The Consumer Assistance Program’s (CAP) repair assistance option offers eligible consumers whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check inspection financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station. Owners of model year 1996 or newer vehicles may receive up to $1,200 in emissions-related repairs. Owners of model year 1976 through 1995 vehicles may receive up to $900 in emissions-related repairs.

Eligibility: 

1. Your gross household income must be less than or equal to 225% of the Federal poverty level.
2. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.
3. You must not have previously participated in CAP with the same vehicle.
4. You must pay a co-payment toward the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs. The co-payment is based on the model year of your vehicle and the total cost of diagnosis and emissions-related repairs.
5. The vehicle must have failed its biennial (every other year) Smog Check inspection.
   NOTE:

   Aborted, manual mode, and training mode inspections do not satisfy this requirement.
6. The vehicle must not have a tampered emissions control system.
7. The vehicle must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with a valid and unexpired registration sticker OR have all fees paid to DMV and not have a registration sticker that has been expired more than 365 days.
8. The vehicle must not be undergoing a transfer of ownership.
9. The vehicle must not be undergoing an initial registration or re-registration into California.
10. The vehicle must not be registered to a business, government, or non-profit organization.
11. The vehicle must not be junked.
12. The vehicle must not be total loss salvaged in the process of being re-registered (i.e., salvage retention) in California.

For Detailed Information: https://www.bar.ca.gov/consumer/consumer-assistance-program/cap-repair-assistance-program