Fully certified by CARB since Nov 2022

Silver Snap-Tool

With over 1 MILLION tests processed –
Leader in OBD testing for the CA Clean Truck Check program

Stay CARB-compliant with our dedicated Clean Truck Check software

Silver Snap-Tool

Silver Snap-Tool was the first Clean Truck Check software officially certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). This user-friendly tool fulfills all requirements of the California Clean Truck Check (CTC) program. It supports truck owners and fleet managers in collecting and automatically transmitting the required OBD data for fast emission control and a cleaner environment. Since January 2023, customers have been able to officially use the Silver Snap-Tool for CA Clean Truck Testing supported by RA Automotive Software Solutions.

Our new Pre-Check Viewer tool provides parameters for vehicle readiness like warm-up cycles (WUC), distance traveled in km, engine running time in minutes since the codes were cleared, and the number of active permanent diagnostic fault codes. Every Silver Snap-Tool user can use the Pre-Check Viewer at no additional cost.

Get Ready

Trust in this proven solution!

Clean Truck Checks

1,000,000+

Users

14000+

What is California Clean Truck Check program?

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has developed the Clean Truck Check Program for heavy-duty non-gasoline vehicles to ensure that heavy-duty vehicle emission control systems function properly and remain low-emission throughout their operating life.

The program applies to all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 14,000 pounds. While older vehicles require a smoke opacity test and a visual inspection, vehicles with model year 2013 and newer diesel engines and model year 2018 and newer alternative fuel engines are required to submit OBD data instead.

Anyone who wishes to collect and submit OBD data for compliance with the CA Clean Truck Check program must successfully complete a free online training session from CARB, pass the accompanying exam and receive a Tester ID to become an approved tester.

How does it work?

Silver Snap-Tool is a Windows software application for reading OBD data from heavy-duty vehicles. After the readout, the data is packaged, encrypted and finally transmitted to a CARB server.

On the CARB side, the data is automatically analyzed and the submitter receives a “pass” or “fail” result via email. The application is very easy to use and allows only the settings that are really necessary to read and submit the data in order to maximize a positive user experience and ensure high robustness. The focus is on efficiency and simplicity for the user.

Submission of measurements for the Clean Truck Check program.

California Clean Truck Check

Why Choose Silver Snap-Tool?

Pre-Check Viewer

Check prior to running your Silver Snap-Tool if your data can fulfill the latest readiness criteria from CARB, such as
Warm-Up Cycles (WUC) since Codes Clear (SSC) | MIL Status | Permanent DTCs (PDTCs)

NO additional cost for Silver Snap-Tool users!

Ease of Use

The software is easy to install and operate for all tech skill levels. Our “Get Ready” section and a short tutorial video can assist you step-by-step. For extra convenience, you can choose between a dark or light screen mode.

Test Results in Minutes

This unique software is designed to test trucks in a matter of minutes. With our highly reliable and monitored servers we have your data secure and ready to be analyzed, even if CARB experiences downtime.

Results Portal

View all your test results on our Silver Snap-Tool Results Portal. Export data to Excel for reporting. Utilize search fields to find specific results. Managers: View results for your shop, or region, or company.

US Customer Service

Our dedicated US based team offers comprehensive support. You can contact us via email, phone, or the support form below. Every day we strive to exceed our customers´ expectations reflected in exceptional satisfaction reviews.

1st Approved by CARB

Silver Snap-Tool was the first CARB-certified solution that covers all areas of the CTC program. It enables vehicle and fleet owners to effortlessly test vehicles and transmit data to CARB for fast analysis.

35 Years of Experience

Silver Snap-Tool is backed by RA Consulting, a company providing excellence in automotive diagnostic software for around 35 years. Silver Snap-Tool is based on our extremely stable and recognized OBD product Silver Scan Tool.

Silver Snap-Tool

Pricing Information (2026)

One-time cost per computer

$500 for the Silver Snap-Tool license

Annual cost per computer

$600 for Data Transfer Services for the year 2025
Including access to the Silver Snap-Tool Results Portal

Optional: Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) Hardware

See list of approved hardware
If you already own one of the listed and approved VCIs, you can use that one.

Included with your account!

Pre-Check Viewer

Check the readiness status of your truck before you transmit CTC data to CARB.

Free Updates

Customers with active DTS account get free Silver Snap-Tool software updates.

Full Service

Get everything you need from us: Software, hardware, service, support.

