California’s New 2020 Law Limits Registration of Older Diesel Trucks

If your California business relies on an older model diesel truck, you may be in for a nasty surprise when the time comes to renew your vehicle’s registration. In an effort to meet emissions regulations, a new 2020 law limits the registration of some older diesel trucks in California, deeming them unroadworthy. Could you soon be forced to replace your work truck?

All Commercial Trucks Must Meet New Emissions Standards by 2023

As early as this year, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Gilroy, Sunnyvale, Fremont, and Mountain View area business owners operating diesel-fueled trucks may discover their older trucks are illegal to drive on California roadways. If you own a commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,001-26,000 pounds and it doesn’t meet new emissions standards, you will no longer be able to renew your registration. Commercial diesel trucks are being phased out by model year. The older your vehicle, the sooner you’ll need to purchase a new commercial truck, as of:

• January 1, 2020:
  Vehicle model years 2004 and older.
  
• January 1, 2021:
  Vehicle model years 2005-2007.
  
• January 1, 2023:
  Vehicle model years 2008-2010

Financial Assistance for Cash Strapped Small Businesses Available

Because the cost of replacing older vehicles was forcing many small companies out of business, the California Air Resource Board (CARB), the state organization pushing the change, has created incentive programs to help commercial trucking businesses. In partnership with the State Treasurer’s Office’s California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) through the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP), the CARB Truck Loan Assistance Program offers financing assistance for those upgrading to newer trucks.

CARB Truck Loan Assistance Qualifications Details

To qualify for financial assistance through the program, your business must:

• Operate primarily in California.
• Own a 2007-2010 model year vehicle that complies with 1.2 g/bhp-hr NOx standards using diesel, compressed or liquified natural gas, or other fuel.
• Own a fleet with ten or less heavy-duty vehicles.
• Have fewer than 100 employees.
• Generate less than $10 million in revenue annually.

Diamond Mitsubishi Fuso Offers Assistance for Fuso Customers

This quarter, our dealership is offering special discounts on our remaining inventory of late-year FE diesel and FG gas trucks to help existing Fuso owners trade up to newer, compliant vehicles. Our sales team can streamline the process, ensuring your business stays on the road to success, helping you find the right truck to meet your budgetary and operational needs, and helping you arrange financing with participating CalCAP lenders.

Don’t let this issue interrupt your business operations. Upgrade your older diesel truck, avoiding emissions noncompliance issues. Contact Diamond Mitsubishi Fuso at 408-263-7300 to learn more today.