What happens if your car does not pass California Emmisions Test?

Question

I was wondering what will happen if your car does not pass the California Smog Test. I have heard that they will want you to repair it if it is close to passing, but what if it is NOT close?

I was told that the state would buy the car from you if it cannot pass the Smog Test...

Answer 1

Yes, they do have a program that the state will pay what ever the whole sale value of the car, up to $800 for a car to get a polluting vehicle off the street.

Answer 2

If they buy it, the would probably give you 1/10 of its street value.

Somebody from L.A. told me that some Mexicans (in L.A.) would buy the car and drive it down to Mexico for resale. But that's assuming the cost of repair is MORE than the value of the car.


Good Luck.