monitoring of a single, assigned vehicle. These are beneficial for real-time tracking and continuous compliance assurance. Here’s a list of CARB-certified CC devices.
| EO # | Vendor / Contact Information | Continuously Connected (CC) Devices* | OBD Protocol / Port / Connector** |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM-004-0001-1 | Geotab Inc. Geotab Inc. 2440 Winston Park Dr.Ontario, Canada L6H 7V2+1 (877) 436-8221[email protected] | GO9, GO9B, GO9+ family of devices. | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-006-0001-3 | Pacific Track, LLC Pacific Track Dan Rothman, VP Sales and Marketing(949) 432-9562[email protected] | PT40 | This device supports both 9-pin SAE J1939 and 16-pin SAE J1979 diagnostic ports. |
| IM-007-0001-1 | Zonar Systems Zonar Systems 821 2nd Avenue, Suite 1100 Seattle, WA 98104 (888) 778-6868 (#2)[email protected] | V4, V4 Base, V4 Essential, V4E-NBT, VT4 FSA, VT4, VT4 Base FSA, VT4 Base, VT4 Essential, VT4 Essential FSA, VT4E-NBT, VT4E-NBT FSA, V4 Base 2, VT4 Base 2-FSA, VT4 Base 2 | This device supports the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port. |
| IM-009-0001 | Samsara Inc. Samsara Inc. 1 De Haro St.San Francisco, CA 94103(415) 985-2400[email protected] | VG-55; VG54-NA; VG54-NAH; VG34 | This device supports the 9-pin SAE J1939 diagnostic port. |
*NCC means non-continuously connected; these scan tool-type devices can be used for testing events on multiple vehicles. CC means continuously connected; these are telematics devices that are assigned to one vehicle for on-going testing events.
** The most common protocols for Heavy-Duty/Medium-Duty vehicles are SAE J1939 and J1979. In general, vehicles with Cummins/Detroit Diesel/Navistar/Paccar engines are using the SAE J1939 connector, and vehicles with Ford/Hino/Isuzu/Volvo engines are using the SAE J1979 (or OBD II) connector.
Choosing the right OBD2 scan tool depends on your specific needs. If you require a device for periodic checks across a fleet, Non-Continuously Connected tools are suitable. For continuous monitoring of individual vehicles, Continuously Connected devices offer a more integrated solution. Always ensure the chosen device is CARB-certified to comply with California’s Clean Truck Check program and to accurately assess your vehicle’s emissions. Contact the listed vendors directly to purchase these certified OBD test devices and maintain compliance with California regulations.
