Course Overview

This practical, hands-on 8-hour training equips patrol officers, commercial vehicle enforcement teams, and code enforcement personnel with the tools to effectively address illegal emissions tampering on diesel-powered light trucks (pickups) and heavy-duty big rigs.

The class directly ties federal EPA Clean Air Act § 203(a)(3) (tampering and defeat device prohibitions) with California Vehicle Code § 27156(b), giving officers strong roadside authority while supporting Three Palms mission of proactive education, prevention, and smart enforcement that reduces repeat violations and builds community trust.

Duration: 8 hours (including breaks)

Format: In-person or hybrid (lecture, visuals, inspection demos, role-play, and assessment)

Target Audience: Law enforcement, CHP commercial units, local code enforcement, and traffic investigators

POST Certification: Approved / Eligible (contact us for details)

Why This Training Matters

Illegal “deletes” and defeat devices on diesel vehicles create excessive NOx, particulate matter (soot), and other pollutants — one tampered big rig can emit like dozens of compliant trucks. This harms public health, especially in freight corridors, and gives unfair advantages to non-compliant operators.

Three Palms HQ’s approach combines firm enforcement with education to achieve higher voluntary compliance and fewer confrontations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the class, participants will be able to:

•  Identify common tampering methods (DPF/EGR/DEF deletes, tuners, emulators, straight pipes).

•  Conduct safe, effective roadside inspections using visual cues, OBD scans, and opacity checks.

•  Properly document evidence and issue citations under CVC 27156(b) that hold up in court.

•  Understand current 2026 federal/state policy context, Clean Truck Check program, and idling rules.

•  Apply balanced enforcement strategies that protect air quality while supporting legitimate commerce.

Who Should Attend

•  Patrol officers encountering modified diesels

•  Commercial vehicle enforcement teams

•  Code enforcement officers dealing with modified vehicle nuisances

•  Supervisors and trainers