citation: VEH § 460

text: An “owner” is a person having all the incidents of ownership, including the legal title of a vehicle whether or not such person lends, rents, or creates a security interest in the vehicle; the person entitled to the possession of a vehicle as the purchaser under a security agreement; or the State, or any county, city, district, or political subdivision of the State, or the United States, when entitled to the possession and use of a vehicle under a lease, lease-sale, or rental-purchase agreement for a period of 30 consecutive days or more.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1867.)


kind: section

code: VEH

citation: VEH § 461

text: The Senate, Assembly, or any committees thereof, or the Governor’s office in possession and using vehicles under a lease, lease-sale, or rental-purchase agreement for a period of 30 consecutive days or more, unless otherwise provided in the lease or rental agreement, shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 460, upon the giving of written notice to the department of the desire to be so exempt.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 162.)

division: 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED

path: 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED


citation: VEH § 462

text:
A “paratransit vehicle” is a passenger vehicle, other than a bus, schoolbus, school pupil activity bus, youth bus, general public paratransit vehicle, or taxicab that is both of the following:

(a) (1) Operated for hire by a business, nonprofit organization, or the state, or a political subdivision of the state utilizing drivers who receive compensation for their services and who spend a majority of their workweek operating a passenger vehicle.

(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, compensation does not include reimbursement to volunteer drivers of the cost of providing transportation services at a rate not greater than that approved by the United States Internal Revenue Service for volunteers.

(3) For the purposes of this subdivision, “for hire” means that the entity providing transportation services is compensated for the transportation under contract or agreement.

(b) Regularly used to provide transportation services to any of the following:

(1) Disabled persons who meet the definition of handicapped persons, as defined in Section 99206.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

(2) Persons with a developmental disability, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

(3) Individuals with disabilities who are determined to be eligible for complementary paratransit services under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (P.L.101-336).

(4) Persons who are 55 years of age or older.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 404, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2005.)


citation: VEH § 463

text: “Park or parking” shall mean the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1608.)


citation: VEH § 464

text: A “passenger transportation vehicle” is any vehicle, including a trailer bus, designed, used, or maintained for carrying more than 10 persons including the driver, which requires the person to have in his or her immediate possession a valid driver’s license for the appropriate class of vehicle to be driven endorsed for passenger transportation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1360, Sec. 1.5.)


citation: VEH § 465

text: A “passenger vehicle” is any motor vehicle, other than a motortruck, truck tractor, or a bus, as defined in Section 233, and used or maintained for the transportation of persons. The term “passenger vehicle” shall include a housecar.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 1008, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)


citation: VEH § 467

text:
(a) A “pedestrian” is a person who is afoot or who is using any of the following:

(1) A means of conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle.

(2) An electric personal assistive mobility device.

(b) “Pedestrian” includes a person who is operating a self-propelled wheelchair, motorized tricycle, or motorized quadricycle and, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian, as specified in subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 404, Sec. 3) by Stats. 2007, Ch. 106, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)


text:
“Pedicab” means any of the following:

(a) A bicycle, including an electric bicycle, that has three or more wheels, that transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats attached to the bicycle, that is operated by a person, and that is being used for transporting passengers for hire.

(b) A bicycle, including an electric bicycle, that pulls a trailer, sidecar, or similar device, that transports, or is capable of transporting, passengers on seats attached to the trailer, sidecar, or similar device, that is operated by a person, and that is being used for transporting passengers for hire.

(c) A four-wheeled device that is primarily or exclusively pedal-powered, has a seating capacity for eight or more passengers, cannot travel in excess of 15 miles per hour, and is being used for transporting passengers for hire. A pedicab defined under this subdivision is subject to the requirements of Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 21215) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 311, Sec. 3. (SB 814) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: VEH § 468

text: The department shall commence the “permanent trailer identification plate program,” on or after December 31, 2001, and may designate the method, consistent with this code, to be used by trailers, as defined in Section 5014.1, to receive an assigned permanent trailer identification plate for all trailers, except for trailer coaches and park trailers as described in subdivision (b) of Section 18010 of the Health and Safety Code, for identification purposes. An auxiliary dolly or tow dolly may be assigned a permanent trailer identification plate. The plate shall be in a size and design as determined by the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 861, Sec. 15. Effective September 29, 2000. Operative December 31, 2001, pursuant to Sec. 67 of Ch. 861.)


citation: VEH § 470

text: “Person” includes a natural person, firm, copartnership, association, limited liability company, or corporation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1010, Sec. 225. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: VEH § 471

text: A “pickup truck” is a motor truck with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11,500 pounds, an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and which is equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length. “Pickup truck” does not include a motor vehicle otherwise meeting the above definition, that is equipped with a bed-mounted storage compartment unit commonly called a “utility body.”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 652, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1998.)


citation: VEH § 472

text: A “pilot car” is a motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motorized quadricycle, which is used to escort one or more other vehicles, when required, due to the vehicles’ size or character of load, in accordance with conditions set forth in a permit issued by the appropriate state agency or by a local authority.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 568, Sec. 1.)


citation: VEH § 473

text:
(a) A “pocket bike” is a two-wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and that is not designed or manufactured for highway use. “Pocket bike” does not include an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in Section 436.

(b) For purposes of this section, a vehicle is designed for highway use if it meets the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and is equipped in accordance with the requirements of this code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 323, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)


citation: VEH § 475

text: A “pole or pipe dolly” is a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, having one or more axles which axles, if there be more than one, are not more than 54 inches apart, and two or more wheels, used in connection with a motor vehicle solely for the purpose of transporting poles, timbers, pipes, or integral structural materials and connected with the towing vehicle both by chain, rope, cable, or drawbar, and by the load, without any part of the weight of the dolly resting upon the towing vehicle.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)


citation: VEH § 480

text: A “power brake” is any breaking gear or mechanism that aids in applying the brakes of a vehicle and which utilizes vacuum, compressed air, electricity, or hydraulic pressure developed by the motive power of that vehicle for that purpose.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 102.)


citation: VEH § 485

text: A “pneumatic tire” is a tire inflated or capable of inflation with compressed air.


citation: VEH § 490

text: “Private road or driveway” is a way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner but not by other members of the public.


citation: VEH § 492

text: A “private school” is any school, whether conducted for profit or not, giving a course of training similar to that given in a public school at or below the twelfth grade, including but not limited to schools owned or operated by any church.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 406.)


citation: VEH § 500

text:
“Recreational off-highway vehicle” means a motor vehicle meeting all of the following criteria:

(a) Designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off of the highway.

(b) Has a steering wheel for steering control.

(c) Has nonstraddle seating provided by the manufacturer for the operator and all passengers.

(d) (1) Has a maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour.

(2) A vehicle designed by the manufacturer with a maximum speed capability of 30 miles per hour or less but is modified so that it has a maximum speed capability of greater than 30 miles per hour satisfies the criteria set forth in this subdivision.

(e) Has an engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000cc (61 ci).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 165, Sec. 1. (AB 1595) Effective January 1, 2013.)


citation: VEH § 505

text: A “registered owner” is a person registered by the department as the owner of a vehicle.


text:
(a) A “registration service” is a person engaged in the business of soliciting or receiving an application for the registration, renewal of registration, or transfer of registration or ownership, of a vehicle of a type subject to registration under this code, or of soliciting or receiving an application for a motor carrier permit under Division 14.85 (commencing with Section 34600), or of transmitting or presenting those documents to the department, when any compensation is solicited or received for the service. “Registration service” includes, but is not limited to, a person who, for compensation, processes registration documents, conducts lien sales, or processes vehicle dismantling documents.

(b) “Registration service” does not include the following:

(1) A person performing registration services on a vehicle acquired by that person for his or her own personal use or for use in the regular course of that person’s business.

(2) A person who solicits applications for or sells, for compensation, nonresident permits for the operation of vehicles within this state.

