Effective heavy-duty truck management requires strict adherence to vehicle condition regulations. This article provides detailed guidance on the requirements for trucks participating in the Vehicle Buy Back program and the operational checks conducted prior to dismantling.
Vehicle Eligibility for the Buy Back Program
To qualify your heavy-duty truck for the Vehicle Buy Back program, it must meet the following requirements:
- Vehicle Type: Diesel or gasoline-powered passenger vehicles model year 1997 or older, or light-duty trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.
- Registration: The vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as operable and must have been continuously registered for at least 24 months prior to the sale date. The registration address must be within the T. Air District jurisdiction (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and the southern portions of Solano and Sonoma counties). The vehicle must pass a DMV-required Smog Check. Exceptions apply if the vehicle was unintentionally unregistered for up to two months during the 24-month registration period and for at least three months after the sale to the Program. The DMV also accepts vehicles that were unregistered for fewer than 181 days in the 24 months prior, provided all registration fees and late penalties are paid and the vehicle was registered for at least 90 days before the sale. You can look up your DMV registration history online.
- Operation: The vehicle must be driven to the dismantling facility under its own power.
- Emissions Control System: The emissions control system must be functional and not tampered with.
- Smog Check: The vehicle must not be currently receiving free repairs or Smog Check extensions due to financial hardship. If the vehicle is within a 60-day required Smog Check period, it must pass the test without receiving any free programs or extensions. If the vehicle is in a subsequent 61-90 day Smog Check period, passing the test is not mandatory. However, if a test is performed during this period, the vehicle must pass.
- Registration History: Vehicle registration history verification must be based on DMV data. If DMV data is inconclusive, a copy of the vehicle registration certificate may be used.
Vehicle Operational Condition Checks
The dismantling facility will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the vehicle meets the following operating condition requirements:
- Self-Propelled: The vehicle must be driven to the dismantling facility under its own power.
- Physical Condition: Components such as doors, hood, dashboard, windshield, seats, pedals, shock absorbers, steering system, suspension, exhaust system, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and at least one side window must be intact and in good working order. Drivability must not be affected by body damage.
- Operability: The engine must start using the ignition system when the key is inserted (or with the ignition/fuel switch if necessary). The vehicle must start easily without starting fluid or a jump start. The vehicle must be able to move forward and backward at least 25 feet under its own power.
After passing the inspections, the dismantling facility will issue a certificate of operational eligibility. If the vehicle does not meet the requirements, please contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Consumer Assistance Program for financial assistance with vehicle sale or repair.
Note: The Air District maintains a Vehicle Inventory List for classic car collectors or those interested in purchasing vehicles model year 1997 or older, or removable parts. This vehicle list will be posted and distributed to potential buyers within at least 10 days. You can also contact the Vehicle Dismantling Facility directly for a list of vehicles currently being acquired.
