Background Material: Where do I take my vehicle?

Up Links

ARB Programs
- Mobile Sources
  - Consumers

Local Links

This page last reviewed October 20, 2008

Where do I take my vehicle?

Voluntary accelerated vehicle retirement (VAVR) programs, sometimes referred to as scrap or vehicle buy back programs, pay owners of eligible vehicles to voluntarily retire their older, high emitting vehicles. The primary goal of vehicle retirement programs is to reduce ozone-forming emissions by accelerating normal fleet turnover so that newer, cleaner vehicles can be put into use sooner than what would occur naturally. VAVR programs are one of the many components of the State Implementation Plan (SIP), California's comprehensive strategy to achieve the federal ozone standard throughout the state.

If your vehicle has FAILED its most recently required Smog Check inspection, you may be eligible for the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) vehicle retirement program. Call 1-800-952-5210 or check BAR's web page for more information.

If your vehicle has PASSED the last Smog Check and has been registered in a district listed below for at least two years, you can use the contact information below to determine whether your vehicle is eligible for the VAVR program. If your vehicle is registered outside the areas listed below, your vehicle is not eligible for the VAVR program.

The State of California and the Air Resources Board do NOT operate VAVR programs. Contact the BAR if your vehicle FAILED the last Smog Check or your local air district if your vehicle PASSED the last Smog Check and your local air district administers a VAVR program. If your vehicle is registered outside the air districts listed below your vehicle is not eligible the VAVR program.

Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District

Includes the northeast portion of Los Angeles County.

For more information, visit the Antelope Valley AQMD or call 1-800-717-7624.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Includes San Francisco, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties as well as the southern portion of Sonoma County and the western portion of Solano County.

For more information, visit the Bay Area AQMD or call the Vehicle Buy Back Program at (888) 690-2274.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
For more information, visit the Santa Barbara County APCD or call the Car Buy Back Program at (800) 717-7624.

South Coast Air Quality Management District
Includes most of Los Angeles County, Orange County, a portion of Riverside County, and the western corner of San Bernardino County.

For more information, visit the SouthCoast AQMD

Voluntary Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program

(SB 501) Voluntary Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Programs

Up Links

Local Links