(3) An employee of one or more dealers or dismantlers, or a combination thereof, who performs either of the following:

(A) Registration services for vehicles acquired by, consigned to, or sold by one or more of the employing dealers or dismantlers.

(B) Vehicle transactions on behalf of one or more of the employing dealers or dismantlers, if the transaction is for an employing dealer or dismantler who is a qualified business partner in compliance with the Business Partner Automation Program established by the department pursuant to Section 1685.

(4) A motor club, as defined in Section 12142 of the Insurance Code.

(5) A common carrier acting in the regular course of its business in transmitting applications.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 419, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)


citation: VEH § 506

text: “Registration year” is the period of time beginning with the date the vehicle is first required to be registered in this state and ending on the date designated by the director for expiration of the registration or the period of time designated for subsequent renewal thereof.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 889.)


citation: VEH § 507

text: The “relevant market area” is any area within a radius of 10 miles from the site of a potential new dealership.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 996.)


text: A “remanufactured vehicle” is a vehicle that has been constructed by a licensed remanufacturer and consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including, but not limited to, frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension. Remanufactured vehicles may be sold under a distinctive trade name. An existing vehicle which is incidently repaired, restored, or modified by replacing or adding parts or accessories is not a remanufactured vehicle.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1286, Sec. 11.)


text: A “remanufacturer” is any person who for commission, money, or other thing of value, produces a vehicle that consists of any used or reconditioned integral parts, including, but not limited to, frame, engine, transmission, axles, brakes, or suspension which is subject to registration under this code. A remanufacturer is not a person who incidently repairs, restores, or modifies an existing vehicle by replacing or adding parts or accessories.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1286, Sec. 12.)


citation: VEH § 508

text: A “renter” is a person who is engaged in the business of renting, leasing or bailing vehicles for a term not exceeding four months and for a fixed rate or price.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1284.)


citation: VEH § 510

text: A “repair shop” is a place where vehicles subject to registration under this code are repaired, rebuilt, reconditioned, repainted, or in any way maintained for the public at a charge.


citation: VEH § 512

text: A “representative” is any person regularly employed by a manufacturer or distributor for the purpose of negotiating or promoting the sale of the manufacturer’s or distributer’s vehicles to their franchisees or for regularly supervising or contacting franchisees or prospective franchisees in this state for any purpose.


citation: VEH § 515

text: A “residence district” is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district, (a) upon one side of which highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures, or (b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures. A residence district may be longer than one-quarter of a mile if the above ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway exists.


citation: VEH § 516

text:
“Resident” means any person who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis. Presence in the state for six months or more in any 12-month period gives rise to a rebuttable presumption of residency.

The following are evidence of residency for purposes of vehicle registration:

(a) Address where registered to vote.

(b) Location of employment or place of business.

(c) Payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education.

(d) Attendance of dependents at a primary or secondary school.

(e) Filing a homeowner’s property tax exemption.

(f) Renting or leasing a home for use as a residence.

(g) Declaration of residency to obtain a license or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to a nonresident.

(h) Possession of a California driver’s license.

(i) Other acts, occurrences, or events that indicate presence in the state is more than temporary or transient.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 13, Sec. 17. Effective February 13, 1991.)


citation: VEH § 520

text: A “retail sale” is a sale of goods to a person for the purpose of consumption and use, and not for resale to others, including, but not limited to, an arrangement where a motor vehicle is consigned to a dealer for sale.


citation: VEH § 521

text: A “retarder” is a device, other than a brake, which, when activated by the driver, applies a retarding force to the wheels of a vehicle without the use of friction. A retarder may be installed in or on the engine, exhaust system, drive train, or wheels of a motor vehicle, or an axle or wheels of a towed vehicle. A retarder may operate by altering the valve timing of the engine, by controlling the flow of a circulating fluid, by applying an electromagnetic force, by controlling the release of gases from the exhaust system, or by other means. A retarder may or may not be capable of stopping the vehicle upon which it is installed.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 648, Sec. 1.)


text: “Revived salvage vehicle” means a total loss salvage vehicle as defined in Section 544, or a vehicle reported for dismantling pursuant to Section 5500 or 11520, that has been rebuilt or restored to legal operating condition with new or used component parts.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 670, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: VEH § 522

text: “Ridesharing” means two or more persons traveling by any mode, including, but not limited to, carpooling, vanpooling, buspooling, taxipooling, jitney, and public transit.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 185, Sec. 5.)


citation: VEH § 525

text: “Right-of-way” is the privilege of the immediate use of the highway.


citation: VEH § 527

text:
(a) “Road” means any existing vehicle route established before January 1, 1979, with significant evidence of prior regular travel by vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Chapter 1 of Division 3; provided, that “road” does not mean any route traversed exclusively by bicycles as defined in Section 39001, motorcycles as defined in Section 400, motor-driven cycles as defined in Section 405, or off-highway motor vehicles as defined in Section 38012.

(b) Even though nature may alter or eliminate portions of an existing vehicle route, the route shall still be considered a road where there is evidence of periodic use.

(c) A vehicle route need not necessarily be a publicly or privately maintained surface to be a road, as defined, for purposes of this section. Nothing contained herein shall pertain to any property in an incorporated area or properties held in private ownership.

(d) This section is definitional only and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to affect, alter, create, or destroy any right, title, or interest in real property, including, but not limited to, any permit, license, or easement; nor shall this chapter be deemed to affect the liability, or lack thereof, of any owner of an interest of real property based upon the use, possession, or ownership of such interest in real property or the entry upon such property by any person.

(e) This section shall only apply in a county where the board of supervisors has adopted a resolution or enacted an ordinance providing for such application.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 361, Sec. 1.)


citation: VEH § 530

text: A “roadway” is that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.


citation: VEH § 531

text:
“Utility-terrain vehicle” means a motor vehicle subject to subdivision (a) of Section 38010 that is all of the following:

(a) Designed for operation off of the highway.

(b) Suspended on four tires.

(c) Has a steering wheel for steering control.

(d) Has one seat to accommodate a driver and one passenger sitting side by side.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 168, Sec. 1. (AB 2111) Effective January 1, 2013.)


citation: VEH § 535

text: Safety glazing material is any glazing material so constructed, treated, or combined with other materials as to reduce, in comparison with ordinary sheet, plate, or floatglass, the likelihood of injury to persons by glazing material whether it may be broken or unbroken.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 723.)


citation: VEH § 540

text: A “safety zone” is the area or space lawfully set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected, or which is marked or indicated by vertical signs, raised markers or raised buttons, in order to make such area or space plainly visible at all times while the same is set apart as a safety zone.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)


citation: VEH § 543

text: “Salvage pool” means a person engaged exclusively in the business of disposing of total loss salvage vehicles, nonrepairable vehicles, or recovered stolen vehicles sent to it by, or on behalf of, insurance companies, authorized adjusters, leasing companies, self-insured persons, or financial institutions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1008, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1995. Operative July 1, 1995, by Sec. 19 of Ch. 1008.)


text: “Salvage vehicle rebuilder” means any person who rebuilds a total loss salvage vehicle, as defined in Section 544, or a vehicle reported for dismantling pursuant to Section 11520, for subsequent resale. A person who, for personal use, rebuilds a total loss salvage vehicle, or a vehicle reported for dismantling, and registers that vehicle in his or her name, is not a salvage vehicle rebuilder. Nothing in this section exempts a salvage vehicle rebuilder from any applicable licensing requirements under this code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 670, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: VEH § 544

text:
“Total loss salvage vehicle” means either of the following:

(a) A vehicle, other than a nonrepairable vehicle, of a type subject to registration that has been wrecked, destroyed, or damaged, to the extent that the owner, leasing company, financial institution, or the insurance company that insured or is responsible for repair of the vehicle, considers it uneconomical to repair the vehicle and because of this, the vehicle is not repaired by or for the person who owned the vehicle at the time of the event resulting in damage.

