Emission regulations for diesel trucks in California are becoming an expensive burden on small businesses. By 2020, nearly every truck in California will be required to have a particulate matter (PM) filter, with the phase-in period already underway. Any vehicles retrofitted with PM filters by 2014 will still need to be replaced in 2023.The regulations date back to 2009 legislation covering diesel trucks and buses, public and private, with a gross vehicle weight rating more than 14,000 pounds. According to the California Air Resources Board, they require that, “Newer heavier trucks and buses must meet PM filter requirements beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
