Help for Those Lost in Smog: Getting Ready for ECARS
Smog inspections, or enhanced tests, are required unless your vehicle is of the following: a hybrid or electric, gasoline powered 1975 year model or older, diesel powered 1997 year model or older, diesel powered with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 lbs, natural gas powered with a GVWR rating of more than 14,000 lbs, a motorcycle, or a trailer.
If a vehicle fails a Smog Check, it must be repaired and retested. If repairs prove too costly, you have access to options that can be found on various California government websites.
The Consumer Assistance Program provides qualified consumers who fail a Smog Check inspection, up to $500 in financial assistance towards certain emissions-related repairs. In order to qualify, an applicant must have a household income that is less than or equal to 225 percent of the federal poverty level, as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. To obtain an application, go to www.smogcheck.ca.gov or call the Department of Consumer Affairs' Consumer Information Center at 1-800-952-5210.
In addition, the CAP program allows consumers to retire a qualified vehicle and receive $1,000 or $1,500, if the consumer meets low-income eligibility guidelines -- the same guidelines and website apply.
Both of these programs will issue a letter of eligibility to qualified applicants, with specific instructions on how to repair or retire their vehicle.
Lastly, a Repair Cost Waiver can be requested through the Referee Network, which is available if a consumer already had some repairs performed, but cannot afford any future repairs. The repair cost minimum is $450 and a licensed smog technician, in a licensed smog station must have made all repairs. To make a Referee appointment call 1-800-622-7733. Here is a helpful link for more information: http://www.autorepair.ca.gov.