California Code of Regulations
Title 13 - Motor Vehicles
Division 3 - Air Resources Board
Chapter 3.7 - Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
Section 2197.1 - HD I/M Tester Requirements

Universal Citation: 13 CA Code of Regs 2197.1

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) To conduct compliance tests and inspections, and to submit data to the electronic reporting system, as described in sections 2196.3 and 2196.4 of this HD I/M Regulation, individuals shall obtain a HD I/M tester credential. The Executive Officer shall issue the candidate a HD I/M tester credential upon demonstration that the candidate has satisfied (1) through (3) below:

(1) Successfully completed a training course developed by CARB, as evidenced by a valid certificate of completion.

(2) Obtained a passing score of 80 percent or greater on the training course exam administered by CARB.

(3) Has not previously had their HD I/M tester credential revoked under subsection (e) of this section.

(b) The training course may include the following modules:

(1) Regulatory Module. Training and information on the requirements of the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance regulation, including periodic submission requirements, vehicle requirements, and violations.

(2) Opacity Module. Training and information on how to perform a Snap-Acceleration Smoke Test Procedure for Heavy-Duty Diesel-Powered Vehicles pursuant to SAE J1667.
(A) Prior to the effective date of the Periodic Vehicle Emission Testing Requirements (section 2196.2) as specified in section 2195(d), CARB shall accept one of the following in lieu of the training requirement to complete the Opacity Module:
1. A certificate of completion of the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology HDVIP/PSIP Course (CCDET I); or

2. A certificate of completion from a CARB-approved course as specified by the requirements of title 13, CCR, section 2193(g) of the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program.

(3) OBD Module. Training and information on how to perform an OBD test, required OBD data, DTCs, and acceptable submission formats.

(4) Visual Inspection Methods Module. Training and information on how to properly conduct the vehicle emissions control equipment inspection on vehicles subject to the requirements of this HD I/M Regulation.

(c) A HD I/M tester credential shall be valid for two years from the date of the successful completion of the training course including receipt of a passing score on the CARB administered training exam. To maintain a current and valid HD I/M tester credential, individuals shall retake the training course and pass any required examinations prior to or upon expiration.

(d) Data Reporting and Penalties. The accuracy of any data submitted to CARB is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle for which tests are being conducted, the HD I/M tester conducting tests and inspections, or any other entity involved in this process. Failure to ensure that the reported data is accurate and correct may result in penalties as specified in section 2198.2(b) for HD I/M testers, vehicle owners, or other entities involved.

(e) Credential Revocation. The Executive Officer may revoke a HD I/M tester credential for violating any provision of this HD I/M Regulation, including the fraudulent submission of data, or not properly adhering to the test, inspection, or data submission procedures. The Executive Officer may prohibit the HD I/M tester or any other entity in coordination with the HD I/M tester from conducting future tests.

1. New section filed 10-5-2022; operative 1-1-2023 (Register 2022, No. 40).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 39002, 39003, 39600, 39601, 43000, 43013, 43018, 43701, 44011.6 and 44152, Health and Safety Code; and Section 27153, Vehicle Code. Reference: Section 44152, Health and Safety Code.

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