(b) A vehicle that was determined to be uneconomical to repair, for which a total loss payment has been made by an insurer, whether or not the vehicle is subsequently repaired, if prior to or upon making the payment to the claimant, the insurer obtains the agreement of the claimant to the amount of the total loss settlement, and informs the client that, pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 11515, the total loss settlement must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which will issue a salvage certificate for the vehicle.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 451, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2004.)


citation: VEH § 545

text:
(a) A “schoolbus” is a motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of any school pupil at or below the 12th grade level to or from a public or private school or to or from public or private school activities, except the following:

(1) A motor vehicle of any type carrying only members of the household of the owner of the vehicle.

(2) A motortruck transporting pupils who are seated only in the passenger compartment, or a passenger vehicle designed for and carrying not more than 10 persons, including the driver, unless the vehicle or truck is transporting two or more disabled pupils confined to wheelchairs.

(3) A motor vehicle operated by a common carrier, or by and under the exclusive jurisdiction of a publicly owned or operated transit system, only during the time it is on a scheduled run and is available to the general public, or on a run scheduled in response to a request from a disabled pupil confined to a wheelchair, or from a parent of the disabled pupil, for transportation to or from nonschool activities, and the motor vehicle is designed for and actually carries not more than 16 persons including the driver, is available to eligible persons of the general public, and the school does not provide the requested transportation service.

(4) A school pupil activity bus.

(5) A motor vehicle operated by a carrier licensed by the federal Surface Transportation Board that is transporting pupils on a school activity entering or returning to the state from another state or country.

(6) A youth bus.

(7) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the governing board of a district maintaining a community college may, by resolution, designate any motor vehicle operated by or for the district, a schoolbus within the meaning of this section, if it is primarily used for the transportation of community college students to or from a public community college or to or from public community college activities. The designation shall not be effective until written notification thereof has been filed with the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(8) A state-owned motor vehicle being operated by a state employee upon the driveways, paths, parking facilities, or grounds specified in Section 21113 that are under the control of a state hospital under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Developmental Services if the posted speed limit is not more than 20 miles per hour. The motor vehicle may also be operated for a distance of not more than one-quarter mile upon a public street or highway that runs through the grounds of a state hospital under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Developmental Services, if the posted speed limit on the public street or highway is not more than 25 miles per hour and if all traffic is regulated by posted stop signs or official traffic control signals at the points of entry and exit by the motor vehicle.

(9) A general public paratransit vehicle, if the general public paratransit vehicle does not duplicate existing schoolbus service, does not transport a public school pupil at or below the 12th grade level to a destination outside of that pupil’s school district, and is not used to transport public school pupils in areas where schoolbus services were available during the 1986–87 school year. In areas where expanded school services require expanded transportation of public school pupils, as determined by the governing board of a school district, general public paratransit vehicles shall not be used to transport those pupils for a period of three years from the date that a need for expansion is identified. For purposes of this section, a pupil is defined as a student at or below the 12th grade level who is being transported to a mandated school activity.

(10) A schoolbus with the flashing red light signal system, the amber warning system, and the schoolbus signs covered, while being used for transportation of persons other than pupils, to or from school or school-related activities.

(11) A motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle described in paragraph (2), that is designed to carry not more than 25 persons including the driver, while being used for the transportation of pupils to or from school-related activities if the vehicle is operated by a passenger charter-party carrier certified and licensed by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 5351) of Division 2 of the Public Utilities Code that is not under a contractual agreement with a school or school district, and the transportation does not duplicate schoolbus service or any other transportation services for pupils contracted, arranged, or otherwise provided by the school or school district.

(b) This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of a schoolbus for any activity authorized by any other law, including Section 39837.5 of the Education Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 208. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 545, a motor vehicle is not a schoolbus if it is operated for the purpose of transporting any pupil to or from a community college or to or from activities at that college, irrespective of the age of the pupil or the grade level of the pupil, if the pupil is a current enrollee in classes of the college providing the transportation.

(b) A driver of a motor vehicle that meets the criteria established by subdivision (a) shall escort pupils as required by subdivision (d) of Section 22112 and shall meet the requirements of Section 12517.

(c) This section shall apply to a community college district that includes within its boundaries one or more counties, each of which has a population of 250,000 or less.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 739, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 545, a bus of the type commonly known as a coach bus is not a schoolbus when it is operated by the Trona Unified School District to transport pupils to route-deviated school activities.

(b) A coach bus operated pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be inspected annually by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, shall meet the equipment safety standards established by the federal government for schoolbuses, and shall be used to transport pupils only if the driver has obtained a certificate to operate a schoolbus pursuant to Section 12517.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 400, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)


citation: VEH § 546

text:
A “school pupil activity bus” is any motor vehicle, other than a schoolbus, operated by a common carrier, or by and under the exclusive jurisdiction of a publicly owned or operated transit system, or by a passenger charter-party carrier, used under a contractual agreement between a school and carrier to transport school pupils at or below the 12th-grade level to or from a public or private school activity, or used to transport pupils to or from residential schools, when the pupils are received and discharged at off-highway locations where a parent or adult designated by the parent is present to accept the pupil or place the pupil on the bus. As used in this section, common carrier, publicly owned or operated transit system, and passenger charter-party carrier refer to carriers in business for the principal purpose of transporting members of the public on a commercial basis. This section shall not apply to a motor vehicle operated by a carrier licensed by the Interstate Commerce Commission that is transporting pupils on a school activity trip entering or returning to the state from another state or country.

The driver of a school pupil activity bus shall be subject to the regulations adopted by the California Highway Patrol governing schoolbus drivers, except that the regulations shall not require drivers to duplicate training or schooling that they have otherwise received which is equivalent to that required pursuant to the regulations, and the regulations shall not require drivers to take training in first aid. However, a valid certificate to drive a school pupil activity bus shall not entitle the bearer to drive a schoolbus.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 813, Sec. 6.)


citation: VEH § 550

text: A “semitrailer” is a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property, used in conjunction with a motor vehicle, and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon, or is carried by, another vehicle.


citation: VEH § 553

text: “Shade trailer” means a device designed and utilized to provide shade pursuant to Section 3395 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 168, Sec. 2. (AB 2111) Effective January 1, 2013.)


citation: VEH § 554

text: “Shared mobility device” means an electrically motorized board, as defined in Section 313.5, motorized scooter, as defined in Section 407.5, electric bicycle, as defined in Section 312.5, bicycle, as defined in Section 231, or other similar personal transportation device, except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 415, that is made available to the public by a shared mobility device service provider for shared use and transportation in exchange for financial compensation via a digital application or other electronic or digital platform.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 206, Sec. 1. (AB 2174) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: VEH § 555

text: “Sidewalk” is that portion of a highway, other than the roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, markings or other delineation for pedestrian travel.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 979.)


citation: VEH § 557

text: A “snowmobile” is a motor vehicle designed to travel over ice or snow in whole or in part on skis, belts, or cleats, which is commonly referred to as an Over Snow Vehicle (OSV).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 533, Sec. 2.)


citation: VEH § 558

text: A “snow-tread tire” is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 26.)


citation: VEH § 560

text: A “solid tire” is a tire of rubber or other resilient material which does not depend upon compressed air for the support of the load. A nonpneumatic tire, as defined in Section 571.129 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, is not a “solid tire” for purposes of complying with Division 12.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 219, Sec. 4. (SB 891) Effective January 1, 2024.)


citation: VEH § 565

text:
“Special construction equipment” is:

(a) Any vehicle used primarily off the highways for construction purposes and which moves only occasionally over the highways and which because of the length, height, width, or unladen weight may not move over the public highways unladen without the permit specified in Section 35780.

