COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

VEHICLE INDUSTRY REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Title

13
Page

13.000 Commercial Vehicle Definition

13-2

13.005 Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA)

13-7

13.010 Conversion From Auto to Commercial License Plates

13-9

13.015 CVRA Weight Decals and CVRA Year Stickers

13-9

13.020 CVRA Weight and Weight Codes

13-10

13.025 Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross

Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG. 4008) Form

13-10

13.030 DefinitionsUnladen Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight, Combined

Gross Vehicle Weight

13-12

13.035 Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT)

13-13

13.040 Financial Responsibility

13-14

13.045 Fork Lift Trucks

13-15

13.050 Fuel Tax Clearance

13-16

13.055 International Registration Plan (IRP)

13-16

13.060 Mobile Cranes

13-16

13.065 Motor Carrier Permit Program

13-20

13.070 Partial Year Registration (PYR) for Commercial Vehicles

13-21

13.075 Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR)

13-21

13.080 Permanent Fleet Registration Offices

13-22

13.085 Street Sweepers

13-23

13.090 Trolley Coaches

13-23

13.095 Unladen Weight and Weight Codes

13-24

13.100 Weight Certificate

13-24

13.105 Weight Certificate Exceptions

13-25

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Commercial Vehicles
13.000

Commercial Vehicle Definition (CVC 260)

A commercial vehicle is a type of vehicle:
Used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or
profit (for example, a taxi or limousine).
Designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
Types of Commercial Vehicles

Item

Definition

Bus
(CVC 233)

A vehicle:
Used, or maintained to carry more than 15 persons,
including the driver.
Designed to carry more than 10 persons, including the
driver, when used to transport persons for
compensation or profit, or used by a nonprofit
organization.
A bus is a commercial vehicle when:
Used to transport persons for hire, compensation, or
profit.
Bus transportation is supplied by a profit-making entity
and a customer ends up paying for the bus service as
part of the overall consideration for the primary
service.

For Hire
Passenger Vehicle

A passenger-type vehicle that transports:

Passengers for hire, such as a taxi, rental limousine, or
an ambulance, must be registered as a commercial
vehicle.
A charter-party carrier operating limousines that
pick up and deliver airport passengers must be
issued Livery License Plates.
Property for hire cannot obtain commercial plates.
Exception: Commercial registration may be
obtained for multipurpose vehicles, station wagons,
or hatchback-type vehicle when the owner is
engaged in a business, trade, or commerce, and the
vehicle is registered in the name of the business.

Motor Truck
(CVC 410)

A motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily

for the transportation of property.

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Commercial Vehicle Definition, continued

Item

Definition

Multipurpose
Vehicle

A vehicle designed primarily as a passenger vehicle, with

limited cargo carrying capability. (Example: Jeep,
Bronco, Blazer, Scout, and Jimmy.) Any of these vehicles
with a permanently-attached top may be issued auto or
commercial license plates.
A vehicle owner may obtain commercial registration
for a multipurpose vehicle at any time, by submitting
the Certificate of Title, registration card, a weight
certificate, and the appropriate weight fee.
Manufacturers produce variations of multipurpose
vehicles that are actually pickups and are subject to
commercial registration. (Example: Chevrolet
Avalanche, Hummer H2 SUT, Cadillac Escalade EXT,
Ford Explorer Sport Trac).
These vehicles have an open box-type bed or can
transform from a commercial (pickup) body to a
noncommercial body type. They must be reported
and registered as pickups. Weight fees are required.
(California Code of Regulations (CCR) (Title 13)
150.04).
When submitting applications to register these
vehicles, be sure to write body type model (BTM)
PK in the body type section of the application.

Pickup (CVC 471)

A motor truck with a manufacturers GVWR of less than

11,500 pounds and an unladen weight of less than 8,001
pounds, which is equipped with an open box-type bed less
than nine feet in length.
Pickup truck does not include a motor vehicle,
otherwise meeting the above definition, which is
equipped with a bed-mounted storage compartment
commonly called a utility body.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) 150.04(a)
further defines pickup trucks:
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 471, any
motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, motorized
bicycle, or motorized quadricycle, with an open
box-type bed not exceeding nine (9) feet in length is by
definition a pickup.
Examples: Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Nissan Frontier,
and other similarly designed vehicles.

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13.000 Commercial Vehicle Definition, continued
Item

Definition

Pickup Exclusions

The following trucks are not pickups:

Trucks with an open box-type bed that weigh more than
8,000 pounds unladen or exceed the manufacturers
GVWR of 11,500 pounds (varied BTM)
Trucks equipped with a bed-mounted storage
compartment unit commonly called a utility body
(utility BTM)
Trucks with a body type other than an open box bed
(stake, flatbed, dump, etc. BTM).
A pickup with a camper:
Temporarily-attached is a commercial vehicle and the
camper is a load.
Permanently-attached meets the definition of a
housecar (CVC 362) and may be registered as a
passenger vehicle.

