Are you considering participating in the Clean Car For All Program to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle? This program offers financial incentives to California residents to retire their older, high-polluting vehicles. However, to be eligible for the Clean Car for All program, both the applicant and the vehicle must meet specific criteria. This article outlines the vehicle eligibility requirements for the Clean Car for All program, ensuring you understand if your car qualifies for retirement under this initiative. It’s crucial to note that if you’ve previously received funding from programs like the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program or similar initiatives, you may not be eligible for the Clean Cars for All Program. Furthermore, vehicles retired through Clean Cars for All cannot be sold or retired under other programs like the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP).
Retired Vehicle Eligibility
To be accepted into the Clean Cars for All program, the vehicle you plan to retire must satisfy several conditions related to its model year, type, registration, and functionality. Let’s break down each requirement:
Model Year Requirement
The vehicle intended for retirement must be a model year 2007 or older. This means vehicles manufactured in or before 2007, such as 2006, 2005, and earlier models, are potentially eligible based on this criterion.
Vehicle Type
Eligible vehicles must be gasoline or diesel-powered light or medium-duty vehicles. The program specifies a weight limit, considering vehicles up to 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) as eligible in this category.
Vehicle Registration
At the time of application, the vehicle needs to be currently registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under an individual’s name. This registration must be active with a valid and unexpired registration sticker. In cases where the registration has recently expired, there’s a grace period: vehicles are still considered if all DMV fees are paid and the registration has not been expired for more than 120 days.
Furthermore, the vehicle must have been continuously registered in California with the DMV for the two consecutive years leading up to the current registration expiration date. Minor breaks in registration are permitted, but these gaps cannot total more than 120 days over the two-year period. It’s worth noting that exceptions to these registration requirements may be considered under specific circumstances, which will be discussed in a later section.
Vehicle Functionality
A key requirement is that the vehicle must be functioning. To verify this, participants might be required to undergo a tailpipe smog check test. Alternatively, an Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) test or a functionality test conducted by the Air District, GRID Alternatives, or authorized dismantlers may be required to confirm the vehicle’s operational status.
Vehicle Exceptions
Understanding that vehicle registration histories can sometimes be complex, the Clean Cars for All program provides certain exceptions. A vehicle that is unregistered or doesn’t fully meet the standard registration requirements may still be eligible under specific conditions.
Proof of California Driving
Even if a vehicle does not meet the continuous registration criteria, it can still qualify if it can be proven that it has been primarily driven in California for the past two years. During this period, the vehicle must not have been registered in any other state or country.
Acceptable Documentation
To demonstrate that the vehicle has been primarily used in California, applicants can provide specific documentation. Acceptable forms of proof include:
- Proof of insurance for two consecutive years: This insurance documentation must cover a two-year period without any breaks in coverage that total more than 120 days.
- Two invoices from an Automotive Repair Dealer: These invoices must be from a repair dealer registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair. The invoices need to be from two separate calendar years, with the oldest invoice being no older than 24 months. Each invoice must contain specific information:
- The Automotive Repair Dealer’s valid registration number.
- The name and address of the Automotive Repair Dealer.
- A detailed description of the repair or maintenance work performed on the vehicle.
- The vehicle’s year, make, model, and either the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number, which must match the vehicle intended for retirement.
- The date of the repair or maintenance service.
Vehicles Not Eligible for Retirement
While the Clean Cars for All program aims to be inclusive, certain categories of vehicles are explicitly ineligible for participation:
- Dismantled or salvaged vehicles: Vehicles that have been officially dismantled or salvaged and have not been properly reregistered according to section 11519 of the California Vehicle Code are not eligible.
- Vehicles registered to a non-profit or business: The program is designed for individuals; therefore, vehicles registered to non-profit organizations or businesses are excluded.
- Vehicles operated by public agencies or fleets: Vehicles that are part of public agency fleets or licensed and registered under Health and Safety Code sections 44019 and 44020 are not eligible.
- Vehicles undergoing a transfer of ownership: If the vehicle is currently in the process of ownership transfer, it is not eligible for retirement under the Clean Cars for All program.
By understanding these eligibility requirements, potential applicants can readily assess whether their vehicle qualifies for the Clean Cars for All program. Ensuring your vehicle meets these criteria is the first step towards participating in this valuable initiative and contributing to cleaner air in California.
