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Asked: Jun 26, 2009 - 01:00 PM

Status: Closed

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jahjah

In Cash for Clunkers, does the car have to be registered and smogged when turned in?

I have a 91 Lexus LS400, which appears to be considered a Clunker. The registration with smog is due in July before the Cash for Clunkers program begins. I would like to avoid registering and smogging my Clunker if possible. Or at least just pay the registration but not do the smog. My plan is to buy a new car in August or September. Thank you.

In News & Events > Legislation > Cash for Clunkers
8 answers - 142 days ago

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greenghost

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Time: 16:41

Your registration must be current when you turn in the vehicle. Some other things to note: the turned-in vehicle must have been continuously insured for the past year from the date that you turn in the vehicle, and registered to the same owner for the past year.

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greenghost

Date: Jun 29, 2009
Time: 13:27

In regards to your question of eligibility if the vehicle is registered for planned non-operation... hmmm. The current legislation that was enacted doesn't specify details over this. The legislation says that the vehicle registration must be current and registered to the same owner for the past year; but, the law also says that the vehicle must be in "drivable condition."

Currently the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) is developing the program specifics, and it will be up to them to determine whether non-op-registered vehicles will qualify for the program. NHTSA plans to roll out the program by July 24 , so we'll know more soon.

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tony78

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Time: 04:05 PM

yes, smogged and registered,,,hey ! the govt may be stupid,,,but not that stupid !

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greenghost

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Time: 04:41 PM

Your registration must be current when you turn in the vehicle. Some other things to note: the turned-in vehicle must have been continuously insured for the past year from the date that you turn in the vehicle, and registered to the same owner for the past year.

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texases

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Time: 05:29 PM

How much is your LS400 worth in trade? You only get $3500 through the program, and no trade in allowance, so the actual $$ benefit might be small or zero for you.

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jahjah

Date: Jun 26, 2009
Time: 08:22 PM

What if the car does not pass the smog? Do I have to fix to get it to pass to then get it registered? Why do I have to put this money into the car when it is just going to get junked? What if I chose Planned Nonoperation?

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isellhondas

Date: Jun 28, 2009
Time: 09:05 PM

You will need to have a current registration when you trade it in. If an emission inspection is required before you register it, you will need to have that done.

If it fails, you will have to have it fixed.

No working around this goofy program!

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greenghost

Date: Jun 29, 2009
Time: 01:27 PM

In regards to your question of eligibility if the vehicle is registered for planned non-operation... hmmm. The current legislation that was enacted doesn't specify details over this. The legislation says that the vehicle registration must be current and registered to the same owner for the past year; but, the law also says that the vehicle must be in "drivable condition."

Currently the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) is developing the program specifics, and it will be up to them to determine whether non-op-registered vehicles will qualify for the program. NHTSA plans to roll out the program by July 24 , so we'll know more soon.

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tony78

Date: Jul 03, 2009
Time: 01:52 AM

N.H.T.S.A is the acronym for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Not the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority.

Just in case anyone was wondering.

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greenghost

Date: Jul 06, 2009
Time: 03:24 PM

Tony- thank you for the correction!

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