Black silohuette of a 53 foot trailer.
Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation		 Regulation Index Funding Resources Index

About the regulation

The Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas (GHG) regulation applies to 53-foot or longer box-type trailers, including both dry-van and refrigerated-van trailers, and all heavy-duty tractors that pull them on California highways. The rule does not apply when the trailer is less than 53 feet. Tractors and trailers subject to this regulation must either use United States Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay (SmartWay) certified tractors and trailers, or retrofit their existing fleet with SmartWay verified technologies.

All owners, regardless of where their vehicles are registered, must comply with the regulation when operating in California. Fleets must register to take advantage of trailer phase-in options, short haul, local haul or storage trailer exemptions, and passes. California vehicle dealers who sell affected vehicles must provide disclosure about the regulation to the buyer.

The Tractor-Trailer GHG regulation has requirements for both tractors and trailers. The program summary fact sheet provides an overview of the requirements.

 

Program updates:

  • new tag Clarification of low rolling resistance tire requirements for older tractors - Implementation of low rolling
    resistance tire requirements for 2010 and older model year tractors has been clarified. Affected tractors must use new
    or retread SmartWay verified tires by January 1, 2013. However, if a non-compliant tire was manufactured or retreaded
    before January 1, 2013, it may be used through the useful tread life or until January 1, 2015, whichever comes first.
    See Advisory MSC 12-19 for full details.

  • Small fleets (20 or fewer total trailers): The deadline for small fleet owners who wish to take advantage of the
    Small Fleet Compliance Plan has been extended to January 1, 2013, which provides owners additional time to bring
    their fleets into compliance. Small fleet owners of 2010 and older model year 53-foot or longer box-type trailers that
    operate on California highways can take advantage of this option by registering their fleet information before the deadline.
    See the advisory for more information.

  • Large fleets (21 or more total trailers): Registration has closed for the Large Fleet Phase-in Option 1 and Option 2,
    which required trailer owners to report by July 1, 2010, and June 1, 2012, respectively.

  • Refrigerated-van trailers that are model year 2003 to 2009 AND equipped with 2003 or newer model year
    transport refrigeration unit (TRU) engines may delay requirements.

Program and Regulation Information


Reporting and Compliance Tools


Exemptions

Financial Assistance