How do I know if I’m income eligible?
The CAP application includes an income-eligible table for applicants to determine if they meet the income requirements.
Where can I get an application?
You can obtain the CAP
application (click to download the application) online or by calling
the Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Information Center at 800-952-5210.
How do I apply?
You must first submit an application, and have it approved, making you and your vehicle eligible for the program. Do not have any repairs done until your application has been approved. You will then receive an approval letter with a list of participating stations where you can have your vehicle repaired or dismantlers where you can take your car to have it retired.
How long will it take to process my Vehicle Retirement application?
You will receive a written response regarding your eligibility for the program within approximately six weeks.
The state used to pay consumers $500 to scrap a vehicle and now it’s offering $1,000. Why?
The program restarted on September 1, 2004. This year’s budget for Vehicle Retirement is smaller than in previous years, and that is why the state started with offering $500 to consumers to scrap their vehicles. However, to achieve the full potential of the emission-reduction benefits, the state is offering a higher dollar amount to encourage more motorists to retire their high-polluting vehicle.
Can someone who already retired their vehicle at $500 be paid the difference of the increased amount?
Only eligible vehicles retired after March 15, 2005 will be paid $1000.
How is CAP Funded?
CAP is funded from a portion of the $12 Smog Abatement Fee, which is paid annually at the time of registration by owners of newer vehicles during the six-year period in which their vehicles are exempt from the biennial Smog Check requirement. The Legislature appropriated the money in the current budget, $4.5 million for Vehicle Retirement and $12 million for Repair Assistance.
What is a Test-Only station?
Test-Only stations are privately owned Smog Check stations licensed by BAR to inspect and certify most vehicles, including Gross Polluters. Test-Only stations are prohibited from providing any repair service.
What is a Gross Polluter?
Gross Polluters are the worst polluting vehicles on the road and pollute much more than
a typical failing vehicle. Vehicles produce half of the smog in the state, and although
Gross Polluters represent only 10 to 15 percent of all California vehicles, they are
responsible for over 50 percent of vehicle smog.
Why are vehicles directed to Test-Only stations?
In order to comply with the federal Clean Air Act of 1990, California law requires BAR
to identify vehicles for inspection at Test-Only stations. Test-Only stations help to
separate test functions from repair functions, thus eliminating the possible conflict of
interest between the two.
HELP CALIFORNIA BREATHE EASIER
REPAIR OR RETIRE YOUR POLLUTING VEHICLE
www.breatheeasier.ca.gov