Station Wagon
(CVC585 and
9404)

A dual purpose vehicle designed for the transportation of

persons in such a manner that the seats may be removed
or folded out of the way for the purpose of increasing the
property carrying space within the vehicle.
A hatchback-type vehicle with a rear seat that folds
down or is removable and a door in the rear that
provides direct access to the vehicles interior cargocarrying area when the seat is folded down or removed,
may be considered a station wagon.
Station wagons are registered as commercial
vehicles when used to transport persons for hire.
Station wagons may be registered as commercial
vehicles when:
The owner is engaged in a business, trade, or
commerce, and the vehicle is registered in the name
of the business.
An employee of the business certifies he/she is
required to own and operate a station wagon
registered to him/her as a requirement of
employment at a bona fide business.

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13.000 Commercial Vehicle Definition, continued

Item

Definition

Tow Truck
(CVC 615)

A motor vehicle which has been altered or designed,

equipped for, and primarily used in the business of,
transporting vehicles by means of a crane, hoist, tow bar,
tow line, or dolly or is otherwise primarily used to render
assistance to other vehicles.
A roll-back carrier designed to carry up to two
vehicles is also a tow truck.
Auto dismantler tow vehicles and repossessor tow
vehicles are not tow trucks.

Truck Tractor
(CVC 655)

A motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing

other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry a load
other than a part of the vehicle weight and load so drawn.
As used in this section, load does not include items
carried on the truck tractor in conjunction with the
vehicle operation if the load carrying space for these
items does not exceed 34 square feet.
Note: Truck tractors must always be registered as
commercial vehicles, even if they have living quarters.
The living quarters are secondary or incidental to the
primary function of the vehicle, which is still drawing
other vehicles.
Truck tractors with living quarters cannot be
registered as housecars.

Water-Well Drilling
Rigs

There are three types of water-well drilling rigs:

Agricultural: Are exempt from weight fees and issued
auto plates (CVC 9405).
Oversize: May be issued a special equipment (SE)
plate, if moved occasionally over the highways, used
primarily off the highways for construction purposes,
and require a permit issued by CalTrans (CVC 565).
Other Water-Well Drilling Rigs: Are commercial
vehicles and subject to weight fees set forth in
CVC 9400 or 9400.1.
The weight of the well-drilling machinery is
excluded from the vehicle weight for purposes of
calculating weight fees for vehicles with an
unladen weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
The weight of the well-drilling machinery shall be
considered part of the load when calculating weight
range fees (CVRA vehicles) under CVC 9400.1.

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13.000 Commercial Vehicle Definition, continued
Item

Definition

Water-Well Drilling
Rigs, continued

BTM WDWell driller is assigned to commercial

water-well drilling rigs. Previously, water-well
drilling rigs were defined as cranes.

Yard Trucks
(CVC 4751(d),
38010, and 38012)

Yard trucks, which are similar in appearance to a diesel

tractor, and also known in the industry as yard goats,
trailer spotters, terminal tractors, or jockeys are vehicles
specifically designed to move trailers within or about
freight operation yards in preparation for storage or
loading.
Yard trucks that do not have a complying 17-digit
vehicle identification number (VIN), do not meet
federal safety standards, and cannot be titled,
registered, or operated on public roadways in
California.
These vehicles do not meet the criteria for off-highway
vehicle (OHV) registration or special equipment
identification.
A yard truck that does not have a complying 17-digit
VIN, can be used only on private property, and cannot
be operated on public roadways for any reason.
The department will not accept a registration
application for a yard truck that does not have a
complying 17-digit VIN.

Commercial Vehicle Exclusions

The following vehicles are not commercial vehicles:

Item

Definition

Vanpool Vehicles
(CVC 668)

A motor vehicle, other than a motor truck or truck tractor:

Designed for carrying more than 10, but not more than
15 persons including the driver.
Which is maintained and used primarily for the
nonprofit, work-related transportation of adults for the
purposes of ridesharing.

Passenger Vehicles

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A motor vehicle, unless the vehicle is used for the

transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or
profit.

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13.000 Commercial Vehicle Definition, continued

Item
Housecars or
Motorhomes
(CVC 260, 362)

Definition
A motor vehicle originally designed or permanentlyaltered and equipped for human habitation.
Note: Truck tractors as defined in CVC 655 that have
been:
Initially manufactured.
Modified by a second stage manufacturer.
Otherwise altered to include living quarters,
are considered commercial vehicles under CVC 260,
unless the living quarters permanently prevent the truck
tractor from towing or drawing other vehicles.

Trailer Coaches
Military Equipment

Implements of
Husbandry
(CVC 36000)

13.005

Trailer coaches may transport property, but are designed

primarily for human habitation or human occupancy.
Vehicles operated by noncivilian personnel, which are
owned or operated by the by the U.S. Department of
Defense, including the National Guard.
Vehicles used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural
operations and operated by a person not required to have
a driver license.

Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) (CVC 260, 288-9, 4000.6,

4150.1, 5204, 9250.10, 9250.13-14, 9250.19, 9400, 9400.1, 9406, 9408, 9554.2, and
42030.1)
With the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act of 2001, the fee structure of
commercial motor vehicles and trailers in California changed as follows:
Prior to 2001, weight fees for all commercial vehicles and trailers over 2,000
pounds were based solely on the unladen weight of the vehicle.
Currently, weight fees for commercial vehicles are based either on the unladen
weight, the declared gross vehicle weight (GVW), or the declared combined
gross vehicle weight (CGW).
Commercial vehicles paying fees based on GVW or CGW are hereafter referred
to as CVRA vehicles.

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13.005

Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA), continued

Most trailers are registered with a permanent trailer identification (PTI) plate,
regardless of the weight, except for trailer coaches (body type model [BTM]
(CCH). (See the Permanent Trailer Identification [PTI] chapter in this manual)
The unladen weight must still be reported on all commercial vehicles, even those
subject to CVRA fees.
The unladen weight on CVRA vehicles may be estimated since the fees are based
on the declared GVW/CGW.
The Certificate of Title will display only the unladen weight.
The registration certificate will display the:
Unladen weight, if the vehicle is operated at 10,000 pounds or less
unladen.
Maximum GVW/CGW for the declared range if the vehicle is
subject to CVRA fees.
WC (weight code) will be printed on the certificate with the CVRA weight
code next to the the declared GVW or CGW.
Motor vehicles with a declared GVW/CGW of 10,001 pounds or more, are
assessed CVRA fees rather than a weight fee based on the unladen weight.
Vehicles are still subject to the registration fee, vehicle license fee, and any
city/county fees.
Law enforcement and county fees are higher for CVRA vehicles.
Commercial motor vehicles operating at 10,001 pounds or more are assessed a
Cargo Theft Interdiction Program (CTIP) fee.
This fee is not due for pickups, tow trucks, or vehicles used solely to
transport persons for hire such as ambulances, buses, electric-powered
vehicles, limousines, taxis, or some vans.
See Appendix 1F for all fees.
Excluded Vehicles
The following vehicles are excluded from CVRA:
Pickup trucks continue to be registered by the unladen weight and are assessed
a weight fee regardless of the vehicles GVW.
The unladen weight of a pickup cannot exceed 8,000 pounds and its GVW
rating must be less than 11,500 pounds
Light-weight trucks, vans, taxis, and rental limousines (including charter-party
carriers operating limousines that pick up and deliver airport passengers) are
registered by the unladen weight only if the vehicles GVW is 10,000 pounds or
less.
Commercial motor vehicles registered with special equipment (SE) plates or
issued exempt license plates are not subject to weight fees or CVRA fees.
Electric commercial vehicles and electric passenger vehicles transporting
passengers for hire are subject to electric vehicle weight fees based on the unladen
weight of the vehicle. See Appendix 1F for electric vehicle weight fees.

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13.010

Page 139

Conversion From Auto to Commercial License Plates (CVC 260)

The following vehicles may be registered with auto or commercial license
plates:
Pickup trucks with a camper permanently attached body type model
(BTM) PM.
Station wagons Refer to the Types of Commercial Vehicles section in
this chapter.
Passenger-type vehicles transporting persons for hire.
When converting from auto to commercial license plates, the requirements
are:
The Certificate of Title.
A weight certificate, unless the Certificate of Title shows a weight code.
A Request for Commercial Registration of a Passenger Vehicle
(REG 590) form for passenger-type vehicles transporting persons for
hire, compensation, or profit, unless the vehicle is registered in the name
of a taxicab company.
If the vehicle is registered in the name of an individual that is also the
name of the business, a completed Statement of Facts (REG 256) form
explaining that.
If the camper was removed from a pickup truck and the value of a camper
is $2,000 or more, a REG 256 with the Statement for Vehicle Body
Change section completed.
Any fees due. There is not a fee for the change of license plates.

13.015

CVRA Weight Decals and CVRA Year Stickers

CVRA Weight Decals/Year Stickers:
Are issued to all CVRA vehicles upon original registration or a weight change,
in addition to the regular year sticker that is placed on the license plate.
Must be displayed on the door on the right and the left sides of the vehicle to
indicate the highest weight at which the vehicle is registered to be operated.
If the vehicle has sliding doors, the decal must be displayed immediately in
front of or behind each door.
The CVRA year sticker corresponds in color with the year sticker for the
license plate.
New CVRA stickers are only issued when a weight change is reported or
when the original is damaged.
On subsequent renewals, only CVRA year stickers are issued, unless there
is a weight change.
A CVRA weight decal fee is due on each original, renewal, or change of declared
GVW application.

