Old Car Buyback Incentive Program

 

Old Cars

 

 

Holly Galbreath, Air Quality Specialist II (805) 303-3666

Stephanie Lapeyre-Montrose, Supervising Air Quality Specialist (805) 303-3665


Motor vehicles produce more than half of the air pollution in Ventura County, and older models emit much more than newer ones. Since 2017, this program has taken more than 300 of these vehicles off the road.

 

The district will pay owners $1,000 for 1997 or older operable cars, light-duty pickup trucks, SUVs and vans. Purchased vehicles are dismantled.

 

The vehicle must:

  • Have been registered with the DMV at Ventura County addresses for the last 24 months OR registration lapsed for less than 181 days during the previous 24 months, all registration fees and late penalties have been paid to the DMV and vehicle has been registered for at least 90 days prior to sale to the program
  • Have been registered for 24 months as an operable vehicle OR placed by owner in planned non-operational status per Vehicle Code Section 4604 for two or fewer months occurring at least three months prior to the date of sale to the program during the continuous 24-month registration period
  • Have passed the most recent smog inspection required by the DMV (The California Bureau of Automotive Repair offers funding to repair or retire vehicles that fail smog checks to eligible consumers through its Consumer Assistance Program.)
  • Pass a smog inspection if it is within 60 days of the next one required
  • Not be operating under a smog inspection repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension
  • Have a gross vehicular weight rating up to 10,000 pounds
  • Have a clear California title with no liens
  • Be driven to a participating dismantler in Oxnard or Santa Paula under its own power
  • Pass an Equipment Eligibility Inspection conducted by the dismantler
  • Pass the following Vehicle Functional Test conducted by the dismantler — start using keyed ignition system (and activated ignition or fuel switch if required) through ordinary means without the use of starting fluids or external booster batteries; be driven at least 25 feet both forward and in reverse under its own power

 

Additional information:

  • The district funds a limited number of grants with local DMV fees each year. They are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • State regulations require that the district hold a vehicle for a minimum of 10 days before dismantling. During this time, members of the public can inspect and buy the vehicle. The dismantler must extend the waiting period for a minimum of seven additional days if contacted by anyone interested in buying a vehicle. A vehicle inventory list is available on the Ventura County page of the Old Car Buyback website.
  • Flyer

 

To verify eligibility and schedule an appointment to sell a vehicle:

  • Call Environmental Engineering Studies Inc. at 800-717-7624.