California offers financial incentives to residents who voluntarily retire high-polluting vehicles through the , managed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) . As of 2026, eligible participants can receive up to $2,000 for retiring a vehicle that fails a smog check. Incentive Amounts
The vehicle must be operable and able to be driven to a BAR-contracted dismantler under its own power. california state car buy back program
You cannot have retired another vehicle as a sole owner (or more than two as a joint owner) within the last 12 months. How to Apply You cannot have retired another vehicle as a
It must have been continuously registered in California for the past two years without a lapse exceeding 120 days. california state car buy back program
To qualify for the statewide BAR program, both you and your vehicle must meet specific criteria:
The vehicle must have failed its most recent biennial Smog Check inspection.