The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial assistance to repair or retire a vehicle that fails a Smog Check.
Repair Assistance:
you may qualify for up to $500 in repair assistance once you pay the first $100 in repair costs. You may also qualify if your income is within certain levels, regardless of where you got your Smog Check. If you qualify based on income, a $20 co-pay is all that you need. For more up to date information, please visit smogcheck.ca.gov.
Vehicle retirement:
If you feel your car is not worth repairing, the State may buy the car from you for $1,000 and have it scrapped at a local dismantler.