5 New States to Join California’s CARB Laws in 2025: What It Means for Your Business

As of 2025, five more states—Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts—are adopting California’s stringent emissions regulations under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) laws. This expansion means that by 2026, businesses in these states will face limitations on purchasing certain diesel-powered trucks, just like those already enforced in California. If your business is based in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington, or Oregon this will significantly impact your ability to buy new diesel trucks. Here’s what you need to know and how you can prepare.

What are CARB Laws, and Why Should You Care?

California’s CARB laws have set the standard for air quality regulations, pushing the transition to cleaner, more fuel-efficient trucks. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. The downside for businesses that rely on diesel trucks is that CARB-compliant trucks are subject to strict emissions standards, which limit options for purchasing traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Starting in 2025, Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts will join California in enforcing these regulations, meaning you won’t be able to buy non-CARB-compliant diesel trucks in these states beginning with the 2026 model year.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

For those in industries relying on heavy-duty trucks, this change means that by 2026, purchasing a new diesel truck will become more complicated and exponentially more expensive. If your fleet isn’t up to date or you rely heavily on diesel-powered vehicles, your options will become more limited, and you may need to invest in costly upgrades or cleaner vehicle options sooner than expected. Planning and being aware of these new emissions laws will be crucial for the success of businesses in these states moving into 2026.

Why Now is the Time to Buy

With the impending changes, 2024 and 2025 are critical years to update your fleet. If you’re operating in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington or any of the other states joining CARB regulations, you should seriously consider upgrading before the 2026 model year trucks roll out.

Waiting too long may limit your ability to make these crucial purchases, and by 2026, finding trucks that meet your business needs will become much harder. Acting now allows you to avoid disruptions and potential price increases caused by tighter supply and higher demand for compliant vehicles.

Planning for the Future

With more states adopting these laws, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. If your business is in one of these affected states, or if you operate across state lines, the time to act is now. Make sure your fleet is up to date and compliant before the regulations take effect. At Quality Truck and Equipment, we specialize in high-quality hooklift trucks that are designed to meet your business’s specific needs. We encourage you to contact our sales team to explore your options and secure your next truck before these changes take place.

For more information on the specific impacts in Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts be sure to stay informed about the upcoming regulations.