California Vehicle Retirement (Failed Smog Check) (Sacramento: 2013, insurance, salvaged)

[Charles]

Not sure if this is relevant but isn't it the case if the vehicle is more than a certain age (like 25 or 30 years or something like that), you don't need smog paperwork??? I vaguely remember something like that.

[sweetchicken2]

Yes, I heard this has been suspended. We retired a vehicle in May... just in time I suspect. I heard through the grapevine that there may be something indicated in the stimulus package (Federal)... check it out regarding old vehicles and an incentive to retire them. Do not know if this is true.

[zabala]

What about the smog financial assistance? Anyone hear if that's still on? My 21 year old car has just failed it's 2nd smog test. Maybe I should've applied for that one instead.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by Charles

Not sure if this is relevant but isn't it the case if the vehicle is more than a certain age (like 25 or 30 years or something like that), you don't need smog paperwork??? I vaguely remember something like that.

For years it was a rolling exemption at 25 years... then the State tweaked it to 30... still not happy they froze it at 1976... I believe.

I attended several of the hearing in Sacramento on the subject... didn't seem to make any difference as the agenda was set.

What bugs the heck out of me is when they went from 25 to 30... the commissioners assured the public this was final... Now I know Final in Sacramento is only as good as the legislative session is in session... after that, all bets are off.

Just how many 1976 or older vehicles are on the road as daily commuters anyway

[zabala]

Got my vehicle retirement approval letter today. There was also a note attached that says, "...on or after July 1, 2009 the Consumer Assistance Program is unable to accept your vehicle for retirement until the revised budget is approved..."

So anyway the way it works is they send you the approval letter and a list of contracted auto dismantlers you choose from. You turn in your plates, title and registration to the DMV and pick up a one day permit to drive the car to the dismantler, (junk yard?). After the car passes an equipment and operational check done at the dismantler, you get your 1000 dollar check.

[cheesyman]

so they are still approving vehicle retirement, but you cannot get drive it to the dismantler for a check until the new budget is approved?

is that the correct understanding?

i have a vehicle that is for sure going to fail emissions in october.

[youngchampion]

damn i didnt even know this program existed!
out of funds or not its good to know i'll keep checkin to see when its available again

[caarec]

See the link here
[url=http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/01_CAP&GoldShield/Factsheets/Consumer_Assist_FAQs.html]Consumer Assistance Program Fact Sheet[/url]

[Caltovegas]

Does the state have a program for a cash payment if you want to return a wife due to weight gain and lack of cooking? Ok ladies the question can also be about men and big bellies.

[zabala]

Just wanted to update this...I just called the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the Vehicle Retirement program is back on! Hopefully they will take my poor car, (has some kinda inspection to go through first).