The California Air Resources Board has began enforcing its Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) in-use performance standards earlier this month, contrary to rumors that the measure is on hold.

In the first two weeks of January, CARB has issued close to 100 citations for violations of the measure.

ARB inspectors also continue to issue citations to owners of California-based TRUs that have failed to register their TRUs in ARB's Equipment Registration (ARBER) system, with penalties up to $500 per violation. Registration is required for TRUs that are based in California, but it is voluntary for TRUs that are based outside of California.

Under the new rule, model year 2002 and older TRUs will require equipment to clean up exhaust from the reefer's diesel engine. The exhaust systems of these older models must be fitted with approved diesel particulate filters on their engines, or they must be replaced with new model engines.

CARB says its inspectors are currently inspecting at border crossings, scales, roadside inspection stations, agricultural inspection stations, distribution centers, shippers, delivery points, ports, truckstops, intermodal facilities, and any place that TRUs may operate.

Audits are now being conducted at TRU fleet terminals to ensure in-use standard compliance has actually been achieved and that ARBER registration information is accurate. The fine for making a false material statement, representation, or certification in any form is up to $35,000 per violation.

For more information about TRU compliance, visit www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/tru.htm.

For more on how to meet the new regulations, see the July 2009 Trailer Report in Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, "California Reefers".