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13.020 CVRA Weight and Weight Codes
CVRA Weight

Weight Code

10,001 15,000

15,001 20,000

20,001 26,000

26,001 30,000

30,001 35,000

35,001 40,000

40,001 45,000

45,001 50,000

50,001 54,999

55,000 60,000

60,001 65,000

65,001 70,000

70,001 75,000

75,001 80,000

See Appendix 1F for CVRA weight fees.

13.025

Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight

(CGW) (REG 4008) Form
Except for pickups with an unladen weight of 8,000 pounds or less, owners of
commercial motor vehicles with an unladen weight of 6,001 pounds or more are
required to declare the maximum operating weight of their vehicles with a load.
When a new or used commercial vehicle is sold, the new owner, lessee, or designee
must complete, date, and sign a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/
Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form giving the operating
weight of the vehicle.
Multiple New Vehicle Sales
One REG 4008 (and a supplemental listing, if necessary):

Must show the vehicle identification number (VIN), and operating weight of
each vehicle,
Is acceptable for multiple identical new vehicles sold to the same owner on:
An Application for Registration of Multiple New Vehicles (REG 397A)
form.
Multiple Applications for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397) forms.
Provided that all of the REG 397 forms are submitted together as a group to the
department.
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Page 1311

Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight

(CGW)(REG 4008) Form, continued
The make and VIN of the vehicle with the REG 4008 attached must be noted in
the upper portion of the other REG 397 forms.
Additional Information

Item

Information

Changes in
Declared
Operating Weight

If the declared operating weight of vehicle:

Increases during the registration period, additional CVRA
weight fees plus a decal fee are due for the remainder of
the year.
Decreases during a registration period, CVRA fees are not
refundable.
One day of operation at the higher weight causes fees
to be due at that weight. If changed to the lower
weight, a new decal is issued.

Body Changes

When a body change occurs on a commercial vehicle that

operates at 10,001 pounds or more, a REG 4008 must be
submitted with the application to correct the body type, etc.

Multiple Bodies

When the buyer of a heavy duty commercial vehicle wants

to use two or more bodies in conjunction with a single cab
and chassis or chassis, the vehicles declared weight shall be
based on the heaviest of all the multiple bodies and its load.

Tow Trucks

Tow trucks used to assist the motoring public or to tow or

carry impounded vehicles are subject to CVRA fees.
The tow trucks declared weight:
Is based on its GVW rating, not the CGW.
Must include all equipment excluded from the unladen
weight (CVC 288-289).

Equipment
Normally
Excluded from
Unladen Weight

Certain equipment that is excluded when determining the

unladen weight of a vehicle is not excluded when
calculating the GVW/CGW of the vehicle and its load, for
example, a spray apparatus tank (CVC 288-289).
See examples of exclusions from unladen weight in this
chapter.

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13.025 Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (REG 4008)
Form, continued

13.030

Item

Information

Equipment
Excluded from
Weight
Declaration
(Implements of
Husbandry)

The declared GVW of a truck subject to CVRA may exclude

the CGW of the towed vehicle when all of the following are
true:
The vehicle is owned by a farmer, operated by the farmer
or his/her employee and, used only for conducting
agricultural business.
In that business, the truck pulls (tows) an implement of
husbandry or special equipment (SE) plated vehicle.

DefinitionsUnladen Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight, Combined Gross Vehicle

Weight
Unladen Weight (CVC 660)
The weight of a vehicle equipped and ready for operation on the road, including:
Body, fenders, permanently-attached boxes, and body parts.
Oil in the motor, a radiator full of water, and weight of five gallons of fuel.
Any machinery, equipment, or attachment which functions as a part of the body
or vehicle in its normal operation.
Exclusions from Unladen Weight (CVC 660-661)
The unladen weight does not include:
Any load, such as sand, gravel, water, etc. A load is usually a product being
transported from one place to another.
Any machinery, equipment, or attachment which is not attendant to the efficient
operation of the body or vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to:
Grinding EquipmentOnly the grinder and the equipment to operate it are
exempt.
Spray ApparatusOnly the tank is exempt.
Tow Truck CraneOnly the weight of the crane and the equipment to
operate the crane, such as the motor, gears, hydraulic pumps, levers, and
attachments, are exempt; the roll-back and wheel-lift equipment are not
exempt.
Wood SawsOnly the saw and the motor that runs the saw are exempt.
Well-Drilling MachinesOnly the boom is exempt.