(b) Any vehicle which is designed and used primarily either for grading of highways, paving of highways, earth moving, and other construction work on highways, or for construction or maintenance work on railroad rights-of-way, and which is not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and which is only incidentally operated or moved over the highway. It includes, but is not limited to, road and railroad construction and maintenance machinery so designed and used such as portable air compressors, air drills, asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tracktype tractors, crawler tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, paving mixers, road rollers, scarifiers, earth moving scrapers and carryalls, lighting plants, welders, pumps, water wagons, power shovels and draglines, speed swings, skip loaders, weed mowers, self-propelled and tractor-drawn earth moving equipment and machinery, including dump trucks and tractor-dump trailer combinations which either (1) are in excess of 96 inches in width or (2) which, because of their length, height or unladen weight, may not be moved on a public highway without the permit specified in Section 35780 of this code and which are not operated laden except within the boundaries of the job construction site, and other similar types of construction equipment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 90.)


citation: VEH § 570

text:
“Special construction equipment” does not include any of the following:

(a) A vehicle originally designed for the transportation of persons or property to which machinery has been attached unless specifically designated as such in Section 565.

(b) Dump trucks originally designed to comply with the size and weight provisions of this code notwithstanding any subsequent modification which would require a permit, as specified in Section 35780 of this code, to operate such vehicles on a highway, truck-mounted transit mixers, cranes and shovels.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1659.)


citation: VEH § 575

text: “Special mobile equipment” is a vehicle, not self-propelled, not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property, and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, excepting implements of husbandry.


citation: VEH § 580

text: A “specially constructed vehicle” is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1286, Sec. 13.)


citation: VEH § 585

text: A “station wagon” is a dual purpose vehicle designed for the transportation of persons and also designed 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. The term includes, but is not limited to, types of vehicles which carry the trade names of station wagon, estate wagon, town and country wagon, and country sedan. A vehicle used primarily for the transportation of cadavers to or from a funeral home, mortuary, or burial site is not a station wagon.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 523, Sec. 22. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2014.)


citation: VEH § 587

text: “Stop or stopping” when prohibited shall mean any cessation of movement of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or official traffic control device or signal.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1917.)


citation: VEH § 590

text: “Street” is a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Street includes highway.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)


citation: VEH § 591

text: A “street” or “highway” shall not include those portions of a way or place in or upon which construction, alteration, or repair work is being performed insofar as the equipment performing such work and its operation are concerned. Where the work consists of a street or highway project, the limits of the project as shown or described in the plans or specifications of the awarding body shall be so excluded with reference to the equipment actually engaged in performing the work. The authority having jurisdiction over such way or place may include any or all of the requirements set forth in Divisions 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in any permit issued for work on such way or place and the awarding body on any such street or highway project may include such requirements in the specifications for such project. It is the intention of the Legislature, in enacting this section, that this section shall not be construed to relieve any person from the duty of exercising due care.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 659.)


citation: VEH § 592

text: “Highway”, for the purposes of Division 3 (commencing with Section 4000), Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000), Division 13 (commencing with Section 29000), Division 14.8 (commencing with Section 34500), and Division 15 (commencing with Section 35000), does not include a way or place under the jurisdiction of a federal governmental agency, which lies on national forest or private lands, is open to public use, and for which the cost of maintenance of such way or place is borne or contributed to directly by any users thereof.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 1213.)


citation: VEH § 593

text: “Supplemental restraint system” means an automatic passive restraint system consisting of a bag that is designed to inflate upon collision, commonly referred to as an “airbag.”

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 670, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: VEH § 595

text: “Terminal” is a place where a vehicle of a type listed in Section 34500 is regularly garaged or maintained, or from which the vehicle is operated or dispatched.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 832, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: VEH § 600

text: A “through highway” is a highway or portion thereof at the entrance to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is regulated by stop signs or traffic control signals or is controlled when entering on a separated right-turn roadway by a yield-right-of-way sign.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 168.)


citation: VEH § 605

text: “Tire traction devices” are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking, and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials, or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 71, Sec. 1. Effective May 1, 1990.)


citation: VEH § 610

text: “Tire tread” is that portion of the tire, consisting of the ribs and grooves, which comes in contact with the roadway.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 216.)


citation: VEH § 611

text: A “toll highway” or “toll road” is a publicly owned way or place open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel which use requires the payment of a fee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1241, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1993.)


citation: VEH § 612

text:
(a) “Tour bus” means a bus, which is operated by or for a charter-party carrier of passengers, as defined in Section 5360 of the Public Utilities Code, or a passenger stage corporation, as defined in Section 226 of the Public Utilities Code.

(b) “Tour bus” includes a bus described in subdivision (a) that has had its roof substantially structurally modified or removed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 310, Sec. 1. (AB 25) Effective January 1, 2018.)


citation: VEH § 615

text:
(a) A “tow truck” is a motor vehicle which has been altered or designed and 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. A trailer for hire that is being used to transport a vehicle is a tow truck. “Tow truck” does not include an automobile dismantlers’ tow vehicle or a repossessor’s tow vehicle.

(b) “Repossessor’s tow vehicle” means a tow vehicle which is registered to a repossessor licensed or registered pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code that is used exclusively in the course of the repossession business.

(c) “Automobile dismantlers’ tow vehicle” means a tow vehicle which is registered by an automobile dismantler licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 11500) of Division 5 and which is used exclusively to tow vehicles owned by that automobile dismantler in the course of the automobile dismantling business.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 456, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2000.)


citation: VEH § 617

text: A “tow dolly” is a vehicle towed by a motor vehicle and designed and used exclusively to transport another motor vehicle and upon which the front or rear wheels of the towed motor vehicle are mounted, while the other wheels of the towed motor vehicle remain in contact with the ground. “Tow dolly” does not include a portable or collapsible dolly used as specified in Section 4014.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 708, Sec. 1.)


citation: VEH § 620

text: The term “traffic” includes pedestrians, ridden animals, vehicles, street cars, and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any highway for purposes of travel.


citation: VEH § 625

text: A “traffic officer” is any member of the California Highway Patrol, or any peace officer who is on duty for the exclusive or main purpose of enforcing Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000) or 11 (commencing with Section 21000).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 142, Sec. 159.)


citation: VEH § 626

text: A “traffic violator school” is a business that, for compensation, provides, or offers to provide, instruction in traffic safety, including, but not limited to, classroom traffic violator curricula, for persons referred by a court pursuant to Section 42005 or to other persons who elect to attend.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 457, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text: A “traffic violator school branch or classroom location” is any place where a traffic violator school conducts instruction or maintains records.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 396, Sec. 2. Effective July 30, 1985.)


text: A “traffic violator school instructor” is any person who provides instruction to traffic violators on behalf of a traffic violator school.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 396, Sec. 3. Effective July 30, 1985.)


text:
A “traffic violator school operator” is the person who directs and manages the operations of a traffic violator school.

A “traffic violator school operator” may be either the traffic violator school owner or another person designated by the traffic violator school owner to personally direct and manage the traffic violator school for the traffic violator school owner.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 396, Sec. 4. Effective July 30, 1985.)


text: A “traffic violator school owner” is any natural person, association, or corporation that owns a traffic violator school.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 396, Sec. 5. Effective July 30, 1985.)


citation: VEH § 627

text:
(a) “Engineering and traffic survey,” as used in this code, means a survey of highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the Department of Transportation for use by state and local authorities.

(b) An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements deemed necessary by the department, consideration of all of the following:

(1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.

(2) Accident records.

(3) Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver.

(c) When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local authorities, in addition to the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (b) may consider all of the following:

(1) Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on the particular portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district:

(A) Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures.

(B) Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures.

(C) The portion of highway is longer than one-quarter of a mile but has the ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway described in either subparagraph (A) or (B).

