California Semi Truck Requirements

1. Registration and Licensing:

   • Semi-trucks must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
   • The truck driver must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) appropriate for the vehicle class.

2. Weight and Size Limits:

   • Semi-trucks must comply with California’s weight limits, which generally cap at 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. There are specific limits for axle weights as well.
   • Maximum width: 102 inches.
   • Maximum height: 14 feet.
   • Maximum length varies depending on the type of combination vehicle.

3. Emissions and Environmental Regulations:

   • Trucks must comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, including the Truck and Bus Regulation, which requires retrofitting or replacing older engines to meet emissions standards.
   • Diesel trucks must meet specific standards for particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

4. Safety Requirements:

   • Vehicles must pass regular inspections, including the Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program.
   • Semi-trucks must have working safety equipment, such as lights, brakes, and reflective devices.

5. Permits:

   • Oversize and overweight vehicles may require special permits from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
   • Permits may also be needed for transporting hazardous materials.

6. Insurance:

   • Trucking companies must carry sufficient insurance coverage as required by California law, typically including liability insurance.

7. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs):

   • Drivers must use ELDs to record driving hours to comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

8. Tax and Fees:

   • Trucks operating in California must pay applicable state taxes and fees, including those for fuel and weight.

For detailed and up-to-date information, it’s always best to consult the California DMV, Caltrans, and CARB websites, as regulations can change.