The vehicle's owner must then take the vehicle inspection report to an authorized Gold Shield station, where the car will be repaired. Canevari said stations must meet state standards to qualify for certification as an authorized Gold Shield station. The Gold Shield station management then files the application with the state, and the process is complete. The only thing it doesn't tell you is why. By law, certain vehicles are not eligible for the Repair Assistance Program.
Vehicles undergoing change of ownership are ineligible.
If the cost of repairing a gross polluter exceeds the value of the vehicle, the Bureau of Automotive Repair offers the California owner the opportunity to retire the vehicle. To be accepted into the retirement program, a vehicle must have failed a biennial smog check within 90 days of the bureau's receiving a completed application. It must also pass a visual and operational inspection at a Bureau of Automotive Repair-approved dismantler. Both Canevari and Bordeleau said vehicles having emission-related repairs get significantly improved gas mileage. Not many people are aware of the Repair Assistance Program, Bordeleau said.