Technical Support

Dedicated support for your Silver Snap-Tool by our US-based expert team.

Additional Testers

Additional testers added any time free of charge.

License Transfers

Do not worry if you change your computer: Free software transfer.

What Do I Need to Use My Silver-Snap-Tool?

Computer System

To run Silver Snap-Tool you need a standard laptop with

Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11 (out of S mode in each case)
an Intel or AMD x86-64 processor
about 200 MB of free harddisk space
a free USB-A port for connecting a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) hardware device
internet access

The software can be installed alongside other programs. Dedicated laptop not necessary.

Approved Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) Hardware

Used to connect the computer on which Silver Snap-Tool is operated with the vehicle to be tested. To ensure fast installation and reliable operation of your software, we can supply you with all the equipment from a single source.

Following is a list of CARB-approved VCI hardware devices. Choose between the following options to test vehicles equipped with either an OBDII or J1939 connector.

The devices can be ordered directly from RA Automotive Software Solutions with the form below. Devices not available from us can be purchased on the open market.

CARB certified

Hardware Options

Nexiq USB-Link 3

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Nexiq Technologies, USA
(Former package 5)

Kvaser Leaf v3 OBDII

SAE J1979 | Kvaser USA

Kvaser Leaf v3 J1939-13 Type II

SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA

The USB-Link 3 connects to your PC via USB cable.

If only an OBDII (J1979) connection is required, this is a cost effective VCI. Cable length is 4.9 feet.

If only a J1939-13 Type II connection is required. Leaf v3 cable length is 4.9 feet.

$795

$355

$355

Kvaser U100 Dsub9
with OBDII and J1939-13 Type II adapter cables

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 2)

U100 is robust and with the necessary adapter cables provides an overall length of 12.7 feet.

Request a quote

$735

More Options

The following VCI devices are not available for purchase, but if you currently own one, it can be used with Silver Snap-Tool software.

Nexiq USB-Link 2

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Nexiq Technologies, USA
(Former package 5)

Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 OBDII

SAE J1979 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 J1939-13 Type II

SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

No longer manufactured.

Currently not available.

Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 J1939-13 Type II

Currently not available.

DG DPA-XL incl. adapter cable to OBDII / J1939 Type II

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Dearborn Technologies, USA
(Former package 4)

DrewLinQ
including adapter cable to OBDII / J1939 Type II

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Drew Technologies, USA
(Former package 3)

The DrewLinQ connects to your PC via USB cable.

Currently not available.

Currently not available.

Responsive version

CARB certified

Hardware Options

Nexiq USB-Link 3

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Nexiq Technologies, USA

The USB-Link 3 connects to your PC via USB cable.

$795

Kvaser Leaf v3 OBDII

SAE J1979 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

If only an OBDII (J1979) connection is required, this is a cost effective VCI. Cable length is 4.9 feet.

$355

Kvaser Leaf v3 J1939-13 Type II

SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

If a J1939-13 Type II connection is required. Leaf v3 cable length is 4.9 feet.

$355

Kvaser U100 Dsub9
with OBDII and J1939-13 Type II adapter cables

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 2)

U100 is robust and with the necessary adapter cables provides an overall length of 12.7 feet.

$735

Request a quote

More Options

The following VCI devices are not available for purchase, but if you currently own one, it can be used with Silver Snap-Tool software.

Nexiq USB-Link 2

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | NEXIQ Technologies, USA
(Former package 5)

No longer manufactured.

Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 OBDII

SAE J1979 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

Currently not available.

Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 J1939-13 Type II

SAE J1939 | Kvaser USA
(Former package 1)

Currently not available.

DG DPA-XL incl. adapter cable to OBDII / J1939 Type II

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Dearborn Technologies, USA
(Former package 4)

Currently not available.

DrewLinQ
including adapter cable to OBDII / J1939 Type II

SAE J1979, SAE J1939 | Drew Technologies, USA
(Former package 3)

The DrewLinQ connects to your PC via USB cable.

Currently not available.

Get Ready

FOR CLEAN TRUCK CHECK TESTING WITH SILVER SNAP-TOOL

1
Take CARB training and exam
… to become a credentialed Clean Truck Check tester. The free online training by CARB consists of video learning modules and the exam is completed via an online quiz. After passing the exam you will be assigned a tester ID that will be associated with the email address you registered with.
Please note: When registering for the training and exam, it is very important that you give CARB the email address you want to use for submitting OBD snapshots. CARB will only accept your submissions from the email address they have in their records associated with your tester ID.

