Originally posted at Heavy Duty Trucking – Jan. 1, 2013, will bring heavy fines for truckers who cross into California without SmartWay verified aerodynamic devices such side skirts or boat tail fairings that improve fuel economy 4% to 5% on their 53-foot or longer box and refrigerated trailers.
“The clock is ticking for compliance,” says Randy Rhondeau, air pollution specialist for California’s Air Resources Board. “Fleets and owner-operators who travel into California must have aerodynamic devices, unless they registered with CARB on a phase-in option (which provides an alternate compliance schedule).”
If you’re pulled over for non-compliance, the owner of the tractor-trailer can be cited $1,000 per day, Rhondeau says.
“The driver of the tractor-trailer is not off the hook either – that person can be fined $1,000 a day as well. Fines can increase to $10,000 per day for egregious, repeat offenders.”
Rhondeau said ignorance is not bliss. “Information has been out there for quite some time, so if someone comes in and pleads ignorance, it’s not going to hold water. If we catch violators, they’re getting a citation.”
Read more about this sensitive issue for truck drivers at Trucking Info online.