(2) Safety of bicyclists and pedestrians, with increased consideration for vulnerable pedestrian groups including children, seniors, persons with disabilities, users of personal assistive mobility devices, and the unhoused.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 690, Sec. 1. (AB 43) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: VEH § 630

text: A “trailer” is a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon any other vehicle. As used in Division 15 (commencing with Section 35000), “trailer” includes a semitrailer when used in conjunction with an auxiliary dolly, if the auxiliary dolly is of a type constructed to replace the function of the drawbar and the front axle or axles of a trailer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 542, Sec. 1.)


citation: VEH § 635

text: A “trailer coach” is a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for human habitation or human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, for carrying property on its own structure, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. A “park trailer,” as described in Section 18009.3 of the Health and Safety Code, is a trailer coach.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 566, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)


citation: VEH § 636

text: A “trailer bus” is a trailer or semitrailer designed, used, or maintained for the transportation of more than 15 persons, including the driver, and includes a connected towing motor vehicle that is a motor truck, truck tractor, or bus.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 58, Sec. 1. Effective April 26, 1994.)


citation: VEH § 640

text: A “transferee” is a person who has acquired the sole ownership of or an equity in a vehicle of a type required to be registered under this code.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)


citation: VEH § 642

text: A “transit bus” is any bus owned or operated by a publicly owned or operated transit system, or operated under contract with a publicly owned or operated transit system, and used to provide to the general public, regularly scheduled transportation for which a fare is charged. A general public paratransit vehicle is not a transit bus.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1136, Sec. 2. Operative July 1, 1990, by Sec. 9 of Ch. 1136.)


citation: VEH § 645

text:
(a) A “transporter” is a person engaged in the business of moving any owned or lawfully possessed vehicle by lawful methods over the highways for the purpose of delivery of such vehicles to dealers, sales agents of a manufacturer, purchasers, or to a new location as requested by the owner.

(b) The term “transporter” does not include a person engaged in the business of operating a tow car.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 444.)


citation: VEH § 650

text: A “trolley coach” is a vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.


citation: VEH § 655

text:
(a) A “truck tractor” is 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 weight of the vehicle and the load so drawn. As used in this section, “load” does not include items carried on the truck tractor in conjunction with the operation of the vehicle if the load carrying space for these items does not exceed 34 square feet.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a truck tractor, operated by a motor carrier whose owner is licensed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol to transport explosives pursuant to Division 14 (commencing with Section 31600), may be equipped with a cargo container used exclusively for the transportation of explosives or munitions-related security material, as specified by the United States Department of Defense.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 88, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: VEH § 657

text: A “truss” is an assemblage of beams, bars, or rods typically arranged in a triangle or combination of triangles to form a rigid framework and used as a structural support in buildings.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 299.)


citation: VEH § 660

text: The “unladen weight” of a vehicle is the weight equipped and ready for operation on the road including the body, fenders, oil in motor, radiator full of water, with five gallons of gasoline or equivalent weight of other motor fuel; also equipment required by law, and unless exempted under Section 66l, any special cabinets, boxes or body parts permanently attached to the vehicle, and any machinery, equipment or attachment which is attendant to the efficient operation of the body or vehicle. Unladen weight shall not include any load or any machinery or mechanical apparatus, such as, but not limited to, wood saws, well-drilling machines, spray apparatus, tow truck cranes, and grinding equipment. The unladen weight of a vehicle shall have no application in determining any fee under this code or the Revenue and Taxation Code other than Section 9400.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 924, Sec. 2.)


citation: VEH § 661

text:
Unladen weight shall not include the following machinery, equipment or attachment which is attendant to the efficient operation of the body or vehicle:

(a) Equipment used for loading, compacting, or unloading of refuse.

(b) Transitmix cement equipment.

(c) Temporary equipment used to contain or support the load which does not change the body classification.

(d) Any camper unit that is temporarily attached to a vehicle.

(e) Refrigeration equipment.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 2108.)


citation: VEH § 665

text: A “used vehicle” is a vehicle that has been sold, or has been registered with the department, or has been sold and operated upon the highways, or has been registered with the appropriate agency of authority, of any other state, District of Columbia, territory or possession of the United States or foreign state, province or country, or unregistered vehicles regularly used or operated as demonstrators in the sales work of a dealer or unregistered vehicles regularly used or operated by a manufacturer in the sales or distribution work of such manufacturer. The word “sold” does not include or extend to: (1) any sale made by a manufacturer or a distributor to a dealer, (2) any sale by a new motor vehicle dealer franchised to sell a particular line-make to another new motor vehicle dealer franchised to sell the same line-make, or (3) any sale by a dealer to another dealer licensed under this code involving a mobilehome, as defined in Section 396, a recreational vehicle, as defined in Section 18010.5 of the Health and Safety Code, a commercial coach, as defined in Section 18012 of the Health and Safety Code, an off-highway motor vehicle subject to identification, as defined in Section 38012, or a commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 260.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1583, Sec. 2.)


text: A “U-turn” is the turning of a vehicle upon a highway so as to proceed in the opposite direction whether accomplished by one continuous movement or not.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 620.)


citation: VEH § 667

text:
(a) A “utility trailer” is a trailer or semitrailer used solely for the transportation of the user’s personal property, not in commerce, which does not exceed a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a “utility trailer” includes a trailer or semitrailer designed and used for the transportation of livestock, not in commerce, which does not exceed a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 491, Sec. 35. (SB 1318) Effective January 1, 2011.)


citation: VEH § 668

text: A “vanpool vehicle” is any motor vehicle, other than a motortruck 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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 46, Sec. 8.)


citation: VEH § 670

text: A “vehicle” is a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 987.)


text: A “vehicle frame” is defined as the main longitudinal structural members of the chassis of the vehicle, or for vehicles with unitized body construction, the lowest main longitudinal structural members of the body of the vehicle, used as the major support in the construction of the motor vehicle.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 670, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: VEH § 671

text:
(a) A “vehicle identification number” is the motor number, serial number, or other distinguishing number, letter, mark, character, or datum, or any combination thereof, required or employed by the manufacturer or the department for the purpose of uniquely identifying a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part or for the purpose of registration.

(b) Whenever a vehicle is constructed of component parts identified with one or more different vehicle identification numbers, the vehicle identification number stamped or affixed by the manufacturer or authorized governmental entity on the frame or unitized frame and body, as applicable, and as defined in Section 670.5, shall determine the identity of the vehicle for registration purposes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 670, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2003.)


citation: VEH § 672

text:
(a) “Vehicle manufacturer” is any person who produces from raw materials or new basic components a vehicle of a type subject to registration under this code, off-highway motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles subject to identification under this code, or trailers subject to identification pursuant to Section 5014.1, or who permanently alters, for purposes of retail sales, new commercial vehicles by converting the vehicles into house cars that display the insignia of approval required by Section 18056 of the Health and Safety Code and any regulations issued pursuant thereto by the Department of Housing and Community Development. As used in this section, “permanently alters” does not include the permanent attachment of a camper to a vehicle.

(b) A vehicle manufacturer that produces a vehicle of a type subject to registration that consists of used or reconditioned parts, for the purposes of the code, is a remanufacturer, as defined in Section 507.8.

(c) Unless a vehicle manufacturer either grants franchises to franchisees in this state, or issues vehicle warranties directly to franchisees in this state or consumers in this state, the manufacturer shall have an established place of business or a representative in this state.

(d) The scope and application of this section are limited to Division 2 (commencing with Section 1500) and Division 5 (commencing with Section 11100).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 836, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2005.)


citation: VEH § 675

text:
(a) “Vehicle salesperson” is a person not otherwise expressly excluded by this section, who does one or a combination of the following:

(1) Is employed as a salesperson by a dealer, as defined in Section 285, or who, under any form of contract, agreement, or arrangement with a dealer, for commission, money, profit, or other thing of value, sells, exchanges, buys, or offers for sale, negotiates, or attempts to negotiate, a sale, or exchange of an interest in a vehicle required to be registered under this code.