California Clean Truck Check Program

CARB Tester Training Course
Determine how many computers will run Silver Snap-Tool
Silver Snap-Tool runs on Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 computers. One license and Data Transfer Service (DTS) subscription is required per computer. Multiple Testers can sign into the same software. Don’t forget to confirm that your computer fulfills all the system requirements.

Learn more about licenses, subscriptions and pricing

2
3
Select needed VCI hardware
For connecting your computer(s) to the vehicle(s), you need a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI). From the list of approved hardware devices, choose which option you’d like to use. If you already own one of the approved devices listed, you can use it and do not need to purchase one.
Purchase everything you need
Request a quote for the number of licenses/DTS subscriptions and the hardware devices that you need. Please use our sales contact form to do so.

4
5
Provide us with the tester IDs
… and the email address given to CARB by each tester at the time of training.

We will create your license and DTS account. Each tester will receive an email to set their password used to log into the software.

Log in to our Clean Truck Check portal website with your newly set up DTS account password
Download and installation
Software, DTS account, and VCI driver files will be delivered in 24-48 via email with instructions on how to download and install.

6
7
Start Clean Truck Check testing
After starting and registering Silver Snap-Tool, go ahead and create your first snapshot. The manual and tutorial video will help you. Congrats! You’ve just submitted your first OBD snapshot. You can track all your submissions and the corresponding test results in your results dashboard on our Clean Clean Truck Check portal website.

Visit RA Automotive’s Clean Truck Check portal website

Check out our video “How to use Silver Snap-Tool”

Contact our sales or support team

We strive to support you fast and efficiently!

In order to ensure that we receive all relevant information for processing, please select and complete one of the following contact forms.
If you have any questions about Silver Snap-Tool,
you can also take a look at the FAQ below.

Email office@ra-automotive.net or call +1 (586) 782 5121

Request a detailed quote Request technical support Request further information

Previous Next

Please provide us with information about your company, the number of licenses you need and if you also need vehicle communication interface (VCI) hardware.

Your contact

Company name

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Phone number *

Invoice address

Street *

City *

ZIP code *

State *

Comments

Shipping address if different

Street

City

ZIP code

State

Comments

Payment info

Which is your preferred payment method? *

Silver Snap-Tool

How many computers do you want to run Silver Snap-Tool software? *

Hardware Options

I do not need to purchase VCI hardware

If you want to purchase VCI hardware, please select from the following list of CARB approved devices:

Number of requested VCIs *

Additional info

Do you need further information?

Do you have further comments or questions?

1 + 4 = ?Please prove that you are human by solving the equation *

FAQ

How to check if my truck meets CARB´s readiness criteria using the Pre-Check Viewer tool?

Our new Pre-Check Viewer tool provides parameters to show the vehicle readiness status like warm-up cycles (WUC), distance traveled in km, engine running time in minutes since the codes were cleared, and the number of active permanent diagnostic fault codes. Based on these parameters, the user can decide whether the truck meets the CARB readiness criteria and whether it makes sense to perform the OBD test.

Every Silver Snap-Tool user can use the Pre-Check Viewer at no additional cost.

If you want to install the tool, please contact: sales@ra-automotive.net

Additional information you can find here: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/obd-readiness-criteria

What is the minimal equipment I need to do Clean Truck Check testing?

You need a Silver Snap-Tool license (perpetual) that you install to your existing Windows 10 or 11 computer (also see system requirements).
You need a data transfer service (DTS) subscription (annual). This is per license, not per user/tester.
You need one of the approved interface devices. In case of Kvaser Leaf Light you probably need both to be able to test vehicles equipped with 9-pin (Type II) as well 16-pin (OBD II) connectors. Also see further questions and answers on hardware devices.

Also, a set like this is never bound to a single person but can be used by several users/testers – for example, if they work on different shifts and don’t need it simultaneously.

On how many computers can I run a license of Silver Snap-Tool?

You can only register a license on one computer at a time.
However you can move the license to another computer, for example if you buy a new one.
See “How do I transfer a license to another/new computer/laptop?” in such a case.

Do I need to pay annual subscription fee for each tester sharing one laptop?

No, you can have an unlimited number of users (testers) sharing the same laptop. The software license and annual data transfer service is registered to the laptop, not the user/tester.
If you only have one laptop, you only pay one annual fee regardless of the number of users.