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Page 1313

DefinitionsUnladen Weight, Gross Vehicle Weight, Combined Gross Vehicle

Weight, continued
Exclusions from Unladen Weight (CVC 660-661), continued
Any machinery, equipment, or attachment specifically excluded from unladen
weight by CVC 661. The statute specifically excludes the following equipment
from the unladen weight of the vehicle:
Any camper unit temporarily attached to a vehicle.
Equipment used for loading, compacting, or unloading of refuse.
Temporary equipment used to contain or support the load which does not
change the body classification. For example, side stakes on a truck to
contain the load or chains used to tie down a load.
Transit-mix cement equipmentonly the machinery or equipment that
actually mixes and dispenses the mixed cement is exempt, such as the
drum, motor that turns the drum, mixing blades, and motor reduction gear.
Refrigeration equipmentonly the refrigeration equipment is exempt.
Refrigeration equipment includes the compressor, compressor motor,
condenser, and cover enclosing the unit. The exemption does not extend to
the van body.
Declared Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) (CVC 289)
The weight that equals the total unladen weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the
heaviest load that will be transported on the vehicle (for example, vehicles which haul
a load, but do not pull another vehicle).
Declared Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (CVC 288)
The weight that equals the total unladen weight of the combination of vehicles (motor
truck and trailers), plus the heaviest load that will be transported by that combination
(for example, vehicles which pull another vehicle).

13.035

Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT) (CVC 4750 and U.S. Code, Title 26,
4481)
Commercial vehicles or buses with an unladen weight of 8,001 pounds or more and/
or operated at a combined gross vehicle weight (CGW) of 55,000 pounds or more
must have evidence of payment of, or exemption from, the FHVUT before the vehicle
can be registered.

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13.035

Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (FHVUT), continued

The CGVW equals the total weight of the power unit, any trailer towed, and the load.
FHVUT Tax Period (July 1 to June 30)
The FHVUT tax is paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a receipted
Schedule 1, Form 2290, is returned to the applicant as proof of payment.
Proof of payment, or exemption from, the tax must be verified only once during
the registration period (proof of payment for PYR vehicles is to be furnished at
the time of first registration during the calendar year).
Exclusions
The FHVUT requirement does not apply to:
Applications for Title Only.
Original or transfer applications in the new owners name submitted within 60
days of purchase or transfer.
A vehicle which is not being operated.
Acceptable Proof of Exemption
A receipt or photocopy of filed Form 2290, Part II, listing the vehicle as exempt is
acceptable as proof of exemption.
Acceptable Proof of Payment
Any of the following may be accepted as proof of payment of FHVUT upon renewal
of registration:
The original or a photocopy of an IRS receipted Schedule 1, Form 2290 (manually
stamped or electronically watermarked).
A photocopy of Schedule 1, Form 2290, filed with the IRS and a photocopy of
the front and back of the canceled check payable to the IRS for the tax.
Evidence showing applicant is making payments to IRS.

13.040 Financial Responsibility

Although CVC 16058 requires electronic reporting of private-use automobile
liability policies to the department, commercial or business insurance carriers are
exempt.
Customers with vehicles covered by commercial or business policies may submit
evidence of insurance and a completed Notification of Alternative Forms of Financial
Responsibility (REG 5085) form on each initial registration or transfer of a vehicle.
If not submitted with the application, a letter will be sent to the owner requesting
proof of financial responsibility or the registration will be cancelled.
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13.040 Financial Responsibility, continued

Note: Although vehicles registered to a business entity such as a company,
corporation, LLC, LTD, DBA, etc. may have commercial or business
policies, the REG 5085 may be used for any vehicle.
An application for renewal must contain proof of financial responsibility on the
vehicle record or proof must be submitted at the time of renewal.
The REG 5085 is not acceptable for renewals.
The REG 5085 is not required for international registration plan (IRP) vehicles,
or vehicles being added to a permanent fleet registration (PFR) fleet.
13.045 Forklift Trucks (CVC 4013)
A forklift truck is exempt from registration if it is:
Designed primarily for loading and unloading and for stacking materials,
Operated or drawn upon a highway only for the purpose of transporting products
or materials across a highway in the loading, unloading, or stacking process.
Not operated along a highway for a distance greater than one-quarter mile.
Registration requiredA forklift truck operated along a highway for a distance
greater than one-quarter mile is subject to registration as follows:
If the vehicle
is moved...

then...

laden,

commercial registration is required.

unladen,

Automobile registration is required.

The vehicle is exempt from the weight fee (CVC 9409).
The application must include a Statement of Facts (REG 256)
form from the owner stating the vehicle will not be moved
laden over the highways to receive the weight fee exemption.

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13.050

Fuel Tax Clearance

A Certificate of Excise Tax Clearance (BOE 1138) form from the Board of Equalization
(BOE) must accompany all applications for registered owner transfer of a commercial
vehicle powered by a fuel other than gasoline or diesel, including a nonresident
application in the name of someone other than the owner shown on the out-of-state
documents and applications for transfer between two exempt agencies.
Example: School buses sold between school districts.
Exception: Passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles weighing 7,000 pounds or
less unladen, and two-axle trucks rented or leased for 30 days or less and used for
private transportation without compensation which operate on fuels other that
gasoline or diesel are exempt from fuel tax laws and the BOE 1138 requirement.
Fuel Tax Notification The department sends a computer-generated Fuel Tax
Notification letter to the owner upon original registration or transfer of vehicles
powered by fuels subject to a Use Fuel Tax Permit.

