Licensing Non-Commercial

[randii]

I have a permanently-attached shell on top of my Dodge (ugly as sin!) ... and the truck is currently licensed commercial (as are most pickups in CA). The previous owner carpeted the bed, and I have been keeping it pretty clean with tarps and such.

Does anyone have CALIFORNIA-SPECIFIC experience with relicensing a 3/4 ton pickup as non-commercial or better yet, an RV?

I'm willing to sacrifice some of the open-bedbox functionality by keeping the cap (not a big matter, I can trailer stuff that won't fit in the cap or is just plain messy), but I'd sure like to knock down the registrationn fees...

Randii

[camo]

just go to dmv and tell them you don't use it commercial. they will give you a new plate and reg. to get RV you just need a bed and toilet. easy enuff. just get a foam mat and a porta potty.

[randii]

Coool.... any idea on the rate reduction? Sounds almost too easy to be true?

[jp junkie]

Originally posted by randii
Coool.... any idea on the rate reduction? Sounds almost too easy to be true?

Never take carry anything in the bed with the shell off. If a CHP catches you his head will :nuke:. Big fine.

[jaluhn]

My dad did it on his truck, and I don't think it was too hard. Just go into dmv and tell them you want to register the rig non comercial.
~John

[Haole]

There's new rules about this. I noticed it earlier today while perusing the DMV website.

Cal DMV (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/commercial/cvra.htm#changes)

The new law and following changes do not apply to you if the truck you own or lease is:

A pickup truck. (* see pickup truck defined)

Registered as special mobile equipment (e.g., oil drilling rig).

Registered with exempt plates (e.g., trucks operated by the State of California).

A lightweight truck, van, taxi, or rental limousine (including charter-party carriers operating limousines that pick up and deliver airport passengers), if the vehicle's gross operating weight is 10,000 pounds or less.

* Pickup Defined

A pickup truck is a motor truck:

with a manufacture's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 11,500 pounds, with an unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and which is equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding nine feet in length.


It says an "open type" bed. It doesn't say that there can't be a cover on it.

I'm going to the DMV later this morning to get my plates on my F350. I'll ask as many questions as I can get in while I'm there.

(The one answer I'm really looking for is a little clause that states that disabled Vets can waive all registration fees on one vehicle. :D :D That's a shitload of savings on a 03 F350!!)

9105. (a) The fees specified in this code, except fees for
duplicate plates, certificates, or cards, need not be paid for any of
the following vehicles, that are of a type subject to registration
under this code, and that are not used for transportation for hire,
compensation, or profit, when owned by any former American prisoner
of war, any disabled veteran, or any Congressional Medal of Honor
recipient:
(1) Any passenger motor vehicle.
(2) Any motorcycle.
(3) Any commercial motor vehicle of less than 8,001 pounds unladen
weight.

[Haole]

Originally posted by eurobob
There's new rules about this. I noticed it earlier today while perusing the DMV website.

Cal DMV (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/commercial/cvra.htm#changes)




I just reread that, and I noticed it says the changes don't apply if you own a pickup. Which makes sense after asking the lady at the DMV today. She said all pickups are licensed as commericial vehicles.

Check this other site that lists different loopholes for dealing with the DMV.

Skrew the DMV (http://members.tripod.com/~skrewdmv/)

You might fit into one of those catagories.

[randii]

Followup...

My Dodge 3/4 ton is no longer commercial. :D I saved $150 in weight fees. The shell is permanently mounted, and most loads are carried on the hitch....

Randii (driver of what may be the world's oddest station wagon)

[Eric]

My neighbor has his PU registered as a station wagon as well. He just says that he can't take the shell off and drive on the streets. He said it has saved him lots of money over the past 12 years.