(2) Induces or attempts to induce any person to buy or exchange an interest in a vehicle required to be registered, and who receives or expects to receive a commission, money, brokerage fees, profit, or any other thing of value, from either the seller or purchaser of the vehicle.

(3) Exercises managerial control over the business of a licensed vehicle dealer or who supervises vehicle salespersons employed by a licensed dealer, whether compensated by salary or commission, including, but not limited to, any person who is employed by the dealer as a general manager, assistant general manager, or sales manager, or any employee of a licensed vehicle dealer who negotiates with or induces a customer to enter into a security agreement or purchase agreement or purchase order for the sale of a vehicle on behalf of the licensed vehicle dealer.

(b) The term “vehicle salesperson” does not include any of the following:

(1) Representatives of insurance companies, finance companies, or public officials, who in the regular course of business, are required to dispose of or sell vehicles under a contractual right or obligation of the employer, or in the performance of an official duty, or under the authority of any court of law, if the sale is for the purpose of saving the seller from any loss or pursuant to the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) Persons who are licensed as a manufacturer, remanufacturer, transporter, distributor, or representative.

(3) Persons exclusively employed in a bona fide business of exporting vehicles, or of soliciting orders for the sale and delivery of vehicles outside the territorial limits of the United States.

(4) Persons not engaged in the purchase or sale of vehicles as a business, disposing of vehicles acquired for their own use, or for use in their business when the vehicles have been so acquired and used in good faith, and not for the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this code.

(5) Persons regularly employed as salespersons by persons who are engaged in a business involving the purchase, sale, or exchange of boat trailers.

(6) Persons regularly employed as salespersons by persons who are engaged in a business activity which does not involve the purchase, sale, or exchange of vehicles, except incidentally in connection with the purchase, sale, or exchange of vehicles of a type not subject to registration under this code, boat trailers, or midget autos or racers advertised as being built exclusively for use by children.

(7) Persons licensed as a vehicle dealer under this code doing business as a sole ownership or member of a partnership or a stockholder and director of a corporation or a member and manager of a limited liability company licensed as a vehicle dealer under this code. However, those persons shall engage in the activities of a salesperson, as defined in this section, exclusively on behalf of the sole ownership or partnership or corporation or limited liability company in which they own an interest or stock, and those persons owning stock shall be directors of the corporation; otherwise, they are vehicle salespersons and subject to Article 2 (commencing with Section 11800) of Chapter 4 of Division 5.

(8) Persons regularly employed as salespersons by a vehicle dealer authorized to do business in California under Section 11700.1 of the Vehicle Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1200, Sec. 92. Effective September 30, 1994.)


text: A “vehicle verifier” is a person not expressly excluded by Section 675.6 who inspects, records, documents, and submits to the department, or its authorized representative, such proof of vehicle identification as may be required by the department for the purpose of registering or transferring the ownership of vehicles.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 700.)


text:
(a) “Vehicle verifier” does not include any of the following:

(1) A peace officer.

(2) An authorized employee of the department.

(3) An agent of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

(4) An employee of an organization certified under the provisions of Part 5 (commencing with Section 12140) of Division 2 of the Insurance Code whose duties require or authorize the verification of vehicles.

(b) Any person specified in subdivision (a) may perform the duties of a vehicle verifier without obtaining the special permit required in Section 11300.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 198, Sec. 17. (AB 3246) Effective January 1, 2019.)


citation: VEH § 676

text: “Year-round registration” is a system whereby the director designates a date for the expiration of registration of a vehicle and renewal thereof in order to equalize the volume of such renewals throughout the year.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 889.)


text: A “water tender vehicle” is a vehicle designed to carry not less than 1,500 gallons of water and used primarily for transporting and delivering water to be applied by other vehicles or pumping equipment at fire emergency scenes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 91, Sec. 169. Effective January 1, 1996.)


citation: VEH § 680

text:
(a) A “youth bus” is any bus, other than a schoolbus, designed for and when actually carrying not more than 16 persons and the driver, used to transport children at or below the 12th-grade level directly from a public or private school to an organized nonschool-related youth activity within 25 miles of the school or directly from a location which provides the organized nonschool-related youth activity to a public or private school within 25 miles of that location.

(b) In addition to the destinations specified in subdivision (a), a youth bus may also be used to transport children at or below the 12th-grade level to or from their place of residence if the driver has met the requirements of Section 12523 and received additional instruction and training approved by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 774, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)


citation: VEH § 681

text:
(a) “Real ID driver’s license or identification card” means a driver’s license or identification card that has been issued by a state that has been certified by the Department of Homeland Security to be in compliance with the requirements of the Real ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-13) and the regulations adopted pursuant to the act.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2018.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 339, Sec. 3. (SB 838) Effective September 13, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)


citation: VEH § 1500

text:
(a) There is in the Transportation Agency the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b) Whenever the term “Business, Transportation and Housing Agency” appears within the Vehicle Code, it shall refer to the Transportation Agency, and whenever the term “Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing” appears within the Vehicle Code, it shall refer to the Secretary of Transportation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 517. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)

division: 2. ADMINISTRATION

chapter: 1. The Department of Motor Vehicles

article: 1. Organization of Department

path: 2. ADMINISTRATION > 1. The Department of Motor Vehicles > 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1501

text: The department is the successor to and is hereby vested with all of the powers, duties, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction now or hereafter vested by law in the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Motor Vehicle Department, the Motor Vehicle Department of California, the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Finance, the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Public Works, and all other state agencies of similar designation, or in the several heads, members, officers, and employees of each thereof.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1502

text: The department has possession and control of all records, books, papers, offices, equipment, moneys, funds, appropriations, and all other property, real or personal, now or hereafter held for the benefit or use of any state agency mentioned in Section 1501.

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1503

text: Except as in this division otherwise provided, the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing at Section 11150) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall govern and apply to the conduct of the department in every respect the same as if the provisions were set forth in this code, and wherever in that chapter the term “head of the department” or similar designation occurs, for the purposes of this division, it shall mean the director.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 1996.)

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1504

text: The department is under the control of a civil executive officer known as the Director of Motor Vehicles. The director shall be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 268, Sec. 32.2. Effective June 29, 1984.)

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1505

text: The director, with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation, shall organize the department in a manner that he or she may deem necessary to conduct the work of the department.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 518. (AB 1317) Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1507

text:
The director may appoint and, in accordance with law fix the salaries of:

(a) A deputy director.

(b) Such other officers, deputies, technical experts, and employees as may be necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of the department.

article: 1. Organization of Department


citation: VEH § 1650

text: The director shall administer and enforce the provisions of this code relating to the department.

article: 2. Powers and Duties

path: 2. ADMINISTRATION > 1. The Department of Motor Vehicles > 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1651

text:
(a) The director may adopt and enforce rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this code relating to the department.

(b) Rules and regulations shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 594, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2004.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text: Whenever in the judgment of the department, any person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any acts or practices that constitute, or will constitute, an offense against Division 5 (commencing with Section 11100) by engaging in any act subject to license requirements without having obtained a license, the department may apply to the appropriate court for an order enjoining the acts or practices, and, upon showing by the department that the person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any of those acts or practices, an injunction, restraining order, or other order that may be appropriate shall be granted by the court, including the costs incurred by the department in obtaining the order.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 584, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text: It is the policy of this state to recognize the training and experience that individuals gain while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. In furtherance of this policy, the department, in conjunction with the military services of the United States, shall develop policies to assist persons who are leaving active duty to obtain commercial driver’s licenses. These policies shall not waive any requisites or examinations required by law for a commercial driver’s license. Except as otherwise authorized, these policies shall specify how this training and experience may be used to obtain these licenses. The department shall consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs before adopting these policies. The department shall perform the duties required by this section within existing budgetary resources of the agency within which the department operates.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. (AB 2141) Effective January 1, 2021.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) The director may assign or reassign dates for the expiration of registration for a vehicle registered pursuant to this code. The director may establish a registration year for any vehicle consisting of any period from seven months to 18 months, inclusive, with subsequent renewals being required at yearly intervals thereafter. The director shall assign an expiration date of the last day of the calendar month to all trailers and to all motor vehicles subject to additional fees under the provisions of Section 9400. Any vehicle being registered on a quarterly basis shall be assigned or reassigned an expiration date of December 31 for the registration year. The director shall have the authority to exclude from year-round registration any type of vehicle that the director deems appropriate for exclusion.