13.055

International Registration Plan (IRP) (CVC 8052)

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is:
An apportioned registration program that allows payment of license fees based
on the total distance operated in two or more member jurisdictions.
The base jurisdiction collects all registration and license fees due to other
jurisdictions and remits the fees to them according to the terms of the IRP
agreement.
A registration only program, based on unverified information received from the
carrier, who may or may not be the registered owner shown on the title.
If the vehicle is also titled in California, there will be two records, the IRP
(registration only) record and the titling record.
IRP Information and Procedures:
For specific information regarding IRP requirements and procedures, refer to the
California International Registration Plan (IRP) Handbook (REG 524).
Conversion to regular registration from IRPsee Chapter 17.

13.060

Mobile Cranes
A crane is a vehicle equipped with a device that unfolds to various heights such as
hoists, lifts, ladders, booms, derricks, and shovels.
This includes manufactured mobile cranes, such as Lorraine, Northwest,
Challenge-Cook, P&H, FMC Linkbelt, Manitowoc, American, Grove,
Demag, Koehring, Badger, Kato, and other commercial vehicles with
standard type bodies to which a crane or other device to lift and/or move
property is attached.

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Mobile Cranes, continued

The exceptions to this definition are tow trucks, wreckers, and vehicles
designed or used to transport property.
Vehicles that meet the definition of a crane must be assigned a crane body
type.
This includes concrete pumps and pumper booms, oil-well service rigs, and
other similar equipment.
Vehicles included in the definition of a crane do not qualify as special
equipment (SE) and cannot be issued SE plates.
A mobile crane cannot be moved on a One Trip Permit (REG 402).
A No-Fee Special Moving Permit (REG 172) may be used to move a mobile
crane under the provisions of the permit.
Movement to or from a job site does not constitute storage to storage.
Registration is required for such movement of a crane.
There are two types of cranes: commercial and auto.
Commercial Crane (Weight Fee Due)
A commercial crane is vehicle to which a crane-type device has been attached, that
may serve more than one function and can carry a load on its structure.
Whether a load is carried or not, it is a commercial vehicle and is issued
commercial license plates.
A crane that is attendant to the efficient operation of the body is included in the
unladen weight of the vehicle.
Examples of commercial cranes include truck tractors (fifth-wheel attached)
with a crane, flatbed trucks with a crane, and tow trucks.
If removal of the crane would leave a cargo carrying vehicle, then:
The vehicle license fee (VLF) class is based on the total cost of the vehicle and
crane.
A weight certificate is required for the complete vehicle, if less than 10,001
pounds or the estimated unladen weight of the complete vehicle may be shown
on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, if the weight is more than 10,001
pounds and weight fees will be based on the declared gross vehicle weight
(GVW).
A REG 256 completed and signed, giving the estimated weight of the crane.
The unladen weight of the base vehicle is determined by subtracting the
estimated weight of the crane from the total weight of the complete vehicle.
For vehicles over 10,001 pounds, the declared GVW is determined by the rating
GVWR, not a combined vehicle weight (CGW).
Although the weight of the crane is deducted from the unladen weight, it is
included in the declared GVW.
Commercial fees are due.

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13.060 Mobile Cranes, continued
Examples of Commercial Cranes:

Auto Crane (Weight Fee Not Due)

An auto crane is a vehicle manufactured as a crane where the removal of the crane
does not leave a cargo carrying vehicle. Refer to the auto cranes pictured in this
section. An example of an auto crane is a truck chassis or truck cab and chassis to
which only a crane and its attendant components are attached.
Auto cranes are issued auto license plates.
An auto crane is exempt from the weight fee (even if another vehicle is towed).
Attendant components include outriggers, storage compartments for blocking,
rigging, and other devices necessary for crane operation.

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Auto Crane (Weight Fee Not Due), continued

The registration requirements for auto cranes are:
Evidence of the vehicles design. Submit either a:
Completed Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form and a REG 256
completed by a DMV employee stating removal of the crane would not
leave a cargo carrying vehicle, or
Manufacturers brochure that illustrates and describes the vehicle
specifications and a REG 256 completed by the registered owner stating
removal of the crane would not leave a cargo carrying vehicle. A 3 x 5
photograph may be accepted, if a brochure is not available.
The VLF class is based on the total cost of the vehicle and the crane.
Appropriate fees due.
Note: Towing a vehicle does not subject an auto crane vehicle to weight
fees.
Examples of Auto Cranes:

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13.065

Motor Carrier Permit Program (CVC 34601)

