California CARS Act: What Roseville Car Buyers Should Know

The California CARS Act introduces additional vehicle-shopping protections beginning October 1, 2026. For buyers in Roseville, Sacramento, and surrounding communities, the changes address how dealerships communicate pricing, explain optional products, and handle cancellations for qualifying used vehicles.

California shoppers considering their first zero-emission vehicle should also know about MyFirstEV, a separate program offering incentives through participating manufacturers. Understanding both developments can help you ask better questions when shopping at Roseville Automall and working with the dealership selling your vehicle.

What Is the California CARS Act?

CARS stands for Combating Auto Retail Scams. Enacted through Senate Bill 766, the law addresses misleading sales practices and requires additional disclosures in covered transactions. Its operative date is October 1, 2026.

The California DMV’s CARS Act overview explains protections involving new and used vehicles sold or leased by licensed dealers. Coverage has exceptions, so the rules should not be assumed to apply identically to every vehicle or transaction.

Advertised Total Price vs. Out-the-Door Price

Under the Act, the disclosed total price includes dealer price adjustments and items installed on the vehicle when it is advertised or discussed. Rebate deductions are separate. Required pricing disclosures apply to specified advertisements and initial written communications.

The advertised total price is not necessarily the final out-the-door amount. California permits certain exclusions, including taxes, registration fees, and specified dealer processing charges. Finance charges may also be separate. The vehicle advertising rules in California Vehicle Code Section 11713.1 describe these exclusions.

Request an itemized quote for the exact vehicle you want. Ask the dealership to show:

• The vehicle price and included equipment
• Rebates or incentives you qualify for
• Taxes, registration, and other applicable charges
• Optional products you choose to purchase
• The out-the-door total before your down payment or trade-in

Keep the vehicle identification number with each quote. This helps ensure you are comparing the same vehicle, configuration, and equipment rather than two similar listings with different costs.

How Are Rebates and Optional Add-Ons Handled?

The law’s defined total price does not deduct rebates; incentives can be disclosed separately. Confirm eligibility before including an offer in your budget.

During written negotiations about an add-on, dealers must disclose that it is not required to purchase or lease the vehicle. The Act also prohibits charging for add-ons that provide no benefit to the buyer or lessee.

For any optional product, ask what it covers, what it excludes, how long it lasts, and what it costs. Review any cancellation terms for the product separately from the vehicle purchase. If you decline something, check that your updated quote reflects that choice.

What Is California’s MyFirstEV Rebate Program?

MyFirstEV is a separate incentive program for eligible California residents buying or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle. It reduces the price at the transaction rather than requiring shoppers to wait for a reimbursement.

The combined state and participating manufacturer incentive provides:

• $3,500 for an eligible new vehicle
• $1,750 for an eligible used vehicle

These amounts already include the manufacturer’s matching contribution. Learn more through the official California MyFirstEV program.

Which Vehicles Can Qualify?

Eligible types include battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Plug-in hybrids are excluded.

New vehicles must be model year 2026 or newer and generally have an MSRP of $50,000 or less. Used vehicles generally must cost $25,000 or less, be at least two model years older than the purchase year, and come through a participating manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program. Certain California-headquartered manufacturers producing only zero-emission vehicles are exempt from the price caps.

Check Availability Before Ordering or Buying

Manufacturer and dealership availability varies, and funding is limited. Orders or purchases made before the manufacturer offers its incentive do not qualify. Confirm your eligibility and the exact vehicle with the selling dealership before committing. See CARB’s MyFirstEV frequently asked questions for program details.

Ask for a quote that lists the incentive separately and shows the resulting purchase total. This makes it easier to compare an eligible EV with another vehicle without confusing the advertised price, available savings, and final amount due.

Compare the Total Cost, Not Just the Monthly Payment

When dealers make written monthly-payment representations during negotiations, the Act requires disclosure of the total scheduled purchase or lease payments and any assumed down payment or trade-in consideration. Written comparisons discussing lower payments also require a warning that lower payments often increase the total paid.

For your own comparison, put the down payment, APR, loan length, and total payments side by side. A payment that fits your monthly budget is useful, but it does not tell you the whole cost. When comparing new vs used pricing, also consider insurance, maintenance, and the length of time you expect to keep the vehicle.

If you are considering an electric vehicle, include your likely home or public charging costs and any charging installation quote in your budget. An incentive can reduce the upfront cost, but your vehicle choice should also fit your driving needs and charging access.

Which Used Vehicles Have a Three-Day Cancellation Right?

Beginning October 1, 2026, qualifying retail used-vehicle purchases and leases priced at $50,000 or less include a three-day cancellation right. This does not establish a general cooling-off period for new vehicles.

The period generally starts the day after the agreement is signed and runs for three calendar days. If the dealership is closed on the final day, the deadline extends to its next open day.

The right is subject to conditions, including a 400-mile limit. Permitted restocking and mileage charges may apply. The vehicle must satisfy return-condition requirements, and the required items must be delivered to the selling or leasing dealership during business hours.

Read the separate cancellation disclosure before signing. Ask the dealership to identify your exact deadline, return procedure, and possible charges. For the full requirements and exceptions, consult the official SB 766 text.

For a vehicle purchased with an incentive, also ask how cancellation would affect that incentive and the transaction paperwork.

Questions to Ask Before Buying in Roseville

Use your dealership visit to resolve anything unclear in the quote or paperwork:

• Does this quote identify the exact vehicle I am buying?
• Which charges are included, and which appear separately?
• Which discounts depend on my eligibility or financing choice?
• Which products can I decline?
• What will I pay over the complete loan or lease term?
• Does this used vehicle qualify for cancellation, and what are the conditions?
• If I am considering an EV, has the dealership confirmed MyFirstEV eligibility for me and this vehicle?
• Where does the confirmed incentive appear in my written quote?

Keep copies of the listing, written quote, and signed documents. If an amount changes, ask for an explanation before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Do the California CARS Act Requirements Begin?

The requirements begin October 1, 2026. They address pricing disclosures, optional products, and other protections in covered vehicle transactions.

Does the Advertised Price Include Every Fee?

Not necessarily. Taxes and certain permitted fees can remain separate. Request an itemized out-the-door quote from the selling dealership.

Can I Return Any Vehicle Within Three Days?

No. The Act’s cancellation right applies to qualifying used-vehicle transactions, with price, mileage, deadline, and return conditions. It is not a general new-car return policy.

Who Handles My Quote or Return at Roseville Automall?

Work directly with the dealership selling or leasing your vehicle. Ask that dealership to explain the quote, transaction documents, and any applicable cancellation procedure.

Is MyFirstEV Part of the California CARS Act?

No. MyFirstEV provides vehicle incentives. The CARS Act addresses dealership sales practices and consumer protections.

How Much Can Eligible Shoppers Save Through MyFirstEV?

The combined state and manufacturer incentive is $3,500 for an eligible new vehicle or $1,750 for an eligible used vehicle.

Do Plug-In Hybrids Qualify for MyFirstEV?

No. Plug-in hybrids are excluded from MyFirstEV.

Plan Your Visit to Roseville Automall

Understanding the California CARS Act and MyFirstEV can help you compare offers and approach your purchase with clearer expectations. Start with the vehicle you want, request a written breakdown, and review the terms with the selling dealership.

Contact Roseville Automall to connect with the appropriate dealership and discuss your next vehicle. If you are considering your first zero-emission vehicle, ask the selling dealership to confirm any available MyFirstEV incentive before ordering or buying.

This guide provides general consumer information, not legal advice. Consult the official law, current incentive requirements, and your transaction disclosures for applicable terms.