California's Consumer Assistance Program, run by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, may help eligible owners pay for emissions repairs or retire a vehicle that fails smog. Eligibility depends on income and the vehicle.
Key takeaways
- Check eligibility before repair.
- Keep the failure report.
- Ask the shop for an estimate.
What the program offers
Repair assistance for eligible owners and a vehicle retirement option.
Who qualifies
Income limits and vehicle requirements apply and change. Read the current rules at bar.ca.gov.
How to apply
You apply to the program with your failed smog report and documents. The program tells you the next steps.
What the shop does
We provide a diagnosis and an estimate. We cannot approve your application.
Plan the timeline
Apply early. Repairs may need approval first.
Preparing your application
Gather the failed inspection report, your registration and proof of income if the program requires it. Check eligibility on the Bureau of Automotive Repair site before authorizing repairs, because some programs require pre-approval. Keep copies of every document and invoice. If your repair estimate is needed, ask the shop for an itemized one that names the failing system and the parts.
Repair or retire
The program also offers a vehicle retirement option for eligible owners whose cars are not worth repairing. Retirement means the car is taken off the road in exchange for a payment. It can make sense for older vehicles with expensive emissions repairs. Compare the repair estimate, the car's value and your transportation needs before you choose. We can give you the repair estimate so you can compare.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about smog repair? Read our Smog Repair page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs the program?
The Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Do I qualify?
Check bar.ca.gov.
Can I repair first?
Check the rules before repairing.
Is retirement an option?
For some vehicles.
Related reading
Sources
- California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Consumer Assistance Program (repair assistance and vehicle retirement)