California Heavy Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has developed a comprehensive heavy-duty inspection and maintenance program (HD I/M) 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 HD I/M program applies to all diesel and alternative fuel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 14,000 pounds, including all out-of-state and out-of-country vehicles. 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. Data collection through a vehicle’s OBD system is a simple and effective method to determine whether a vehicle’s emission control systems are functioning properly. RA Automotive Software Solutions, Inc. has developed the Silver Snap-Tool software application specifically for use with the HD I/M program and is able to transmit the data automatically to CARB, allowing vehicle owners an effortless way to meet CARB’s HD I/M requirements.

Anyone who wishes to collect and submit OBD data for compliance with the HD I/M 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.

More details about the California Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program can be found here:

More Details

WHAT IS IT?

Silver Snap-Tool

Silver Snap-Tool is a Windows software application for reading OBD data from heavy-duty trucks. 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.

Hardware needed

Interface hardware is required to connect the computer on which Silver Snap-Tool is operated, with the truck being tested (see “Supported VCI”). The devices that can be ordered directly from RA Automotive Software Solutions are shown below. Devices not available from us can be purchased on the open market.

Pricing Information

To get started, the initial cost is comprised of:

$500 for the Silver Snap-Tool license (one-time fee) and
$504 for use of the cloud service (annual fee) which includes:
- Unlimited data submissions to CARB
- Access to all Silver Snap-Tool updates
- Technical support

In each subsequent year, only the $504 annual cloud service fee is required.
Additionally, there may be a cost for an interface hardware if none of the devices listed below are available.

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.