That’s right. Get money for tossing in your old tanker. It’s true that older cars and trucks release more harmful emissions into the atmosphere than newer cars and trucks. It’s also widely known that Texas has a poor track record for pollution and smog created by mass transit vehicles – all our cars. According to an article on The Dallas Morning News website:
The state should begin taking applications next week for a program that offers vouchers of up to $3,500 to get old, polluting cars and trucks off the road…The state has $100 million for the program, mostly collected over the last several years from higher vehicle inspection fees in noncompliant counties. In return for getting up to 40,000 old cars and trucks off the road through the program, Texas will get clean-air credits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that could help the state meet clean-air standards.
So, how does it work? Well, the article also says that,
Any gas-powered car or truck at least 10 years old – meaning a model year of 1997 or older – is eligible. The vehicle must have been registered in an area county for at least 12 months before the voucher application, and it must have passed an inspection or emissions test within the last 15 months. Almost all area counties are eligible…Participants must also meet income standards since the program is aimed largely at low-income residents who have no choice but to drive older vehicles, which typically emit 10 to 30 times as much pollution as new vehicles.Annual income limits start at $30,630 for an individual.The program is intended mostly for counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas that are not in compliance with federal clean-air standards.
Oh, but did we mention North Central Texas Council of Governments has also restricted it to certain counties and put a $25,000 limit on the new car you buy?
Residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth nonattainment counties (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, and Tarrant) may be eligible to receive vouchers for $3,000 toward the purchase of a newer car or truck and $3,500 toward a hybrid vehicle from participating auto dealers. Up to $600 for repair assistance is available.
Worried about creating more “waste” by ditching your dusty wheels? Don’t worry… much… when you get money for the car, the dealers are reimbursed for the voucher, but only after they have disposed of the cars through an approved salvage facility. If you are, or will be looking for a new car and yours is a 1997 model or older, check out the list of eligible replacement cars or trucks, participating dealers, English/Spanish applications and more at AirCheck Texas site. Hopefully, this program will allow people to not only make fewer emissions with a newer car but will also encourage people to think about getting a hybrid modeled car.
Updated: We’ve had a few questions about how to apply for the program, so here’s some more information about the program. To find out if your car qualified, contact the “Drive a Clean Machine” program administrator in your region.
Popularity: 21% [?]
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Why would I give up a car on which I owh nothing to go and finance a new car. I could sell my $2,000.00 vehicle and take the $3,500.00 and say $1,000.00 of my other funds and purchase a better vehicle for $6,000.00 and simply mail proof of purchase and registration to the state. The state Government needs to listen to Dave Ramsey and stop forcing people into debt.
It sounded nice but you have to think about it .The voucher for $3500.00 is a nice down payment on a new vehicle but I couldn’t make the car payments of $300-400 a month and feed my kids ,pay rent,pay the high prices for energy,and gasoline,oh yeah and having to buy cable becuse of no analog tv for the poor, disabled and uneducated that don’t know what’s going on.The state should stimulate its own state and give $3500.00 cash for low income people (under $35,000 gross) to put back in their pockets for their bills ,comfort ,whatever…its time for the state to give now in a real way no strings attached.
I agree with Beau. I am in a similar situation being a single mother on a very low income level and commuting 82 mile per day in Houston traffic. I could use the help in general.
All this will do is create a heavier debt burden on the working class already overburdened with debt. Why not use the same funds as payments for medical insurance for the uninsured in Texas?
Don’t you get it?
This is not another handout,another something for nothing,another “everyone owes me” because I don’t and won’t earn my way.
This is about pollution.
Keep your old car.No one is telling you what to do.
If you can’t afford a payment,then don’t do this.
You people need to get a grip and quit griping.
You don’t have to buy a “new” car with this program. Put the $3000 towards a 2005 Kia if you can’t afford much more.
I am interested in the program i would love to help the enviroment. My car is 14 years old and i love it to death but for the cash i would luv to help the cause.
Doesn’t California have a similar program for older autos?
how and where do i get more info on this program? Where do you apply?
Thanks ,
I wonder why just certain counties are included in this?
Is just the people around Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston and Austin the only ones nweed to breathe the cleaner air?
Us poor folks in Fannin County would like help to better our cars and air!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My best guess is that it is because Fort Worth/Dallas and Houston have some of the worst air pollution in the country. I can imagine that there are limited funds available for such a program and they have to be used where things are the most critical.
Hell ya now I can buy my F350 dually.
I have a 17 year old car and I would love the help. So when, where, how. If someone could give the info I would appreciate it!
thanks
would like know how do I get start in the program I have a 1996 4 runner would like to get a newer auto need more info
how do you apply for this program? i have a 91 old escort with no ac and its kind of beat up does this still apply?
How do I apply for this program and where can I trade my car in?
I also want to know how or where to apply this program and where I can trade my car?
Can I use the money to buy a used car?
Who are the participating dealerships?
no thanks i prefer to keep my old car.
cant effort a new car
I am interested in the program as well and I would like to know if it is still available. I have a 1996 car and I am definately ready to get rid of it. Of course I do not want a car that I cannot afford.
Please does anyone have the details on this program?
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This program came and went, and is long finished, unfortunately.