(b) In order to implement a year-round registration for vehicles registered pursuant to the International Registration Plan as described in Article 4 (commencing with Section 8050) of Chapter 4 of Division 3, the director, on or before January 1, 2009, shall assign or reassign a date for the expiration of registration of those vehicles described in this subdivision and may utilize the applicable practices and procedures set forth under subdivision (a) in order to implement this subdivision.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 169, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1652

text:
(a) The department shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, certificates of ownership, registration cards, drivers’ licenses, and all other forms requisite or deemed necessary for the purposes of this code and shall prepay all transportation charges thereon.

(b) The department may require that any application or document filed with the department be signed and submitted under penalty of perjury.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 830, Sec. 1.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1653

text: The department shall examine and determine the genuineness and regularity of every application or document filed with it under this code and may require additional information or reject any such application or document if not satisfied of the genuineness and regularity thereof or the truth of any statement contained therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1961, Ch. 58.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) Each form prescribed by the department for use by an applicant for the issuance or renewal by the department of a driver’s license or identification card pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 12500) shall contain a section for the applicant’s social security account number.

(b) Each form prescribed by the department for use by an applicant for the issuance, renewal, or transfer of the registration or certificate of title to a vehicle shall contain a section for the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card number.

(c) Except as provided in Section 12801, a person who submits to the department a form that, pursuant to subdivision (a), contains a section for the applicant’s social security account number, or pursuant to subdivision (b), the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card number, if any, shall furnish the appropriate number in the space provided.

(d) Except as provided in Section 12801, the department shall not complete an application that does not include the applicant’s social security account number or driver’s license or identification card number as required under subdivision (c).

(e) An applicant’s social security account number shall not be included by the department on a driver’s license, identification card, registration, certificate of title, or any other document issued by the department.

(f) Notwithstanding any other law, information regarding an applicant’s social security account number, or ineligibility for a social security number, obtained by the department pursuant to this section, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department except for any of the following purposes:

(1) Responding to a request for information from an agency operating pursuant to, and carrying out the provisions of, Part A (Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or Part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity), of Subchapter IV of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(2) Implementation of Section 12419.10 of the Government Code.

(3) Responding to information requests from the Franchise Tax Board for the purpose of tax administration.

(4) Responding to information requests from the Employment Development Department for purposes relating to tax administration and ensuring compliance with family temporary disability insurance, unemployment compensation disability, and unemployment compensation benefit requirements.

(5) Participation in the State-to-State Verification Service, or any successor system, operated by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, for the sole purpose of verifying and exchanging driver’s license, identification card, and driver history records with participating jurisdictions.

(g) This section shall become inoperative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 14, Sec. 11) by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 10. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026. Conditionally inoperative as provided in subdivision (g). See later operative version, as amended by Sec. 11 of Stats. 2026, Ch. 82.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) Each form prescribed by the department for use by an applicant for the issuance or renewal by the department of a driver’s license or identification card pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 12500) shall contain a section for the applicant’s social security account number.

(b) Each form prescribed by the department for use by an applicant for the issuance, renewal, or transfer of the registration or certificate of title to a vehicle shall contain a section for the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card number.

(c) A person who submits to the department a form that, pursuant to subdivision (a), contains a section for the applicant’s social security account number, or pursuant to subdivision (b), the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card number, if any, shall furnish the appropriate number in the space provided.

(d) The department shall not complete an application that does not include the applicant’s social security account number or driver’s license or identification card number as required under subdivision (c).

(e) An applicant’s social security account number shall not be included by the department on a driver’s license, identification card, registration, certificate of title, or any other document issued by the department.

(f) Notwithstanding any other law, information regarding an applicant’s social security account number, obtained by the department pursuant to this section, is not a public record and shall not be disclosed by the department except for any of the following purposes:

(1) Responding to a request for information from an agency operating pursuant to, and carrying out the provisions of, Part A (Block Grants to States for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or Part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity), of Subchapter IV of Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the United States Code.

(2) Implementation of Section 12419.10 of the Government Code.

(3) Responding to information requests from the Franchise Tax Board for the purpose of tax administration.

(4) Responding to information requests from the Employment Development Department for purposes relating to tax administration and ensuring compliance with family temporary disability insurance, unemployment compensation disability, and unemployment compensation benefit requirements.

(5) Participation in the State-to-State Verification Service, or any successor system, operated by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, for the sole purpose of verifying and exchanging driver’s license, identification card, and driver history records with participating jurisdictions.

(g) This section shall become operative on the effective date of a final judicial determination made by any court of appellate jurisdiction that any provision of the act that added this section, or its application, either in whole or in part, is enjoined, found unconstitutional, or held invalid for any reason. The department shall post this information on its internet website.

history: (History: Amended (as amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 71, Sec. 168) by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 11. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026. Section conditionally operative as prescribed by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1654

text: The director may purchase or lease such real estate and erect such buildings as the department or any of its divisions require, subject to the approval of the Department of General Services.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 371.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1655

text:
(a) The director and deputy director of the department, the Deputy Director, Investigations Division, the Chief, Field Investigations Branch, and the investigators of the department, including rank-and-file, supervisory, and management personnel, shall have the powers of peace officers for the purpose of enforcing those provisions of law committed to the administration of the department or enforcing the law on premises occupied by the department.

(b) Any person designated in subdivision (a) may inspect any vehicle of a type required to be registered under this code, or any component part thereof, in any garage, repair shop, parking lot, used car lot, automobile dismantler’s lot, steel mill, scrap metal processing facility, or other establishment engaged in the business of selling, repairing, or dismantling vehicles, or reducing vehicles or the integral parts thereof to their component materials for the purpose of investigating the title and registration of the vehicle, inspecting wrecked or dismantled vehicles, or locating stolen vehicles.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 615, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2005.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1656

text: The department shall publish on its internet website a synopsis or summary of the laws regulating the operation of vehicles and the use of the highways.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 12. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text: The Department of Justice shall, in conjunction with the department and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, develop and create a video demonstrating the proper conduct by a peace officer and an individual during a traffic stop. The department shall post this video on its internet website.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 332, Sec. 2. (AB 2537) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) The department shall prepare and publish a printed summary describing the penalties for noncompliance with Sections 16000 and 16028, which shall be included with each motor vehicle registration, registration renewal, and transfer of registration and with each driver’s license and license renewal. The printed summary may contain, but is not limited to, the following wording:

“IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT OF CALIFORNIA’S COMPULSORY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAWCalifornia law requires every driver to carry written evidence of valid automobile liability insurance, a $35,000 bond, a $35,000 cash deposit, or a certificate of self-insurance that has been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must provide evidence of financial responsibility when you renew the registration of a motor vehicle, and after you are cited by a peace officer for a traffic violation or are involved in any traffic accident. The law requires that you provide the officer with the name and address of your insurer and the policy identification number. Your insurer will provide written evidence of this number. Failure to provide evidence of your financial responsibility can result in fines of up to $500 and loss of your driver’s license. Falsification of evidence can result in fines of up to $750 or 30 days in jail, or both, in addition to a one-year suspension of driving privileges. Under existing California law, if you are involved in an accident that results in damages of over $1,000 to the property of any person or in any injury or fatality, you must file a report of the accident with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the accident. If you fail to file a report or fail to provide evidence of financial responsibility on the report, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years. Your suspension notice will notify you of the department’s action and of your right to a hearing. Your suspension notice will also inform you that if you request a hearing, it must be conducted within 30 days of your written request, and that a decision is to be rendered within 15 days of the conclusion of the hearing.” (b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2017.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 19) and added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 451, Sec. 20. (SB 491) Effective January 1, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2017, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) The department shall include within the California Driver’s Handbook, as specified in Section 1656, information regarding each of the following:

(1) Rail transit safety.