How many users can I have per license?

There is no limit at all, except that all users need to share the computer that Silver Snap-Tool is installed to.
In this case, we recommend that each user sets up their own Windows account on the computer instead of sharing a single Windows account.

If I have several licenses, are DTS user accounts bound to a specific license?

No, any user can use any license. User accounts are not bound to specific licenses or distribution numbers.

Which interfaces have been approved for use with the Silver Snap-Tool?

Here you can see the list of approved interfaces by CARB:

• Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 OBD II
• Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 J1939-13 Type II
• Kvaser U100 including adapter cables to OBD II / J1939 Type II
• Kvaser Leaf v3
• DG Technologies DPA XL including adapter cable to OBD II / J1939 Type II
• Drew Technologies DrewLinQ including adapter cable to OBD II / J1939 Type II
• NEXIQ Technologies® USB-Link™ 2
• NEXIQ Technologies® USB-Link™ 3

Can I use a device that I already own?

Of course. If you already own one of the approved interface devices you can use it. In this case you only need the software, which is Silver Snap-Tool plus a data transfer service (DTS) subscription.

Can I use a device that is not listed/approved?

No. Silver Snap-Tool will only allow you to use interface devices that are approved by CARB. Please find the list of devices here.

Why do I receive the test result "Pass*"?

What is the Readiness criteria and how to get the truck READY?

The diagnostic trouble codes have been cleared recently and not all readiness monitors are set to ready state again. CARB has prepared an own website with information about Operation Since codes Cleared (OSC) and how to reach a status to get a Pass result without a *. In the future, Pass* results will no longer be possible; this will lead to a Fail result instead. Read more on OBD Readiness Criteria | California Air Resources Board

Please check our FAQ first to see if your issue has already been solved.

FAQ

Silver Snap-Tool

License and registration

I didn’t get the email with the license key.

Check your junk folder. Also, consider using the Online method like recommended in our video. With this method you don’t need the email for finishing the registration.

How do I transfer a license to another/new computer/laptop?

Just contact support@rac.de with subject “Silver Snap-Tool hardware change” in such a case and – if you own several licenses – provide the distribution number of the one you want to move. You will be provided with further instructions then.

Usage

Please see chapter “daily use” in the Silver Snap-Tool manual.

Troubleshooting

There is another name entered in "Your information" when I want to create a snapshot. How is that?

Most probably you are sharing a computer and a single Windows user account with your peers. The name is not stored or retrieved from the DTS server. Instead, Silver Snap-Tool locally stores the given name in the currently signed-in Windows user account. This is why you will find yourselves overwriting each others name again and again in such a “single Windows account for everyone” scenario. Therefore we recommend instead that each user sticks to Microsoft’s idea and sets up their own Windows account on the computer instead of sharing a single Windows account. If you don’t want to follow this recommendation, as a simple workaround, you could also just leave the name empty as it isn’t a mandatory piece of data, regarding Clean Truck Check program.

Data transfer service (cloud service)

User accounts

Is user defined as individual tester or company?

User is defined as a tester.

How can I add a tester/user to my subscription?

As soon as you or your peer have completed the CARB training and exam just provide us with

the CARB Tester ID #
the name
the email address (must be the one used to take CARB training and obtain ID)

of the person to add.

Can I add a tester later?

Yes. This is free of charge.

Please check our FAQ page first to see if your request has already been answered.

Tutorials

How to use Silver Snap-Tool (Video)

Hands-on videos from our user community

Thank you for sharing them with us!

California emissions testing through Silver Snap-Tool

Silver Snap-Tool Pre-Check Viewer

Downloads

Silver Snap-Tool Online Installer (EXE)

Silver Snap-Tool Installation Guide (PDF)

Silver Snap-Tool Manual (PDF)

End User License Agreement (PDF)

Agreement: RA Automotive Software Solutions, Inc. and the manufacturer of the software, RA Consulting GmbH in Germany, are only responsible for the production and delivery of the software. The supplied software Silver Snap-Tool captures OBD data from vehicles and transmits it to a server operated at CARB. The use of the software is the sole responsibility of the user. Attempting to manipulate the captured data in any way is the sole responsibility of the user and is subject to California law.

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RA Automotive Software Solutions Inc.
1850 Research Drive Suite 208
Troy, MI 48083 USA

Email sales@ra-automotive.net
Phone +1 (586) 782 5121
www.ra-automotive.net

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