The Motor Carrier Permit program is administered jointly by DMV and CHP to
promote and ensure the public safety of all users of California highways.
DMV is responsible for ensuring that motor carriers are in compliance with liability
and workers compensation insurance requirements and enrollment in the Employer
Pull Notice program before granting intrastate operating authority.
CHP regulates compliance and safe operation of vehicles through the Biennial
Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program and roadside enforcement.
A Carrier Identification Number (CA#) must be obtained from the CHP prior to
applying for the permit from DMV.
The Motor Carrier Permit which is issued by DMV grants operating authority to
motor carriers on California highways.
Motor trucks with two or more axles and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
more than 10,000 pounds and other motor vehicles used to transport property for
compensation are required to obtain a motor carrier permit.
Motor carriers do not include:
Household goods carriers.
Vehicles providing transportation of passengers only.
Pickup trucks.
Two-axle daily rental trucks with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds if
operated in noncommercial use.
Motor trucks with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds when used solely to tow a
camp trailer, trailer coach, fifth-wheel travel trailer, or utility trailer.
For more information or to obtain forms, call Motor Carrier Permit Operations at
(916) 657-8153 or write to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Services Branch, MS G875
P.O. Box 932370
Sacramento, CA 94232-3700

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13.075

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Partial Year Registration (PYR) for Commercial Vehicles

(CVC 9700-9711)
Commercial vehicles may be registered on a PYR basis for a period of one or
more months, but less than 12 months.
Original registration applications must be submitted within 20 days of first
operation.
Thereafter, renewal applications must be submitted prior to the date the
vehicle is operated, moved, or left standing on the highways.
For initial PYR registration in a calendar year, the full-year registration fee and
vehicle license fee must be paid, plus prorated weight fees based on the number
of consecutive months the vehicle is to be operated.
A service fee is also collected.
For subsequent registrations in the same calendar year, the prorated weight
fees based on the number of consecutive months the vehicle will be
operated, plus the service fee, must be paid.
For additional information, see Chapter 10, Renewals.
Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) (CVC 5301)
PFR Program
The owner of a fleet consisting of commercial vehicles and/or passenger vehicles
may apply to the department for PFR.
Instead of yearly registration stickers, PFR vehicles are issued a California
permanent fleet sticker for the license plate and a permanent registration card for
each vehicle.
PFR applicants must complete an Application for Permanent Fleet Registration
(REG 3500) form and agree to adhere to all program and vehicle registration
requirements to have a valid PFR account number assigned to their fleet.
Under the PFR program, a renewal listing is sent monthly for all of the vehicles
in a fleet that expire within that month.
CVRA vehicles in a fleet are issued CVRA weight decals and CVRA year stickers
that are gold with PFR printed boldly in black.
New CVRA stickers are only issued when a weight change is reported or
when the original is damaged.
For further information contact the PFR Section at
irp_customer_response @dmv.ca.gov, or write to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
MCDPFR Section, MS H160
PO Box 825340
Sacramento, CA 94232-5340
(916) 657-9067

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13.075 Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) , continued
Fleet Defined

To qualify for the PFR program, a fleet must contain a minimum of:
Single owners (not part of an association)50 motor vehicles.
Associations250 motor vehicles; each association member must register
at least 25 motor vehicles.
Qualifying vehicles must display the company logo as described in
CVC 5303.
Motorcycles cannot be a part of a fleet.
Adding Vehicles to a PFR Fleet (CVC 5301)
The following must be submitted to add vehicles to a fleet:
A Permanent Fleet Registration Addition (REG 495, side A) form completed in
full by the applicant.
Current registration card and/or ownership documents, as appropriate.
Fees due plus the PFR service fee for each vehicle. Renewal fees are also due if
the application is presented within 120 days of the renewal date.
Smog certification, if applicable.
Deleting Vehicles from a PFR Fleet (CVC 5301)
Vehicles deleted from a PFR fleet must be issued a new registration card without the
PFR information. The following must be submitted to delete a vehicle from a fleet:
A Permanent Fleet Registration Deletion (REG 495, side B) form completed in
full by the applicant.
Surrender of the PFR registration card and PFR sticker unless disposition of the
PFR sticker is shown on the REG 495.
Application for regular registration for the deleted vehicle, if appropriate.
13.080

Permanent Fleet Registration (PFR) Offices

Only PFR designated field offices and the PFR Section in DMV headquarters issue
PFR registration cards and stickers.
Field offices that do not maintain PFR sticker inventory will issue regular year
stickers and receipts for interim operating indicia only.
The following lists the established PFR field offices.
Other field offices and some Industry Business Centers (IBC) may also issue
PFR registrations and stickers.

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Permanent Fleet Registration Offices, continued

PFR Field Offices

13.085

Fresno
655 W. Olive Ave
Fresno, CA 93728

Fullerton
909 W. Valencia Dr
Fullerton, CA 92832

Glendale
1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA 91202

Lincoln Park
3529 N. Mission Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Modesto
124 Burney St
Modesto, CA 95354

Montebello
424 N. Wilcox Ave
Montebello, CA 90640

Oakland Claremont
5300 Claremont Ave, 1st Floor
Oakland, CA 94618

Pomona
1600 S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 92064

Sacramento South
7775 La Mancha Wy
Sacramento, CA 95823

Rocklin
5245 South Grove
Rocklin, CA 95677

San Pedro
1511 N. Gaffey St
San Pedro, CA 90731

San Francisco
1377 Fell St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Westminster
13700 Hoover St
Westminster, CA 92683

Tracy
324 E. 11th St
Tracy, CA 95376

Street Sweepers (CVC 4000)

Street sweepers are subject to registration as automobiles unless they are used to
transport property other than the debris picked up in their normal sweeping use.