(2) Abandonment or dumping of any animal on a highway.

(3) The importance of respecting the right-of-way of others, particularly pedestrians, bicycle riders, and motorcycle riders.

(4) A person’s civil rights during a traffic stop. The information shall address the extent and limitations of a peace officer’s authority during a traffic stop and the legal rights of drivers and passengers, including, but not limited to, the right to file complaints against a peace officer. The information to be included in the handbook shall be developed by the civil rights section of the Department of Justice in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and civil rights organizations, including community-based organizations.

(5) The requirement that a peace officer disclose the reason for a traffic or pedestrian stop before engaging in questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation, unless the officer reasonably believes that withholding the reason for the stop is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat, and the requirement for the officer to document the reason for the stop on any citation or police report resulting from the stop.

(b) In order to minimize costs, the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (a) shall be initially included at the earliest opportunity when the handbook is otherwise revised or reprinted.

(c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 3) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 805, Sec. 4. (AB 2773) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) The department, in consultation with the Department of Consumer Affairs, shall make available on its Internet web site, on or before July 1, 1997, information to assist consumers who plan to purchase a vehicle or who have purchased a vehicle. The information shall, at a minimum, contain the names, addresses, electronic addresses, and telephone numbers of all of the following:

(1) State and federal government agencies that deal with consumer affairs and vehicles.

(2) Vehicle arbitration services.

(3) Consumer organizations that provide information and direct assistance to consumers with vehicle concerns.

(b) Money deposited in the Consumer Fraud Protection Program Fund shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the consumer protection activities of the department, including, but not limited to, expenditures by the department to comply with the requirements specified in subdivision (a).

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 722, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


text:
(a) The Legislature finds that the department, by virtue of its interaction with millions of California drivers and vehicle owners each year, represents a valuable resource for the disbursement of important public safety and consumer information.

(b) The department may enter into a contract with a private vendor for the purpose of acquiring and utilizing message display systems. These systems may be used on the department’s mailings or other property owned, leased, or controlled by the department. The information displayed shall be of appropriate benefit to the motoring public and the state’s consumers, as determined by the department.

(c) A vendor under contract with the department may utilize a portion of the available time and space on the display systems that it provides for the purpose of advertising products or services. The advertising on a message display system shall not exceed 15 minutes in a 60-minute period. The extent of the access shall be established under the terms of the contract.

(d) The department shall determine whether a vendor’s advertised product or service is consistent with and appropriate to the best interests of the motoring public. The department shall not enter into a contract with a vendor whose advertised product or service the department determines is not consistent with or appropriate to the best interests of the motoring public.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 407, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1657

text: The director may assign qualified employees of the department to advise with the State Board of Education and with the governing boards of districts maintaining secondary schools in the preparation, establishment, and conduct of courses in automobile driver education and automobile driver training in secondary schools under the provisions of the Education Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 438.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1658

text: The department may pay membership fees, join, and participate in affairs of associations having for their purpose the interchange of information relating to the registration of vehicles and the issuance of operators’ licenses, financial responsibility, and subjects relating to highway safety and to the powers and duties of the department.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1659

text:
The department may develop criteria, establish standards for, and coordinate a program of motor vehicle driver education and motor vehicle driver training for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked.

The purpose of the program shall be to promote safe driving. To carry out this purpose the department may seek the advice or cooperation of the schools, courts, and other interested persons.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 447.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1660

text:
(a) Any institution or organization described in subdivision (o) of Section 286 shall keep the following records for not less than three years:

(1) The name and address of each vehicle donor and the year, make, vehicle identification number, and, if available, the license plate number of the donated vehicle.

(2) An itemized listing by vehicle identification number of the date each vehicle was donated, the date sold, and the amount for which it was sold.

(3) If the donated vehicle is being sold by an institution or organization on behalf of another institution or organization pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (o) of Section 286, the following documentation shall be retained in the following manner:

(A) A signed, written agreement shall remain on the premises that identifies the percentage of the proceeds that may be retained by the selling institution or organization, a statement that each vehicle meets, or, unless sold at wholesale, by the time of sale will meet, the equipment requirements of Division 12 (commencing with Section 24000), and a statement that each vehicle is in compliance, or, unless sold at wholesale, at the time of sale will be in compliance, with emission control certification requirements pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44015 of the Health and Safety Code.

(B) A separate listing that identifies each vehicle by year, make, and vehicle identification number.

(C) All itemized listings pursuant to subparagraph (D) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (o) of Section 286.

(D) The selling institution or organization shall retain all documentation pertaining to the sale of vehicles on behalf of another institution or organization in the same manner as is required for the sale of vehicles donated to the selling institution or organization.

(b) The department may inspect the records of any nonprofit institution or organization that obtains donated vehicles in order to ascertain whether it meets the conditions specified in subdivision (o) of Section 286.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 460, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1661

text:
(a) Except for vehicles registered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 9700) of Chapter 6 of Division 3, the department shall notify the registered owner of each vehicle of the date that the registration renewal fees for the vehicle are due, at least 60 days prior to that due date. The department shall indicate the fact that the required notice was mailed by a notation in the department’s records.

(b) The department shall include in any final notice of delinquent registration provided to the registered owner of a vehicle whose registration has not been properly renewed as required under this code, information relating to the potential removal and impoundment of that vehicle under subdivision (o) of Section 22651.

(c) Commencing on May 1, 2011, subdivision (a) shall not apply to vehicles with registration expiring on or after July 1, 2011. This subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2012.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 21, Sec. 2. (SB 94) Effective May 4, 2011.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1663

text:
(a) The department shall, in the synopsis or summary of laws regulating the operation of vehicles and the use of the highways published under Section 1656, provide a warning which states that, in certain accidents, the lack of a shoulder harness may cause, or aggravate, serious and fatal injuries, especially to the head, spinal column, and abdominal organs.

(b) This section does not limit or impair the rights or remedies that are otherwise available to any person under existing law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 254, Sec. 2. (AB 174) Effective September 23, 2021.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1664

text: The department shall publicize the Safe Streets Act of 1994 when mailing vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, and driver’s license suspension and revocation notices, and in other educational materials made available by the department.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1133, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1665

text:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department by rule or regulation may provide for the issuance and renewal on a two-year basis of licenses or other indicia of authority issued pursuant to this code by the department or any agency in the department.

The department may, by rule or regulation, set the fee for such two-year license, certificate of registration, or other indicia, not to exceed twice the annual fee for issuance or renewal set by statute.

This section shall not apply to any driver’s license or vehicle or vessel license or certificate of registration issued pursuant to this code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 57.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties


citation: VEH § 1666

text:
The department shall do all of the following:

(a) Include at least one question in each test of an applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code, as administered pursuant to Section 12804.9 or 12814, to verify that the applicant has read and understands the table of blood alcohol concentration published in the Driver’s Handbook made available pursuant to Section 1656. In order to minimize costs, the question or questions shall be initially included at the earliest opportunity when the test is otherwise revised or reprinted.

(b) Include with each driver’s license or certificate of renewal and each vehicle registration renewal mailed by the department, information that shows with reasonable certainty the amount of alcohol consumption necessary for a person to reach a 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration by weight.

(c) Include at least one question in each test of an applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code as administered pursuant to Section 12804.9 or 12814, to verify that the applicant has read and understands the rights of pedestrians. In order to minimize costs, the question or questions shall be initially included at the earliest opportunity when the test is otherwise revised or reprinted.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 254, Sec. 3. (AB 174) Effective September 23, 2021.)

article: 2. Powers and Duties