School Bus Solutions

On December 12, 2008, the California Air Resources Board approved the Truck and Bus regulation to significantly reduce particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen emissions from existing diesel vehicles operating in California. On December 17, 2010 the Board delayed the school bus initial compliance date by one year and provided an optional three year delay until 2014 for school buses with engine model years 1988-1993. Additionally, the board added credits for electric, hybrid, alternative fuel, and pilot ignition engine school buses and they also reduced the reporting requirements.

Diesel-fueled school buses with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 14,000 pounds are subject to the regulation. Owners must retire school buses manufactured before April 1, 1977, by January 1, 2012. Remaining school buses must have particulate filters (that reduce diesel PM emissions by 85 percent, aka Level 3 compliant) installed according to the schedule shown below in Table 1.

School buses operating less than 1,000 miles in a 12-month period are exempt from the performance requirements of the regulation; however, these vehicles are subject to recordkeeping requirements.

School buses with a GVWR less than or equal to 14,000 pounds, school buses registered as historic vehicles and non diesel-fueled school buses such as compressed natural gas fueled school buses are exempt.

More Information on CARB compliance:

The primary link to the California Air Resources Website for Diesel Emissions Reduction Compliance: Mobile Vehicles and Equipment