Used Trucks & California Emissions Requirements

Hi All,

First post after reading this forum (and others as well, but seem to keep coming back to this one) for awhile now and have a question about buying a used truck while keeping the California emissions compliance in mind.

Note: I understand completely it is not a good time to start driving a truck for a living in these current economic times. To some my endeavor makes absolutely no sense and to others, well I don't know. Anyway, without being rude or causing any disrespect to anyone, may I request we not go over that subject?

A little about me:
I am completely ignorant of this business and have just got my learners permit about three weeks ago and I am currently in the process of working on passing all the required tests to get my class a cdl. I have access to a truck to learn with and plan on getting my license without going to a driving school. This same truck I will be running for the owner under his authority and insurance. (I am already on his insurance for my permit).

I understand I need to have anywhere from 1-2 yrs. driving experience before I can get insured, so I plan to drive for this amount of time for someone else, and then get my own truck. This time frame will also allow me to learn a good deal about the business and I can make a good solid decision on whether or not I move forward in the trucking business.

I reside in the lovely, socialistic, golden state of California and have been researching used trucks to initially run in state and should something come up, I would run out of state. I have no intention of running in any states other than the western ones, but again one never knows for sure and must keep all options open.

Finally my question! lol...
Year ranges and year when a truck ultimately becomes illegal to drive in California without emission retrofits?

Example, Today I buy a 1998 International 9400 with a 3406e Cat. What year will it become illegal in California (2011)? Would this truck just be a "throw away"? Retrofit emissions and keep running it?

Here is the break down I am thinking in my mind...
Years ---------- Illegal
1995-til? ------- Year when illegal?

Lastly, I have a new found respect for you guys/gals who run these beasts. Not until I started driving a truck did I realize just how difficult it really is. My hats off to ya, and I will make every effort to stay out of your way when I am in my four wheeler.

 

Thank you for the reply JSmitty

After souring the internet all day, I think I may have found my answer.

1965-1994: must be in compliance by December 2009
1995-1997: must be in compliance by December 2010
1998-1999: must be in compliance by December 2011
2000-2002: must be in compliance by December 2012
2003-2006: must be in compliance by December 2013
After 2020 ALL trucks will need to meet 2007 emissions equivalent

I got the info from the California Dump Truck Owners Association. I also found out that Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, Lou Correa, and Mike Villines sent a letter to CARB asking for a temporary suspension. Write these individuals and enourage them to keep pressure on CARB. I just sent an email to Chuck DeVore tonight.

 

Oh he has something in the works alright, we have not figured it out yet, but when we do will it be too late? Sorry, getting off subject...

How can truckers organize to prove a point? OOIDA, Teamsters? Can it be done peacefully? Even for one day it will cause the country too take notice I would think? We all have seen truckers do it in Europe. Again these are questions coming from someone who does not know the way it works to be an American trucker.