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Your car might be eligible for free fix
Vouchers for emissions violators are available
Updated: Friday, 07 Sep 2012, 1:18 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 06 Sep 2012, 7:36 PM CDT
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
It was a concept first introduced in 2009, nationally referred to as Cash for Clunkers, designed to get old cars that don't pass emission tests off the road.
Now the local version, Aircheck Texas Repair and Replacement assistance program, is looking for old cars to fix or replace if a car qualifies.
If a car has failed an emissions test, the owner might be eligible for funds from the program.
"It pays for repairs up to $600," said Adele Noel, air quality project manager, "or up to $3,000 for a newer vehicle."
There are only 150 replacement vouchers available starting Sept. 24, so funding is expected to run out in only a few weeks and they want people to take advantage of it.
"By cleaning up the automobiles, having your vehicle run as clean and efficient as possible, it helps to clean up the air which everyone benefits from," said Noel.
Those who fail and don't take the time to fix their cars are taking chances driving with an expired tag. Tickets can get much higher than $100 depending on who hands drivers the bad news.
"One judge's office, for expired inspection certificate, was $170," said Robbie Barrera, a trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol. "So, it's actually cheaper to keep your car maintained and get your inspection certificate on it than allow it to be expired."
Barrera said the Texas Department of Public Safety and other agencies are always looking for expired tags, which often leads to finding fake or counterfeit tags, a much more serious offense.
"Unlike displaying an expired registration, I'm going to be able to write you a ticket and let you continue down the road and you're going to contact the judge," said Barrera. "If you're actually displaying a fictictious one I'm going to have to take you to jail."
Air quality managers said high emissions is a serious problem, especially in a booming area like Central Texas, and they hope those who missed the boat before will jump onboard this time around.
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