13.090 Trolley Coaches (CVC 650)

Trolley coaches are vehicles propelled by electric power obtained from overhead
trolley wires which are not operated on rails.
They are subject to registration and annual renewal as electric vehicles.
Registration requirements are the same as for any other new or used commercial
vehicle.
Electric vehicle weight fees are due.

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13.095 Unladen Weight and Weight Codes

Unladen Weight

Weight Code

Unladen Weight

Weight Code

0 1999
2000 2999
3000 4000
4001 - 5000
5001 6000
6001 7000
7001 8000
8001 9000
9001 10,000

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J

10,001 11,000*
11,001 12,000*
12,001 13,000*
13,001 14,000*
14,001 15,000*
15,001 16,000*
16,001 17,000*
17,001 18,000*
18,001 19,000*
19,001 20,000*

K
L
M
N
P
R
S
T
U
V

13.100 Weight Certificate (CB&PC12700, 12711, and 1271412715)

A California-certified public weighmasters certificate may be required to
complete a registration application for commercial vehicles weighing 8,001
pounds or more which are sold by California-licensed dealers. A California
weight certificate must contain the following information, the:
Name of the public weighmaster as shown on the weighmasters license. It
may be printed or stamped on the form and countersigned by a deputy or
electronically imprinted on the certificate.
License number or vehicle identification number (VIN).
Unladen (or tare) weight of the vehicle.
Date and city where signed.
Certification: This is to certify that the following described commodity was
weighed, measured, or counted by a public weighmaster, and their signature
is recognized authority of accuracy as prescribed by Chapter 7, Division 5 of
the California Business and Professions Code (commencing with 12700),
administered by the Division of Measurement Standards of the Department
of Food and Agriculture.
The following are also acceptable:
A weight certificate that shows private weighmaster and refers to Chapter
7.3 of Division 5 of the California Business and Professions Code.
A Weights and Measures Certificate of Inspection form or other official
statement for a municipal vehicle weighed by Weights & Measures officials.

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Weight Certificate, continued

The registration application must show the weight of the vehicle in pounds.
Some electronic scales record weight in tons and fractions of a ton. A weight
certificate showing the weight in tons/fractions of a ton is acceptable, but you
must convert the weight from tons to pounds and enter the weight in pounds on
the application. Convert the ton weight to pound weight by multiplying the ton
weight by 2,000 (2,000 pounds equals one ton). Do not enter weight in tons on
any commercial registration application.
Weight Certificate for Multiple Identical VehiclesOne weight certificate is
acceptable for multiple new or used commercial vehicles of identical make, size,
and equipment, when the applications are submitted together.
Applications without the weight certificate, submitted with an identical vehicle
with a weight certificate, must include a Statement of Facts (REG256) form
certifying the vehicle is identical to and is of the same weight classification
(pounds) as shown on the weight certificate for VIN (VIN# of vehicle whose
application has the weight certificate).
Out-of-State Weight CertificatesA weight certificate from Oregon, Nevada,
or Arizona is acceptable when the closest weigh station is in one of these states.
A weight certificate from any other state is acceptable only if the vehicle is not
physically located in California at the time of registration.
Weight Certificate Includes Weight of Excluded Equipment If a request
for the weight fee exemption is received on an application that includes a weight
certificate for a complete vehicle, the registered owner must complete a REG256
giving the estimated weight of the equipment that should be excluded and
showing the:
Unladen weight of the vehicle with the excluded equipment.
Estimated weight of the equipment that should be excluded from the
total weight of the vehicle.
Unladen weight of the vehicle without the excluded equipment.

13.105 Weight Certificate Exceptions

A weight certificate is not required or may be waived for:
New commercial vehicles weighing 8,000 pounds or less, which are sold
by California-licensed dealers. The dealer must certify to the unladen
weight on the Application for Registration of New Vehicle (REG 397)
form.
Trailers or semitrailers registered under the Permanent Trailer
Identification (PTI) program. The estimated unladen weight is required.
Two-axle or three-axle motor vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more.
The estimated unladen weight is required.

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13.105

Weight Certificate Exceptions, continued

Vehicles previously registered in California when the prior California
commercial registration shows the unladen weight and number of axles
and the application includes a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form
stating no changes or alterations have been made to the vehicle.
Nonresident commercial vehicles with an unladen weight of 6,000
pounds or less, if the nonresident title or registration shows the empty,
unladen, shipping, scale, tare, or WT/Wheels weight.
Note: Weight as shown on the Texas title is the empty weight. Weight
with wheels (Wt/Wheels as shown on the New Mexico title and vehicle
registration is the empty or unladen weight.

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