Federal Car Rebate Program Website, cars.gov
Where to Get $3,500 & $4,500 Government Vehicle Incentive Details
Jul 21, 2009
In June 2009, United States President Barack Obama signed into law a federal car rebate program that many Americans are excited about. The law is the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act, part of the larger Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009.
The CARS Act authorizes $3,500 and $4,500 government vouchers for the purchase of certain new vehicles, and this free benefit is time-sensitive; the auto incentives are only available until November 1, 2009 or until program funds run out, whichever comes first.
Obama Federal Car Rebate Program
Even before President Obama signed the act, the United States government established the program’s official website, cars.gov, in anticipation of the bill being signed into law. Since then, the website has been periodically updated with information for the American public to use as the country awaits the finals rules. According to the CARS Act, the government must publish final rules for the program on or before July 24, 2009 (30 days after enactment).
In early July 2009, the federal government issued a document entitled “Day One Notice,” in which the main points of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act were summarized. In the Day One Notice, the government also clarified where and how further program instructions would be provided.
Official Cash for Clunkers Website, cars.gov – Day One Notice
The Day One notice, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (under the Department of Transportation), spelled out the following information about the Cash for Clunkers program:
- A deadline of July 24, 2009 for the federal government to provide complete Cash for Clunkers program details.
- Answers to frequently asked questions about the CARS program.
- Eligibility requirements for trade-ins and newly purchased vehicles.
- How to qualify for a new car incentive by vehicle category.
- What information the official Car Allowance Rebate System website, cars.gov, will ultimately reveal.
- Where consumers can obtain information online or by phone.
Where to Get $3,500 & $4,500 Government Vehicle Incentive Details
The Day One Notice is available for download in PDF format on cars.gov. To access this document, visit cars.gov, then click on the “Official Information” tab at the top of the homepage. Both the Day One Notice and the text of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act are available for download on this page.
Cash for Clunkers Program or Car Allowance Rebate System?
The official name of the federal car rebate program described above is the Car Allowance Rebate System. Among other names, it has also been called the Cash for Clunkers program and car rebate program; these terms are used interchangeably above. Regardless of the name used, the official website is cars.gov.
Consumers should keep in mind that although the program's name contains the word "rebate," no individual person will actually receive a cash rebate. The $3,500 or $4,500 voucher credit will be applied at the point of purchase.
Resources:
Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009
Day One Notice retrieved from cars.gov on July 7, 2009
Related articles:
Government Car Rebate & $3,500 or $4,500 Voucher – Learn how consumers interested in purchasing new vehicles in 2009 may qualify for two of Obama’s auto stimulus incentives.
3500 or 4500 New Car Incentive, Voucher Credit – Learn ten important facts about the Cash for Clunkers program.
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