(a) For purposes of this section, “low-income motor vehicle owner” means a person whose income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 44017, for low-income motor vehicle owners qualified under Section 44062.1, the repair cost limit, including parts and labor, shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250) in all areas where the program operates. However, the department may decrease that amount, to not more than two hundred dollars ($200), if the department determines that participation rates are unsatisfactory.
(c) Until such time as a repair assistance program becomes effective pursuant to Section 44062.1, an economic hardship extension shall be issued upon request to a qualified low-income motor vehicle owner whose motor vehicle has been tested but does not meet applicable emissions standards and the necessary repairs exceed the repair cost limit specified in subdivision (b).
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 67, Sec. 14. Effective July 6, 1999.)